Shahinian Acoustics Speakers
We
build poly-directional dynamic loudspeakers featuring unusual geometry
with Finland birch cabinets. Each product has an individual identity and
voice, while maintaining a family resemblance. Enclosure design through
the range is either folded transmission line terminating in passive
radiator, or pressure loaded with a series of dividing lenses. Driver
elements are made to our specifications; in addition, all crossover
components, i.e. parts and slopes have been chosen for musical value, as
opposed to computer approval.
SUPER ELF LoudSpeakers
To begin with, the SUPER ELF is not just a warmed-over former ELF. It is more the result of long-term observation of the needs of many who inhabit small spaces and/or demand fine tone quality but do not play music very loud. This does put a different emphasis on the task. It is very hard for a loudspeaker to possess refinement and play loud, likely expensive and large in size as well. (Law of physics, you know.) If, however, one concentrates on purity of tone as a primary goal, somewhat limiting overall power capabilities, then much can be done. Size, shape and cost can be optimized to produce a very high quality of performance. That was the program for the SUPER ELF, and I believe we have achieved something quite special.
The particulars are a new generic form of titanium dome tweeter with neodymium motor, and a damped friction loaded vent inspired by P.G.H.A. Voight. The enclosure is our standard 13-ply Finland birch with or without special face veneers. We are confident the SUPER ELF will set a new standard of performance for a moderate size enclosure at a reasonable price. Your ears, of course, will be the final judge.
The particulars are a new generic form of titanium dome tweeter with neodymium motor, and a damped friction loaded vent inspired by P.G.H.A. Voight. The enclosure is our standard 13-ply Finland birch with or without special face veneers. We are confident the SUPER ELF will set a new standard of performance for a moderate size enclosure at a reasonable price. Your ears, of course, will be the final judge.
COMPASS Floorstanding Loudspeakers
On the face of it, about the last thing we need is yet
another new loudspeaker! In fact, it would appear that from 1931 (Rice &
Kellogg) to now, every possible permutation has been expressed. No matter;
“new” designs continue to appear and disappear. And who would have thought
that in the last ten years, we would have witnessed the vacuum tube rebirth and
revolution, not to ignore the many formats and raging controversy in solid state
as well.
Our observation of this controlled, commercial chaos has a specific calming effect. We are far too small to have grand commercial aspirations and find the warlike climate distasteful. We are also foolish enough to believe that if we study and practice hard enough, we may discover real artistic solutions to acoustic problems ..................Which brings us to 1934, Westphalia, & Enckel, the original designer of the OMNIDIRECTIONAL or Kugellautsprecher. His loudspeaker was brought to the U.S.A. in 1955 and was used for the first FM STEREO experimental transmission of the Chicago Symphony under Stokowski, to New York via the Crosby system. The impression, shared by many, was that this was a stunning achievement technically and artistically. Of course, it was hardly commercial or mainstream and thereby disappeared.
Our observation of this controlled, commercial chaos has a specific calming effect. We are far too small to have grand commercial aspirations and find the warlike climate distasteful. We are also foolish enough to believe that if we study and practice hard enough, we may discover real artistic solutions to acoustic problems ..................Which brings us to 1934, Westphalia, & Enckel, the original designer of the OMNIDIRECTIONAL or Kugellautsprecher. His loudspeaker was brought to the U.S.A. in 1955 and was used for the first FM STEREO experimental transmission of the Chicago Symphony under Stokowski, to New York via the Crosby system. The impression, shared by many, was that this was a stunning achievement technically and artistically. Of course, it was hardly commercial or mainstream and thereby disappeared.
ARC Loudspeakers
The ARC represents the very essence of our design philosophy. A refined reduction of the Citation 13 which I (Richard) designed in 1970 at Harman-Kardon, it is the synthesis of 30 years of investigation into loudspeaker geometry. Cost-effective, compact, elegant, flexible, ideally suited for reproduction of natural instruments and voices. Its vertical, angular, indirect presentation produces such a sense of effortless space, as to make most conventional speakers sound like mistakes. (Which they are, anyway, so there!) Seriously, though, the ARC is so convincing in its re-creation of the real event, one concentrates on the music and forgets the means. A wide variety of room placement choices are possible, as the shape lends to partial blocking behind furniture or plants. The bass response is ample and clear down to 30 Hz, and organ pedals in particular will surprise you with the lack of Doppler interference. Bass drum explosions from a speaker of this size will truly astound you. And yet, a solo harpsichord will produce no weight of tone beyond its own. We are most proud of this speaker, which was chosen for a design and engineering award at the 1984 C.E.S.
OBELISK Floorstanding Speakers
The OBELISK is the first loudspeaker designed and produced by us in 1977. At the time, its shape and acoustical disposition were considered radical. Today it is positively conservative compared to what has come and gone. It was kind of a "first," but its durability over the years is not due to novelty as much as its absolute performing superiority. It has been revised several times as new, exciting technology and devices appeared. Today's OBELISK could not have been built in 1977. It is still the only genuine poly/omnidirectional loudspeaker on the market. (If you believe any planar loudspeaker is omnidirectional, just walk between a pair, and listen to the music drop.) Let's remember that any sound in the universe has a polyradial trajectory away from its point of source; not direct, axial. Does it not seem reasonable to attempt duplicating reality? The OBELISK docs; and rather succeeds. For its size and price, its actual response is nothing short of remarkable; it performs best when out in the open, away from walls and corners. Room placement/storage is facilitated as it is fitted with four twin-wheel casters suitable for carpeted or hard floors. It recreates space . . . and possesses a sense of scale. It is still unique; it makes music!
Hawk Loudspeakers
The HAWK Subwoofer is essentially one-half of a DOUBLE EAGLE, turned 90° and inverted. In addition, the built-in filter module provides several crossover options. All can be bypassed for bi-amp function. The HAWK is not only to expand our product line, but also to solve specific problems and provide options previously unavailable. To begin: All who have a central fireplace or large-screen TV can now place the split HAWKS in the standard left-and-right room locations. This permits one to make a variety of satellite choices, such as locating them directly on top of the HAWK, or at some desired distance, thereby allowing the HAWK to be utilized as a pedestal for lamps or vases, etc. Their slender, vertical disposition suggests surround sound suitability as well. A pair of HAWKS and SUPER ELVES can be set up in a few minutes by means of a short umbilical, or longer if the alternate pedestal usage is preferred. This makes a wonderful matched system, by the way, both acoustically and visually. If startup cost is limited, an even more modest form of temporary satellite is possible.
The appearance of the HAWK brings us one step closer to the completion of our modular building-block program and becomes the foundation, the very nucleus of that program. The final ingredient in the plan is the companion HAWK Module. And that brings us to the conclusion of an ambitious program which heralds flexibility never thought possible. At last, an exciting yet affordable plan that lets you aim as high or as low as you wish, and select precisely what you want.
The appearance of the HAWK brings us one step closer to the completion of our modular building-block program and becomes the foundation, the very nucleus of that program. The final ingredient in the plan is the companion HAWK Module. And that brings us to the conclusion of an ambitious program which heralds flexibility never thought possible. At last, an exciting yet affordable plan that lets you aim as high or as low as you wish, and select precisely what you want.
DIAPASON Loudspeakers
Since the introduction of the "Contra-Bombarde”, we have had the notion of producing a smaller, more cost effective stereo subwoofer. It finally dawned on us to adapt the OBELISK'S unique hybrid transmission line bass chamber to a twin back-to-back configuration. The east/west driver position and rear-mounted passive radiators have many advantages and offer a modular flexibility as well as reduced cost. A single unit (stereo) can be used with simple passive low-pass filters (included), for a 3-unit satellite-type system, or as an add-on to existing full-range systems to augment the bass and reduce distortion. Further, two units can be bridged to mono, yielding left and right channel dual woofers for even more power handling and lower distortion with a lower 3 dB cutoff. And all this can be accomplished without the absolute need of an electronic crossover, plus power amp for the bass. A passive input filter module is available (3-position) for a variety of satellite options. Special impedance variations may be considered for commercial stacking applications.
