PROPRIETARY DUAL CAVITY BASS LOADING

Back wave energy from the woofer is channeled through a short transmission-line type absorber that increases the loss of unwanted energy above box resonance. Frequencies from about 100 Hz. to around 2,000 Hz. (depending on enclosure volume) are reflected inside a conventional ported design and create pressure peaks or "standing waves." This will often happen at a few select frequencies and at a very high level or volume with respect to all others. These tones will then re-emanate by "pushing" their way through the woofer cone. Not only does this effect cause undesirable peaks and dips in the frequency response, but worse, it emanates delayed in time and tends to "linger" with respect to the original program material. This is the most frequent cause of that "boxy, bloated, and muddy" bass sound produced by so many ported speakers.

One of the most common and inexpensive methods for reducing this effect is to use an absorbent material to "stuff" the enclosure. Such materials absorb the unwanted higher frequency energy and more (to a point) is usually better. The only problem with this approach is that the amount stuffing used for optimum absorption will over damp the box resonance that is fundamental to the operation of a ported design. Designs that permit the use of more optimal levels of stuffing include the "sealed box" design (anemic bass or very large) and the "transmission-line" design (very good but large, complex and expensive). Both of these put far greater demands upon the woofer than a ported design at the lowest frequencies. This is the primary reason ported enclosures are the most popular. One could say the customer gets the most "BOOM for their buck" in the average ported design -- boom being the operative word here.

The Timepiece 2.1™design objectives called for a "hybrid" approach that has been successfully implemented by the use of an inner chamber that absorbs and diffuses unwanted upper bass and midrange tones. The compact size and bass extension to 30Hz. of a ported design has been achieved with a superior transient response and freedom from the "boxy" sound often associated with them. Such performance is usually attributed to only the finest transmission-line systems. The moment you listen to well-recorded performances of the upright bass, timpani, electric bass as well as the kick drum and toms of a drum kit, you will realize how poorly and artificially these instruments are reproduced on most systems. The bass accuracy of the Timepiece 2.1™is seldom if ever equaled in a ported design!

CONSTRAINED LAYER CABINET CONSTRUCTION

The Timepiece 2.1™enclosure design employs the innovations of advanced aerospace technology. Research in vibration control has yielded simple and efficient methods for the reduction unwanted structure resonance’s. These techniques are very cost effective in comparison to traditional methods. Many manufacturers go to great lengths to eliminate the undesirable coloration and distortion that is the consequence of enclosure vibrations. Unfortunately, the brute force use of heavy and/or exotic materials often used by others also carries a disproportionately high price tag as well as extreme size and weight. The Timepiece 2.1 achieves similar results using the constrained layer method of vibration control and thereby avoids such astronomical cost, size and weight issues. You can easily hear the difference and your wallet (not to mention your back) will thank us. For a more in-depth review of this technology click on the link below.

PRECISION CROSSOVER ALIGNMENT

The Timepiece 2.1™ employs a true 4th order, in phase, symmetrical Linkwitz - Riley crossover. Although the field of speaker crossover networks has been a subject of much debate, Filter Theory is a virtually complete science. All of the possible iterations and combinations have been worked through by many researchers over the years and one alignment has been consistently shown to be superior ... the Linkwitz - Riley. While some may still take issue with this fact, the combination of symmetrical vertical dispersion of the resultant radiation pattern, minimized driver interaction and driver protection are all optimized in this alignment.

The Timepiece 2.1™ crossover frequency is set at 750Hz. That is over two octaves lower than many other 2-way systems on the market! The drivers are wired "in-phase" and the final response produces a very exact "in phase" acoustical response. One way to check for this in the lab is to invert one of the drivers' polarity and measure the frequency response. If the drivers are truly in-phase at crossover there will appear a "null" or dropout at the crossover frequency. The deeper the null, the more in-phase the drivers are at crossover. The Timepiece 2.1™crossover is so accurately aligned at the factory that a very deep null of greater than 12dB is produced. This high degree of accuracy produces near ideal vertical dispersion characteristics thereby minimizing any variations encountered when moving from a seated to a standing position.

Crossover components are all of a high grade in critical signal pathways. Polypropylene capacitors, air core inductors and precision resistors are used where there is a benefit to do so. All components are hand soldered and inspected. Final crossover adjustment to achieve a response of +/- 2 dB (+/- 1dB typical) is performed on the production line for each and every enclosure. A "Proof of Performance" graph of the magnitude and phase response is included with each enclosure. For a more in-depth review of this technology click on the link below.

VALUABLE USER FEATURES

A tweeter level switch is provided on the back panel for use in accommodating the speaker to various environments. The user will find that it is a very useful tool when the speakers are placed close to a wall. The amount of "boost" to the tweeter in order to compensate for the gain at low frequencies from the wall is the perfect complement. This feature was included as a correction of the frequency response when the system is "soffit" mounted in a wall, as is the practice in recording studios. Another professional feature included is a Neutrik™ "Speak-On" connector that provides a quick and positively locking speaker cable termination with Bi-Wiring and passive Bi-Amping capability included.

Bi-Wiring is also made possible by the use of individual gold plated binding posts for both the woofer and tweeter section. Passive Bi-Amping may be realized using them as well.

ELEGANT FINISH

The enclosure side panels are finished with real wood veneers and hand rubbed with a quality, high gloss polyurethane topcoat. The front panel is finished with top quality paint and clear-coats. It is then hand polished in a process that yields a glass like luster that is one of our distinguishing hallmarks. Note: A front cover grill IS NOT AVAILABLE!!! One should never hide a pretty face. Special veneers and finishes are available upon request.

FULL FIVE YEAR WARRANTY

All components are protected from defects in materials and craftsmanship for a full FIVE(5) years from the date of purchase. Return shipping fees will be paid by SP Technology Loudspeakers, Inc. within the continental United States or to the Port of Departure.