This is a project that you might say has multiple ancestors and source of design DNA, as far back as 20 years ago, and as recently as six months ago. And, just to get this out of the way, it's NOT another 6-1/2" two way, but rather, an upgrade? A 7-1/2" two way... and with well pedigreed parts.
And it's being driving partly by the desires of one long term HTG member, Darryl Glenn, and by my own speculations and itches.
So, what are the historical antecedents? (This is sort of like answering a question such as, "who in your family do you resemble?" Which can be very complicated, or obtuse, if who you resemble was never living when you were born, and a key example goes back to the mid 1800s, in my case). But no time span like this.
So, I'd list these items as being in the genetic soup of this project:
So, I'd say the enclosure details are pretty close to being fully nailed down, with one special option set-
For now, a few renders of the enclosure.
Just the facts, ma'am, as seen with basic visualization.

An X-Ray view of the ported version:

And a very basic rendering visualization:

For reference, this build will be done similarly to the Ardent D:
And it's being driving partly by the desires of one long term HTG member, Darryl Glenn, and by my own speculations and itches.
So, what are the historical antecedents? (This is sort of like answering a question such as, "who in your family do you resemble?" Which can be very complicated, or obtuse, if who you resemble was never living when you were born, and a key example goes back to the mid 1800s, in my case). But no time span like this.
So, I'd list these items as being in the genetic soup of this project:
- M8ta, circa 2006/2007, for a roughly 8" two way in a tower format speaker similar to Avalons- too bad Charlie Hansen passed nearly 10 years ago, he could tell you about the prototype speakers I gave him when my development and business partner died from an aortic aneurysm when I was away at CES in 1980 scoping out the competition. Charlie was working for me in a small professional audio outfit in Boulder Colorado while attending school at CU. More than 45 years ago.
- NatalieP, also a two way, with smaller drivers, and an unusual crossover with a low turn-over frequency to get the most out of an Usher tweeter made for PE, the RS28a.
- SMJ Audio Calliope, with the SB Satori MW19P-8, and the Peerless DA25TX-008 Corundum dome tweeter. IN and Out of availability, never goes out of style.
- Ardent D, for overall enclosure concept, materials, and finishing options (possible to get a nice result with just golden Watco oil and wipe on polyurethane. Some modifications to dimensions and configuration, of course.
- Modula Magnifique, based on the concept of a Bessel fourth order high pass, given specific requirements for driver Qts, enclosure size, etc. are made. Complete analysis still pending.
So, I'd say the enclosure details are pretty close to being fully nailed down, with one special option set-
- for the more budget minded, a reflex port in the base
- For those favoring passive radiators, a pair of the new Dayton SS10's might be optioned... or the RSS265PR. The SS10's if you want a 4th order Bessel high pass. The RS265PR if you want options for a flatter measuring system, with a heavier low end.
For now, a few renders of the enclosure.
Just the facts, ma'am, as seen with basic visualization.
An X-Ray view of the ported version:
And a very basic rendering visualization:
For reference, this build will be done similarly to the Ardent D:
- Maple ply front panels, as used for piano tuning plates
- Maple ply top panel
- Bamboo board, not ply, the kind made with 3/4" wide strips, for the side walls and back.
- Back from combination of bamboo board and 1/2" Baltic Birch Ply, new old stock in my case.
- Internal bracing materials primarily from 1/2" and 3/4" Baltic Birch Ply.
