There were a number of ultra high-end Hi-Fi systems at the Montreal show and like last year, my favorite Hi-Fi systems at the show was once again a low powered single-ended tube amp matched with high sensitivity fullrange drivers. My favorite this year were the new German made Voxativ Ampeggio single-driver rear-loaded horn speakers. The hand built rear-loaded horn enclosures are built in a collaboration between Voxativ and the famous German piano factory Schimmel Pianos. The cabinet surface is finished with a minimum of 13 applications of hand polished lacquer covered in real piano lacquer. The finish on the loudspeakers was simply amazing.
The product literature lists the following specifications for the Ampeggio:
Frequency Response: 38 - 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 101 dB / 1w / 1m
Impedance: 10 ohms
Dimensions (W x H x D): 16" x 43" x 14" (40 x 110 x 35 cm)
Weight: 121 lbs (55 kg)
Cost: $29,750US
The lone transducer used in the Ampeggio is the Voxativ AC-3X, which is their largest neodymium driver and unavailable for purchase. The drivers suspension is made from goat leather. The loudspeaker systems does not use any crossover components.
A Don Garber Fi WE421A ($3275) single-ended triode amplifier (a single dual triode), putting out just 5 watts per channel was used to drive the Ampeggio speakers. With a sensitivity of 101dB it was plenty loud. The high sensitivity and easy 10 ohm loads means these speakers will mate very well with low power SET amplifiers. The Ampeggio speakers sounded every bit as wonderful as they looked. Open, dynamic, excellent clarity and plenty of detail.
A Don Garber Fi WE421A ($3275) single-ended triode amplifier (a single dual triode), putting out just 5 watts per channel was used to drive the Ampeggio speakers. With a sensitivity of 101dB it was plenty loud. The high sensitivity and easy 10 ohm loads means these speakers will mate very well with low power SET amplifiers. The Ampeggio speakers sounded every bit as wonderful as they looked. Open, dynamic, excellent clarity and plenty of detail.
More Salon Son & Image 2011 Coverage
Wow, those are absolutely lovely horns.
ReplyDeletewould like to build. wheres the diy info
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteDriver is not available for purchase!
Not too sure if things have changed but Voxativ used to have the driver on their price list. The retail price was 4,990 Euro for the pair.
ReplyDeleteUnless they decided to make the driver unavailable for commercial reasons.
The Voxativ representative indicated that the drivers in the Ampeggio are not available for individual purchase.
ReplyDeleteCheers