For sale- Hawthorne Audio open baffle speaker setup, ideal for experimenting with OB or even just for dedicated listening. They can produce some outstanding, unique sound. OB is of course free from box coloration, which is significant.
These are:
-Hawthorne Audio Duet baffles in black oak finish. Lower unit plate cutout is 15" for Audio bass unit; upper unit plate cutout is 10" for mids/highs
-1 pair Hawthorne Sterling Silver Iris 10" coaxials for mid/highs. I have both the closed rear covers and the dipole open back covers for the coaxial horn tweeters.
-1 pair 15" Augie bass driver.
Plus I have the additional dipole open back rear covers for the coaxial tweeters.
Everything is still in exc condition. 1 owner (me).
New cost (from Hawthorne Audio website Hawthorne Audio - ):
Duet baffles- $1375/pr
Sterling Silver Iris 10" coaxes- $1400/pr
15" Augie bass drivers- $375/pr
That totals $3150(!) if you were to buy this stuff new.
Note that I did not order Hawthorne crossovers; instead I was experimenting/rapid prototyping with a variety of wide band drivers and OB concepts and used a dBX 234xs stereo 2-way/stereo 3-way/mono 4-way pro audio electronic crossover. It works well and is very convenient for experimenting and testing.
Along the way I also made several different cutout plates for various wide band drivers; these are not production quality but useful. I can include at least 3 pair as well, free.
You can of course just install the 10" Sterling Silver Iris, the 15" Augies, add your quality amp channels and set the crossover and just enjoy. Don't have to experiment.
My loss can be your gain. I'll let this whole setup go to the next audio scientist, including the dBX pro audio crossover for just $1295. That's less than half the new price, with everything like new.
Happy OB experimenting! 🙂
PS- I have a 4 channel Linn Akurate 4200 amp for sale as well.. In case you also need those quality amp channels.
Thanks,
Todd in Buda, TX USA
From the www:
Sterling Silver Iris OB 10" Coaxial Unit $710.00ea
The STERLING Silver Iris represents our finest offering to date. The design was developed with high performance as the primary objective and is intended to satisfy the most discriminating OB aficionado. You will find this driver package ideal for use as a full range OB specific driver of noteworthy performance. Every effort has been made to ensure stellar performance and minimal compromise. The frequency response, while room specific, does fully cover the range required for nearly all of your musical needs without creating a demand for large baffles or EQ. For even broader frequency response, the Silver Iris Augie would fill in nicely under these Coaxials. We provide with each Sterling coaxial unit the Radian compression tweeter and our purpose built ultra high-end crossover assembly. Featured on our crossovers are an "A list" of boutique grade components including: Mundorf Silver /Oil capacitors, Alpha Core foil inductors, Mills resistors, Solen Perfect Lay inductors, Cardas binding post, umbilical by MAC. Woofer Specifications: • Premium full-range coaxial driver package • Ideal for full-range, near field and monitoring applications in open baffle configuration • Heavy gauge cast basket • Cutout 9 1/8" • Outside Diameter 10 3/8" • 2" voice coil • Power handling: 150 watts RMS • Impedance: 8 Ohms • System Sensitivity: 94.2 dB 1w/1m • Le: 0.78 • Re 7.80 Ohms • Qt: 0.68 Vas: 79.1 liters • Xmax: 2.37mm • Fs: 54.3 Hz • Magnet weight: 38ounces • Frequency range: 54.3 Hz to 21kHz • Crossover network included The 475PB, with a 1.75" diaphragm, represents the refinement of Radian's design efforts in 1" exit-format compression driver technology. Superior sound quality, unparalleled power handling, extended high frequency response, and high reliability make Radian compression drivers the preferred choice of loudspeaker systems manufacturers, consultants, contractors, designers, and engineers around the world. Specifications: *Power handling: 35 watts RMS/70 watts program above 1 kHz/24 dB slope *VCdia: 1.75" *Impedance: 8 ohms *Frequency response: 800-21,000 Hz *SPL: 111 dB 1W/1m *Dimensions: 5.25" diameter x 2.6" depth *Net weight: 6.4 lbs. *Replacement diaphragm available Heat-treated structural alloy aluminum diaphragm domes Mylar® surround enhances the diaphragm's reliability and eliminates fatigue Smooth, low-distortion, linear output devoid of resonant peaks High temperature voice coil formers and advanced adhesives Manufactures spec sheet: Each STERLING Silver Iris OB 10" Coaxial Unit consists of: (1) Silver Iris 10" driver, (1) Radian high frequency driver and (1) premium crossover network. A stereo pair would require (2) STERLING Silver Iris OB 10" Coaxial Units.
10" Flat pack module "Duet" baffles only (each) $687.00
This is the 10" version of the modules speakers. Shipping our finished speakers all over the planet is a challenge because we face many restrictions with regards size and weight. this flat pack design addressed several of these challenges. We do the majority of the construction here in house with the remainder being done by the customer upon receipt. These modules that can be stacked, one upon the next to form Duets. These modules simply bolt together on site and are easily assembled using basic hand tools. Drivers ship separately and are installed into the provided driver mounting plates. These mounting plates then mount to the main baffles with the supplied fasteners. We offer these sized appropriately for use with all of our 10" or 15" drivers. The modules come fully upholstered with a divider plate that is color matched to the top and base plates. NOTE: Please specify if for use with Sterling Silver Iris Coaxials. THESE ARE EMPTY BAFFLES ***************************************************************************
We also offer flexible payment arrangements on all speaker builds from Hawthorne Audio. You may wish to take advantage of our 50% down payment program. The down payment secures your place in the build queue and the remaining 50% plus shipping is due just prior to shipping. Please feel free to write us at xx for additional details. We look forward to hearing from you!
Model: 10" duet module
Shipping Weight: 70lbs
10 Units in Stock
Manufactured by: Hawthorne Audio
Silver Iris OB 15" Augie $185.00ea
The Silver Iris OB 15" Augie bass augmentation driver is specifically built to provide low frequency reinforcement for the Hawthorne Audio Silver Iris 15" coaxial speaker system. It can however be successfully implemented in a variety of applications including dedicated 2 channel and home theater systems. It mates well with nearly any main speaker and provides articulate bass reinforcement, which increases the realism and impact of nearly any system. The 15" Silver Iris Augie was well reviewed by Dick Olsher of "Enjoy the Music.com" Following is an excerpt taken from his review of the 15" Augie. "It seems to me that many listeners confuse bass weight with bass extension and opt for a subwoofer when bass weight is lacking. The problem typically lies in the upper bass, the octave from 120Hz to 240Hz where much of an orchestra's foundation and acoustic power resides. This is the octave that box woofers have a hard time coping with, basically managing to sound boxy through this range. In contrast, the Augie managed to shine here, elucidating instrumental fundamentals with consummate clarity and 3D realism. The Augie's performance was so open-baffle friendly that I decided to use it as a foundation for several full range drivers. The OB2 finds the Augie mated with the fantastic Feastrex D5nf. Future projects will feature the Lowther DX55 and C55, as well as the new Jordan JXr 6HD module." You may read the full review here. DIY Loudspeaker Project: Feasting on the Feastrex full range driver and Augie woofer. Review By Dick Olsher Specifications: • 15" low frequency augmentation driver • Ideal for bass augmentation in open baffle and infinite baffle configurations • Heavy cast basket • Kevlar Reinforced Paper Cone Body w/mass plug • Long excursion poly/cotton cloth surround • Large copper shorting ring on the vented core • Poly/cotton linear flat spider • Knurled binding posts • 2.5" voice coil • Power handling: 225 watts RMS. • Impedance: 8 Ohms • SPL: 88.7 dB 1w/1m • Le: 0.81 • Re: 5.69 Ohms • Qt: 0.92 • Vas: 250.3 liters • Xmax: 7.15 mm • Fs: 27.0 Hz • Magnet weight: 67ounces • Cut out 13.875" • OD 15.25"
These are:
-Hawthorne Audio Duet baffles in black oak finish. Lower unit plate cutout is 15" for Audio bass unit; upper unit plate cutout is 10" for mids/highs
-1 pair Hawthorne Sterling Silver Iris 10" coaxials for mid/highs. I have both the closed rear covers and the dipole open back covers for the coaxial horn tweeters.
-1 pair 15" Augie bass driver.
Plus I have the additional dipole open back rear covers for the coaxial tweeters.
Everything is still in exc condition. 1 owner (me).
New cost (from Hawthorne Audio website Hawthorne Audio - ):
Duet baffles- $1375/pr
Sterling Silver Iris 10" coaxes- $1400/pr
15" Augie bass drivers- $375/pr
That totals $3150(!) if you were to buy this stuff new.
Note that I did not order Hawthorne crossovers; instead I was experimenting/rapid prototyping with a variety of wide band drivers and OB concepts and used a dBX 234xs stereo 2-way/stereo 3-way/mono 4-way pro audio electronic crossover. It works well and is very convenient for experimenting and testing.
Along the way I also made several different cutout plates for various wide band drivers; these are not production quality but useful. I can include at least 3 pair as well, free.
You can of course just install the 10" Sterling Silver Iris, the 15" Augies, add your quality amp channels and set the crossover and just enjoy. Don't have to experiment.
My loss can be your gain. I'll let this whole setup go to the next audio scientist, including the dBX pro audio crossover for just $1295. That's less than half the new price, with everything like new.
Happy OB experimenting! 🙂
PS- I have a 4 channel Linn Akurate 4200 amp for sale as well.. In case you also need those quality amp channels.
Thanks,
Todd in Buda, TX USA
From the www:
Sterling Silver Iris OB 10" Coaxial Unit $710.00ea
The STERLING Silver Iris represents our finest offering to date. The design was developed with high performance as the primary objective and is intended to satisfy the most discriminating OB aficionado. You will find this driver package ideal for use as a full range OB specific driver of noteworthy performance. Every effort has been made to ensure stellar performance and minimal compromise. The frequency response, while room specific, does fully cover the range required for nearly all of your musical needs without creating a demand for large baffles or EQ. For even broader frequency response, the Silver Iris Augie would fill in nicely under these Coaxials. We provide with each Sterling coaxial unit the Radian compression tweeter and our purpose built ultra high-end crossover assembly. Featured on our crossovers are an "A list" of boutique grade components including: Mundorf Silver /Oil capacitors, Alpha Core foil inductors, Mills resistors, Solen Perfect Lay inductors, Cardas binding post, umbilical by MAC. Woofer Specifications: • Premium full-range coaxial driver package • Ideal for full-range, near field and monitoring applications in open baffle configuration • Heavy gauge cast basket • Cutout 9 1/8" • Outside Diameter 10 3/8" • 2" voice coil • Power handling: 150 watts RMS • Impedance: 8 Ohms • System Sensitivity: 94.2 dB 1w/1m • Le: 0.78 • Re 7.80 Ohms • Qt: 0.68 Vas: 79.1 liters • Xmax: 2.37mm • Fs: 54.3 Hz • Magnet weight: 38ounces • Frequency range: 54.3 Hz to 21kHz • Crossover network included The 475PB, with a 1.75" diaphragm, represents the refinement of Radian's design efforts in 1" exit-format compression driver technology. Superior sound quality, unparalleled power handling, extended high frequency response, and high reliability make Radian compression drivers the preferred choice of loudspeaker systems manufacturers, consultants, contractors, designers, and engineers around the world. Specifications: *Power handling: 35 watts RMS/70 watts program above 1 kHz/24 dB slope *VCdia: 1.75" *Impedance: 8 ohms *Frequency response: 800-21,000 Hz *SPL: 111 dB 1W/1m *Dimensions: 5.25" diameter x 2.6" depth *Net weight: 6.4 lbs. *Replacement diaphragm available Heat-treated structural alloy aluminum diaphragm domes Mylar® surround enhances the diaphragm's reliability and eliminates fatigue Smooth, low-distortion, linear output devoid of resonant peaks High temperature voice coil formers and advanced adhesives Manufactures spec sheet: Each STERLING Silver Iris OB 10" Coaxial Unit consists of: (1) Silver Iris 10" driver, (1) Radian high frequency driver and (1) premium crossover network. A stereo pair would require (2) STERLING Silver Iris OB 10" Coaxial Units.
10" Flat pack module "Duet" baffles only (each) $687.00
This is the 10" version of the modules speakers. Shipping our finished speakers all over the planet is a challenge because we face many restrictions with regards size and weight. this flat pack design addressed several of these challenges. We do the majority of the construction here in house with the remainder being done by the customer upon receipt. These modules that can be stacked, one upon the next to form Duets. These modules simply bolt together on site and are easily assembled using basic hand tools. Drivers ship separately and are installed into the provided driver mounting plates. These mounting plates then mount to the main baffles with the supplied fasteners. We offer these sized appropriately for use with all of our 10" or 15" drivers. The modules come fully upholstered with a divider plate that is color matched to the top and base plates. NOTE: Please specify if for use with Sterling Silver Iris Coaxials. THESE ARE EMPTY BAFFLES ***************************************************************************
We also offer flexible payment arrangements on all speaker builds from Hawthorne Audio. You may wish to take advantage of our 50% down payment program. The down payment secures your place in the build queue and the remaining 50% plus shipping is due just prior to shipping. Please feel free to write us at xx for additional details. We look forward to hearing from you!
Model: 10" duet module
Shipping Weight: 70lbs
10 Units in Stock
Manufactured by: Hawthorne Audio
Silver Iris OB 15" Augie $185.00ea
The Silver Iris OB 15" Augie bass augmentation driver is specifically built to provide low frequency reinforcement for the Hawthorne Audio Silver Iris 15" coaxial speaker system. It can however be successfully implemented in a variety of applications including dedicated 2 channel and home theater systems. It mates well with nearly any main speaker and provides articulate bass reinforcement, which increases the realism and impact of nearly any system. The 15" Silver Iris Augie was well reviewed by Dick Olsher of "Enjoy the Music.com" Following is an excerpt taken from his review of the 15" Augie. "It seems to me that many listeners confuse bass weight with bass extension and opt for a subwoofer when bass weight is lacking. The problem typically lies in the upper bass, the octave from 120Hz to 240Hz where much of an orchestra's foundation and acoustic power resides. This is the octave that box woofers have a hard time coping with, basically managing to sound boxy through this range. In contrast, the Augie managed to shine here, elucidating instrumental fundamentals with consummate clarity and 3D realism. The Augie's performance was so open-baffle friendly that I decided to use it as a foundation for several full range drivers. The OB2 finds the Augie mated with the fantastic Feastrex D5nf. Future projects will feature the Lowther DX55 and C55, as well as the new Jordan JXr 6HD module." You may read the full review here. DIY Loudspeaker Project: Feasting on the Feastrex full range driver and Augie woofer. Review By Dick Olsher Specifications: • 15" low frequency augmentation driver • Ideal for bass augmentation in open baffle and infinite baffle configurations • Heavy cast basket • Kevlar Reinforced Paper Cone Body w/mass plug • Long excursion poly/cotton cloth surround • Large copper shorting ring on the vented core • Poly/cotton linear flat spider • Knurled binding posts • 2.5" voice coil • Power handling: 225 watts RMS. • Impedance: 8 Ohms • SPL: 88.7 dB 1w/1m • Le: 0.81 • Re: 5.69 Ohms • Qt: 0.92 • Vas: 250.3 liters • Xmax: 7.15 mm • Fs: 27.0 Hz • Magnet weight: 67ounces • Cut out 13.875" • OD 15.25"
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The moderator has kindly suggested I share some technical knowledge and interest in some areas of audio.
Introduction- my background, by now I'm a senior EE, MTS at a large PC related semicon company here in Austin, TX USA (aka the "Silicon Hills"). I support commercial notebook development for world's largest maker for over 10 years now. I'm by no means an expert in analog electronics but fortunately most of the circuit concepts and hands on DIY part is ok and interesting for me. Learning, learning..
Several years ago I suffered a traumatic hearing loss event known as SSHD. Woke up one morning on vacation and literally was completely deaf in the right ear. Needless to say that was a traumatic experience. Fortunately, after much effort/pain (inner ear steroid injections through the ear drum ackkk..) etc I recovered about ~ 60% or so hearing in the right ear, though it is only a very narrow band response (sounds like Donald Duck on helium). And by now, several years later the perception mechanism has managed to blend everything back together quite well tg (whew).
Anyway, the point is this unusual experience drove me to a new MUCH greater appreciation of music, hearing and audio, which blossomed into a huge effort to discover, learn more and improve speakers, electronics, sources, etc, etc. Open baffle, Full Range, non-os DAC design project, studying and testing the sonics of a pile of high end passives (resistors, caps, inductors) along the way, improving Naim amplifiers and pre-amps, etc, etc.
One interesting thing learned along the way for example is yes, you CAN hear the reduction of DAC CLK pin jitter from an already fairly "low" ~ 80-100ps down to vanishingly low < 2ps (< the limit of the instrument). The sound stage gets bigger and more clearly defined for example, which to me implies the noise floor has been reduced, exposing more very low level cues. We can't measure it really IMO but we can hear it.
Anyway I tried many combinations of drivers in OB fashion here. Including several "Full Range" main drivers or near full range. All could produce some amazing, unique sound. All sounded different of course. Including trying the Tang Band 8" full range bamboo driver. It was pretty nice, running it ~ nude (with digital domain EQ) but I find that ultimately I'm very sensitive to what I call the "echo" of a whizzer cone cavity though and just can't get along with whizzers long term in any driver. There's always a distracting "echo" quality to the mid-band for me and the brain rejects it.
Here's a link to some very early first experiments. Just using some old MTX Thunder Pros as "bass bins" at that time, learning some digital EQ methods, etc. Again, very early rapid proto test effort here on the floor in an empty room to see if it was even worth pursuing further.. Please excuse the mess. It later become muuch nicer in there as progress was made 😉 And the recording is just an old Sony digital 8 Handycam with internal mic; allow for that great liability as well (it has no bass for example for starters.).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2I0YHGmU-M
There's also a clip using Hybrid Audio Legatia L6V2 as "full range" upper (with plenty of digital EQ). Surprisingly good result though IMO..
Also attached image- measured jitter at CLK pin < 2ps (Amazing !)
And some humble beginnings of a non-os DAC project slowly going wild 😉
Thanks,
Turbo in TX
Introduction- my background, by now I'm a senior EE, MTS at a large PC related semicon company here in Austin, TX USA (aka the "Silicon Hills"). I support commercial notebook development for world's largest maker for over 10 years now. I'm by no means an expert in analog electronics but fortunately most of the circuit concepts and hands on DIY part is ok and interesting for me. Learning, learning..
Several years ago I suffered a traumatic hearing loss event known as SSHD. Woke up one morning on vacation and literally was completely deaf in the right ear. Needless to say that was a traumatic experience. Fortunately, after much effort/pain (inner ear steroid injections through the ear drum ackkk..) etc I recovered about ~ 60% or so hearing in the right ear, though it is only a very narrow band response (sounds like Donald Duck on helium). And by now, several years later the perception mechanism has managed to blend everything back together quite well tg (whew).
Anyway, the point is this unusual experience drove me to a new MUCH greater appreciation of music, hearing and audio, which blossomed into a huge effort to discover, learn more and improve speakers, electronics, sources, etc, etc. Open baffle, Full Range, non-os DAC design project, studying and testing the sonics of a pile of high end passives (resistors, caps, inductors) along the way, improving Naim amplifiers and pre-amps, etc, etc.
One interesting thing learned along the way for example is yes, you CAN hear the reduction of DAC CLK pin jitter from an already fairly "low" ~ 80-100ps down to vanishingly low < 2ps (< the limit of the instrument). The sound stage gets bigger and more clearly defined for example, which to me implies the noise floor has been reduced, exposing more very low level cues. We can't measure it really IMO but we can hear it.
Anyway I tried many combinations of drivers in OB fashion here. Including several "Full Range" main drivers or near full range. All could produce some amazing, unique sound. All sounded different of course. Including trying the Tang Band 8" full range bamboo driver. It was pretty nice, running it ~ nude (with digital domain EQ) but I find that ultimately I'm very sensitive to what I call the "echo" of a whizzer cone cavity though and just can't get along with whizzers long term in any driver. There's always a distracting "echo" quality to the mid-band for me and the brain rejects it.
Here's a link to some very early first experiments. Just using some old MTX Thunder Pros as "bass bins" at that time, learning some digital EQ methods, etc. Again, very early rapid proto test effort here on the floor in an empty room to see if it was even worth pursuing further.. Please excuse the mess. It later become muuch nicer in there as progress was made 😉 And the recording is just an old Sony digital 8 Handycam with internal mic; allow for that great liability as well (it has no bass for example for starters.).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2I0YHGmU-M
There's also a clip using Hybrid Audio Legatia L6V2 as "full range" upper (with plenty of digital EQ). Surprisingly good result though IMO..
Also attached image- measured jitter at CLK pin < 2ps (Amazing !)
And some humble beginnings of a non-os DAC project slowly going wild 😉
Thanks,
Turbo in TX
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Last edited:
Good point. However I only ever notice it on a whizzer cone speaker, so think its related to the cavity between the whizzer and the main cone. Or?
Turbo
Turbo
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