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ALPHA – Compact Monitors
LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEMS |
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| Current loudspeaker design protocol states a speaker should not impose any sound character of it’s own. It is understood that a loudspeaker can produce a unique signature as a result of the materials used in the production of said product. Whether a loudspeaker has a signature or sound quality associated with its named character is somewhat of a confusing issue. In our opinion, the overall quality of the musical performance should be the final word with respect to loudspeakers and design theories. Star Sound Technologies, LLC’s research and primary focus for understanding a loudspeaker’s performance is the musical instrument itself. We spent years of study involving the instrument builders of old, when an instrument was made and tested as individual as the artist creating it, has increased our understanding of music, instrument design and reproduction techniques. In addition much time was spent on analyzing how today’s mass manufacturing processes affect the build quality of musical instruments. The results from these studies evolved a geometrical formula for determining how a loudspeaker reacts to vibration. The initial company goal established from this study was to create a small, musically satisfying and dynamic loudspeaker that could be used in our laboratory as a reference standard. An additional challenge issued by management was procuring a product that would challenge the most affordable price point, remaining well under the retail price of $1,000 per pair while maintaining an advanced Audiophile’s listening criteria. Our approach to loudspeaker manufacturing, using our ‘Science of Resonance Energy Transfer’, created additional breakthroughs in technology that continue to be revealed through the ongoing process of our loudspeaker product and design expansion. We ended up with a small mini-monitor weighing in at a hefty eighteen-plus pounds per cabinet. The parts used in the Alpha’s parallel crossover design otherwise known as the ‘heart and soul’ of the speaker system were kept to a minimum by design. Our philosophy of creating a basic structure, using as few parts as possible, is instituted on all designs thus placing huge demands on our understanding of how raw materials vibrate and the control thereof. The cabinet structure is an optimized bass reflex design with rear porting to ensure proper bass loading. The front baffle consists of one-inch Medium Dense Fiberboard (MDF) and all sides maintain a 3/4-inch MDF construction. The drive elements consist of a 6-1/2 inch long-throw woofer providing excellent bass response complemented by a 3/4-inch fabric dome tweeter. The binding posts are set up for standard, Bi-wiring or Bi-amplification methods increasing the concept of performance. With the growing popularity of HomeTheater and realizing the Alpha’s ability for its patient gradual roll off at the low frequencies, allows them to perform with a seamless transition when paired with any sub-woofer. The true bottom line with the Alpha Loudspeaker System is value. An extremely affordable design that continues to gain the respect and devotion amongst Audiophiles is the overall accomplishment. We feel our goal of sonic performance, related to cost, was a bit over-achieved. The Alpha Mini-Monitors musical “signature” is ever present and yes – they have pleased even the staunchest of “characters”, the Industry’s reviewers. |
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