The kit consists of an Audaphon Neo Pro 5i ribbon tweeter, certified by Hobby HiFi as a unit at reference level, surrounded by two Seas Excel W18 EX 001. This combination on its own is already quite remarkable and could be used as a top notch shelf speaker.
A real reference system, however, should also have a matching bass driver. The Visaton TIW 250 XS XS was chosen, a driver that is quite suitable for reference systems.
For those who prefer smaller speakers the Audaphon/Seas Excel combination could be used as a satellite in conjunction with subwoofer obviously comprising Visaton bass drivers.
Due to an impedance of 3 Ohm that even drops to 2.1 or 2.2 Ohm at 30 Hertz, only an extremely solid amplifier should be used.
Even a slight overmodulation of the recording microphone is immediately noticeable. Imaging is absolutely perfect. The stage extends from far behind the speakers to the listening position and the width goes far beyond the physical loudspeaker positions - that's how three-dimensionality should be experienced. Vocals and instruments are assuming their positions clearly – inviting to go for a stroll between the musicians. The male choir on the Echnaton recording by the Stuttgart Staatsorchester shows a crowd of capable individuals: every voice possesses solo qualities. The abyssal bass on Camille Saint-Saens' Symphony For Organ, the enormous Kodo drums and the percussive dynamics of the O-Zone Percussion Group are proof: The Audimax handles any type of bass with style. Even at low volumes all the details are preserved. On the other hand, this speaker can also handle extreme volumes without showing any strain – so extreme that practically any type of music can be reproduced at the original sound level. "
The verdict by Hobby HiFi: "That's the loudspeaker that is capable of reproducing any type of music material. Quality without compromise at a price where only upper middle class, finished loudspeakers are available. The Audimax is serious competition for the top speakers in this world costing between 10.000 and 25.000 Euro. In comparison, the material cost for a pair of Audimax are rather modest: below 4.000 Euro for a complete pair, maybe 5.000 Euro if the crossover components have to be top-notch, and if they are built by a carpenter they still won't cost a five digit Euro amount. Even made by professional cabinet maker they won't set you back much more than a low five digit amount. In comparison with similar, finished loudspeakers the saving potential is anything between 10.000 and 20.000 Euro, depending on the finish of the cabinets."
Our Audimax kit Price per speaker (without cabinet) - not available
Audimax with high-end crossover Price per speaker (without cabinet) - not available
The impedance correction consists of: - 0.22 mH air core coil with 0.7 mm wire - 10 μF MKP capacitor - 1.5 μF MKP capacitor - 10 Ohm ceramic resistor with 20 Watt - 10 Ohm MOX10 resistor (brown-black-gold)
We don't offer a high-end crossover, since higher quality components won't improve the sound.
Audimax impedance correction price per speaker EUR 16,40 excl. VAT: € 13.78 / $ 15.02
a) You build the middle part as front speaker and for bass you build a separate subwoofer. We gladly recommend a design depending on your listening room conditions. Please send us an E-mail.
b) You build the middle part as full range speaker , covering the entire frequency range. Don't expect extreme low bass. Since the bass / midrange driver doesn't have a lower cut-off frequency the capacitor C3 should be replaced with a wire. Coil L4 and L7, C7 and R5 should be omitted.
Below are our kits allowing both variations.
Our Audimax satellite kit, subwoofer needs to be added Price per speaker (without cabinet) EUR 1662,00 excl. VAT: € 1396.64 / $ 1522.34
Audimax satellite with high-end crossover, subwoofer needs to be added Price per speaker (without cabinet) EUR 2191,00 excl. VAT: € 1841.18 / $ 2006.88
Audimax satellite for full range operation, reproducing frequencies below 160 Hz The components (C3, L4, L7, C7, R5), not needed for subwoofer operation, are not supplied. Price per speaker (without cabinet) - not available
Audimax satellite with high-end crossover for full range operation, reproducing frequencies below 160 Hz: The components (C3, L4, L7, C7, R5), not needed for subwoofer operation, are not supplied. Price per speaker (without cabinet) - not available
Home Hobby HiFi Overview