Warren Gregoire and Associates LLC
FOR THE DISCRIMINATING AUDIO ENTHUSIAST



IKONOKLAST7

IKONOKLAST7

For space-constrained applications, so-called mini-monitors have been an obvious and popular choice. (These are very small systems with high quality drive units.) We have admired the excellent music reproduction capabilities of the best of this genre.

Our principal objection to the mini-monitors has been what we perceive as a subtle, but significant "boxy" or "chesty" sound quality, caused by the driver's back-wave resonating with the enclosure's repetitive internal dimensions. Another problem is the small volume of air trapped behind the bass driver. This inevitably raises the system resonance so that reproduction of the lowest octave is lacking, and the second lowest octave is very weak. Unfortunately, these speakers also utilize the usual time-smearing, sonic image-confusing crossover networks, constructed of inductors, capacitors and resistors.

We are pleased to present our solution to these universal mini-monitor problems- IKONOKLAST7. Its size and shape are consistent with the mini's, but the diminutive cabinet actually houses a full 1/4-wave transmission line, folded into two sections and acoustically lengthened by a critically controlled density of our propriety damping medium. The 360-degree, "voice coil-less," micro-mass tweeter is arrival time-compensated with the lightweight mid/LF reproducer and integrated into a phase coherent, unified source, without use of any sound-degrading crossover network components.

LOW MASS MID/LF REPRODUCER

Because of its effective moving mass of only 7 grams, this lightweight champ can accelerate/decelerate several times faster than the much heavier drivers in other systems capable of reproducing low bass. This mineral-filled polypropylene membrane is remarkably free of "cone cry," enabling an almost "spooky" natural sound quality. A smooth high frequency roll-off (without the usual peak) lends it particularly well to this advanced, "crossover-less" design. Back-loaded by our free-flow transmission line, it is able to follow the nuances of the musical signal with astonishing transient accuracy which would not be possible, were it mounted in the usual box.

COHERENT LINE ARRAY
BENDING WAVE TWEETER

Another important key to eliminating boxy sound is dispersion. Our exclusive, proprietary, Walsh-derived tweeter sweeps its clear output laterally a full 360 degrees, illuminating a more open sound stage, over a wider "sweet spot" than any other small system we know of. Delicately detailed and dynamic sounding, this device with its ultra low-mass piezoelectric motor, has an effective moving mass less than 1/25th that of the most advanced dome tweeters. Resulting faster transient response, extending to almost 40kHz, lends a captivating "airiness" to the presentation.

FREE FLOW TRANSMISSION LINE:
IMPULSIVE, DEFINED, DYNAMIC, DEEP

Unlike sealed or ported enclosures, transmission lines do not trap the driver's back-wave inside a box where it would cause "boxy colorations," and frustrate achievement of full low bass potential. Instead, the back-wave is pumped, fully intact, through a long, tuned passageway which is at least as wide as the generating membrane. The specific acoustical length of the passageway harnesses the driver's natural resonance, while also reinforcing bass output.

The terminating section of the IKONOKLAST7 transmission line is cylindrical, producing continuously variable dimensions inside the cabinet, immediately behind the driver. This shape eliminates undesirable resonances, and is further enhanced by use of space-age mid-range sound absorbing materials, together "banishing the box" to a previously unrealized extent.

This very small system sounds more like a large planar speaker than a little box. The bass is also quicker and more extended- substantially flat to below 60Hz, with usable response to about 30Hz! Sensitivity, dynamic range and transient response all are superior to other similar sized speakers.

Although bass output from the system extends down to the 30Hz region, it rolls-off steeply below 50Hz. Deep and clear, it is; "window-rattling," it is not. Users who desire more powerful reproduction of the lowest octaves may combine IKONOKLAST7 with any of the excellent available subwoofer systems.

NO CROSSOVER NETWORK IS THE
BEST CROSSOVER NETWORK

IKNONKLAST7 reduces the number of phase-shifting, image-smearing, amplifier power-absorbing inductors, capacitors and resistors to the optimum quantity: zero. The "crossover components" consist only of 99.999% pure solid silver conductors, silver-soldered to the finest quality input terminals. To accomplish this, the upper roll-off of the mid/LF driver complements and coincides with the lower roll-off of the tweeter. Sonic imaging and "palpability" are more convincing, compared to systems using crossover filter networks.

USE WITH LOW POWER,
HIGH QUALITY AMPLIFIERS

Although the 91dB sensitivity rating only marginally exceeds the generally accepted minimum for use with one to three Watt SE Triode vacuum tube amplifiers, these mitigating factors produce better results than might be inferred: 1. The direct "crossover-less" connection to both drive units. 2. Freedom from enclosure-induced back pressure. 3. A relatively high average input impedance presents a comfortable load to an SET amplifier. These characteristics allow the system to better utilize amplifier power, and to remain lively, crisp and satisfying at lower listening levels than might be practical with other 91dB systems. We have enjoyed many hours using an excellent 1-Watt amplifier!

FULL FINE FURNITURE FINISH

Because IKONOKLAST7 sounds best placed at least a foot out from the wall, we also have finished the back of the cabinet with rich thick, genuine harwood veneers. A choice of Cherry, Mahogany, Oak, or Walnut is standard. Exotic wood species may be available as an extra cost option. The system should be mounted on or optional stands, or on other good quality speaker stands.

SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency Response ...................................................... 30Hz to 30kHz
Sensitivity ...................................................................... 91dB/2.83V/m
Nominal Impedance .................................................................. 8 Ohms
Average Impedance .............................................................. > 16 Ohms
Minimum Impedance .............................................................. 7.5 Ohms
Power Handling (Long/Short term) .............................................. 40/55W
Cabinet Dimensions ........................................... 13½"H x 7¼"W x 8¾"D
............................ (Note: Tweeter extends 5½ inches above cabinet top.)
Cabinet Finish ..................................................... Fine Hardwood Veneer

Want more details about Ikonoklast systems?
Click here for the
Expanded Information Package

60-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE*
5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

*Except 2-way shipping and handling, plus a 15% service charge.
*Extra charges for customer-caused damage may apply.

PRICE: $2,000. pr., IKONOKLAST7

QUESTIONS? CALL NOW TOLL-FREE 1-800-634-0094

Specifications, prices and availability subject to change without notice.
Copyright 2008 Warren Gregoire and Associates LLC
All Rights Reserved.