Unlike all other speakers, the Coherent Line sounds great off-axis as well as traditional sweet spot listening.
Great for all of us that actually have a life and not perfect listening rooms.
Coherent Audio is something we've been waiting on for a very long time. Most all cabinet speakers are a series of compromises. Its always been that way. As one of our good friends who's been designing speakers for decades, with more patents than any speaker designer, once said "If you could stick your head into a cabinet while the music was playing it would sound like screaming weasels trying to kill each other".
So the compromises from bracing to batting, porting and such has just put bandaids on a intrinsic issue.
The we met Frank Fazzalari. We've heard Think Different and Frank has done just that. Look at how Frank deals with the parasitic waves within the cabinet. This is fresh and refreshing. It works strikingly well and the speakers have an ease and enormous soundstage and imaging.
These sonic blades are carefully placed with proper geometry, length and height. It took years to figure out the math for their function.
So how many drivers does it have? One (well, 2).
The Coherent Audio Speakers are a single driver with a big twist. Most Single Driver speakers use the bass drivers cone geometry as a wave guide for the compression driver. The problem with this system is during musical dynamics the cone will slightly distortion and in turn distorting the wave guide.
How has Coherent Audio resolved this?
They use very unique drivers that don't distort. It was a global search until they found the Radian drivers with its unique aluminum material that was developed exclusively for these drivers. This process is so new and unique a large conglomerate bought the company solely for the tech. Fortunately, for us music lovers they left the drivers alone.
And what about that 2nd diver we mentioned?
Supertweeter. Each has a special super tweeter providing even more spatial imaging. Note: photos without the super tweeter opening are older version.
Finally, the choice of veneers are almost endless. Once we get enough chips we'll have them here on our site. Don't see something you like or want to match a decor? Coherent can customize your speaker however you like and send you veneer samples via email. Or once purchased awaiting only veneer choice we can send actual samples to you.
Design notes by Frank himself:
The crossover: Two elements; one iron core inductor which is specially designed and build in-house. One capacitor, Mundorf Supreme or better is also used.
No resistors to pad down the compression driver. Instead Frank uses a impedance matching technique which loads down the
110 db driver to match the woofer section - between 94 and 99db.
On the GR and Reference series the crossover is set at 1100Hz. The Platinum version can be crossed at as low as 600Hz.
Due to the coaxial / XD crossover the two elements work as one point source. One gets the focus of full range speakers
plus the power handling and extended frequency range of multiple units.
Drivers: Pro Audio high sensitivity components are selected for their wide smooth response. They are obtained unassembled
allowing Frank to modify them for Hi Fi home use. As an example the stock Platinum 15 driver is rated at 101 db 1W 1 Meter
power handling of 650 WRMS but low cut off is 38 Hz. After modifications the ratings are 99 db, 500 WRMS but goes down to 30 HZ.
The GR and Ref line uses a 1.75 inch, 45mm Aluminum dome, the Platinum line use 3 inch, 75mm Aluminum.
Beryllium dome are available for both lines. There separate magnets for the woofer and drivers. GR and Ref use two ceramic magnets.
Platinum use two neodymium magnets.
The cabinets: Thin walled semi-monocoque designs for wave cancelling and sonic range with a side benefit that Frank doesn’t break his back lifting them. Internal Resonance Slats help control internal standing waves plus reinforce the panels helping to control wall flexure. Dual resistive ports help room tuning by adjusting low frequencies.
Wide range of veneers and solids are available with a hand rubbed polyurethane finish which is moisture resistant and does not Require future coats.
The cabinets are hand build to high quality standards by Frank using the finest available materials. Labor intensive but you will see the quality that will last a lifetime.
The Press Speaks Out:
Best of Show in Montreal Show
The Model 18 was veneered with a high-character wood and the veneered rim around the driver dressed it up with some contrast. The workmanship of his speakers is very fine with a natural presentation, devoid of high gloss.
The beauty of the wood comes through in a natural way that will never be mistaken for plastic or petro wood. As with race car engines, there is no substitute for cubic inches and these large cabinets with their efficient drivers play music in an effortless, unrestrained way with micro as well as macro dynamic range. Stunning sound
Frank told me that the 18" model really opens up in comparison with the 15" version. Perhaps some of that is due to the very small super-tweeter mounted just above coincident drivers. I also noticed he has followed the trend toward more vibration isolation in the footers he is now using. Their website contains a lot of interesting details... Starting at US$14,950, + $300 Drop Ship Charge, it is not inexpensive, but it is one of the finest high-efficiency speakers available for use with low power SET amps. And it digs down to 22Hz (-3dB)... it ranked among the Best Rooms at the show.
One of the Best Rooms at Toronto Audiofest
..consider the "Best Rooms" those I would recommend an enthusiast visit if they only had a short amount of time to experience the show. Where could they go in a two or three-hour time span and leave thinking "Wow! I really heard and saw some great-sounding gear at this show!"
"Coherent Audio Speaker Rm 437"
Rick Becker, Enjoy The Music.com