JLH, PP, april 2011`
Paul Spancer, PP
S3 update
You may have noticed that I've been quiet on the blog about S3 progress. If you thought it was because not much has been happening then this will be a surprise. I now have a small team that has been working hard on creating a statement speaker that is unlike anything you've seen before. The bar has been lifted. The S3 prototype measures very well and performs well subjectively. However, one aspect that I consider to be a compromise is the transition from a circular aperture to a rectangular mouth. The Yorkville Unity uses an axi-symmetric horn but once all aspects of performance are considered, an elliptical form is the ideal shape for a Unity/Synergy horn.
A further challenge with the original plan and design is that there is considerable difficulty in assembly. After assembling three prototypes, I have learnt that some aspects are inherently challenging and don't get easier. It's quite a bit more difficult than most people expect. No doubt there are some within the group that consider this a non-issue but we need to cater to the broad range of skill levels.
As such, I now present an option that the team has been working on behind the scenes. I was concerned initially that the cost of this option would mean a price increase but, after some investigation, we now believe there's a good chance we can deliver without a cost blow-out. We are about to submit this design and obtain quotes.
The following images show the updated S3 design.
S3 is now elliptical with fibreglass construction.
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This design is being offered exclusively to those who have paid the deposit for the mids. This will only be offered once and it's limited to those who were in the initial pre-order, or who have paid deposits. This is a not for profit venture. We anticipate that it will run at a loss. However, this project has always been about creating something that has never been offered before, something unique.
If S3 is ever made available in the future, the price would be substantially increased. I'm now working in the audio industry and it would undermine my business to offer a high end statement speaker like this at cost price. I believe that S3 represents a very serious attempt at creating the ultimate horn speaker for the music lover.
Did you have your heart set on building a flat pack? I realise that for some, the desire to build your own is a big issue. I understand that urge very well. I will reiterate that an S3 flat pack would still represent a considerable challenge to build. It was a concern that some may struggle with certain details that aren't obvious until you actually build it. I have built 3 pairs and I can tell you that it's much harder than it looks.
The elliptical design is superior in performance, requires very little time to get up and running and there is still plenty of scope for DIY effort with the stand, mounting and bass module arrangement. It also offers a surface that is suited for spray painting, where ply or MDF are problematic. The horn will be supplied finished in black, but those wanting different colours could spray the colour of their choice.
We are letting you know ahead of getting quotes so that there is some warning before we ask for payment. We require the next payment to cover manufacture before proceeding. If you anticipate financial difficulties, please let us know. We have a waiting list so if you are unable to proceed we will offer you place to another. Future availability is not promised and a significant price rise is certain.