ONKYO's Total Solution to Speaker Phase Problems
Model F-5000 Phase Aligned Array Speaker System Conventional System
Staggered Driver/Voice Coil Alignment Arrangement
ONKYO F-5000 Phase Aligned Array System
ONKYO DDM TWEETER
ONKYO PLANAR MID RANGE / FRAME
ONKYO PLANAR WOOFER
----------------
By now, most audiophiles understand the importance of phase accuracy. During a live performance all the notes--or frequencies-produced by the musicians have specific phase (time) relationships to each other. And the many overtones-harmonics-within each note also have specific orders in time and strength. If these subtle musical phase relationships are confused or lost, so is true fidelity.
Loudspeakers, because they operate simultaneously in the separate worlds of electronics, mechanics and acoustics, have the worst problem with phase accuracy. And the most difficult to correct. In the attempt to correct for phase aberrations, speaker manufacturers have produced an odd assortment of peculiarly shaped enclosures and driver configurations. But these half-measures create as many problems as they solve.
Only Onkyo provides a total solution to the phase problem. The Onkyo Model F-5000 Phase Aligned Array is a three-way system whose individual drivers are inherently phase accurate because of their radically different--and technologically superior-construction.
The three planar (flat-diaphragm) drivers in the Model F-5000 were developed through laser interferometry and computer analysis of the phase-randomizing break-up modes in conventional driver cones. Onkyo's solutions for the F-5000 are embodied in the diaphragms of the 12" bass and 4" mid range drivers. They consist of essentially flat annularly ribbed polyurethane/felted paper patented laminations that are inert, stiff, and yet have exceptionally low mass.
The critical high-frequency reproducer (DDM-Direct Drive Membrane) in the F-5000 employs an extremely thin and light polyamide membrane. The result is electrostatic-like clarity, definition and center imagery, without the typical electrostatic drive problems.
The computer-developed crossover network, designed for the required phase characteristics, employs only air-core inductors and Mylar capacitors.
Onkyo's efforts and quality construction have resulted in smooth, wide frequency response, flat amplitude and precise linearity. Thus, the sound waves that come out of the system are almost mirror images of the sound waves that go into them.
The overall effect is one of clarity and transparency delivered from a unit-that looks as good as it sounds.
ONKYO---Artistry in Sound.
(High Fidelity, Oct. 1979)
Also see: