APORIA FULL RANGE HORN UNIT
Single driver full range 35-35000 hz response
Full range theater horn classics such as the early Western Electric units set standards in
immediacy and dynamics in musical sound but the early systems were not designed for the high frequency
performance we demand today. Furthermore, most classic full range horns are too large
and really not practical for home use. Multiple driver horn systems, with problematic crossovers
and problems of matching horn midrange to direct radiator LF drivers, do not compare with a true
full range horn.
The APORIA is our attempt to reinvent full range horn technology for contemporary audio
applications. Using a customized flat-cone Manger driver from Germany and horn geometry optimized for
smooth wave flow and compact form, our APORIA marks a new standard in horn loudspeaker
reproduction for today’s listener. Finally the beauty and promise of the idea of a single driver,
full-range reproducer meets a worthy realization, with none of the compromises of 1950s hobbyist
approaches!
The unique geometry of the APORIA is designed to avoid sharp corners and ensure a smooth expansion
throughout the length of the horn. The unit is precision-formed from a unique
anti-resonant composite material which entirely avoids problems with unwanted vibration and
ringing. Unique tuned isolation feet decouple the horn from the surroundings while providing a stable base of support. At 130kg per side, the APORIA is a rock-steady source for your music.
After considering many alternatives, we chose the Manger driver for our horn because we feel it is
one of the unrecognized giants among drive units of the last 100 years. The Manger driver is a welcome relief from typical paper cone full range speakers. It is an extremely accurate, musical, balanced, and peak free full range speaker unit.
The APORIA takes an entirely new direction with the classic Manger driver. Most implementations require a woofer since the Manger is only good down to about 125hz as a stand-alone. We horn load the back wave for satisfying low frequency performance from a single Manger. A diffuser reduces the tendency for the Manger driver to beam and enhances the integration of low and mid frequencies. The result is the ultra coherent sound of a single driver in a system that is full range in accordance with modern expectations.
Also, the Manger is a
medium sensitivity speaker which provides a moderate sensitivity in our horn. Excessive sensitivity
can give rise to problems, including noise issues and limited usable volume control range with some equipment. Also, when
very high sensitivity is the only engineering goal, musicality can suffer. At 93 dB sensitivity, the
APORIA is comfortable with medium powered tube amplifiers and transistor power amps as well as low-watt triode amplifiers.
Our novel implementation of the Manger driver requires the addition of a wave tuning filter to control the backwave and a rewiring of the driver with silver litz wire. In fact, each pair of APORIA horns uses 10 meters of silver litz cable, which alone costs more than the all of the drivers combined in most so-called "high-end" speakers several times the price of the APORIA system!
Of course, the Manger driver itself is quite expensive and therefore rather rare in production loudspeakers, but in this case we feel that you get what you pay for. Superior value and performance rather than lowest cost is the goal of Silbatone engineering and the APORIA is a prime example of our philosophy in action.
| The flat cone of the Manger driver can yield limited dispersion, so we designed a removable
diffusor that enhances performance in most listening room environments. Similar techniques were used in classic JBL and Siemens professional gear. |
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The production model of the APORIA incorporates several enhancements over the prototype units displayed at CES 2009. Special tuned decoupling feet calibrated for the weight of the horn are used to enhance focus and resolution. The unit is now multiwired with pure silver litz cable, an expensive but remarkable improvement. Finally, we incorporated a handsome tooled leather apron to control reflections on the inner curves of the horn.
We believe that the APORIA Horn Unit is in a class apart from any other loudspeakers on the market. The sound is crystal clear with no tendency to sound overly bright and thin. The presentation is extremely liquid and smooth. The remarkable presence
and dynamic range of the APORIA horn energizes the entire space with music. There is no sensation
that sounds are coming from speakers. The musicians will be as though playing in your listening
room. APORIA presents a new benchmark in musical experience in the home!
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• Optional diffusor for dispersion enhancement
• Handmade customized German Manger driver
• Fluid signal path with no sharp angles
• Intriguing visual design in rich Gloss Black or Platinum Finish
• Anti-resonant, one piece superstructure, unique tuned decoupling feet
•Silver litz cabling, WBT terminals
• Uncompromised 35-35kc
full-range, single-driver performance
• 130kg, 150cm x 65.5cm x 75cm hwd
• 8 ohm, 93 dB/1W, Max. SPL - 120db
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