Last year, we published a series of blogs entitled Audio Building Blocks. We examined how the Jordan Eikona full-range driver could be used in a number of different ways – from simple, single-unit systems to loudspeakers incorporating 16 Eikonas per enclosure.
To start this year, here’s another way to use the Eikona; add a bass unit. Although this involves a crossover, if it is set at a low enough frequency, the use of a crossover won’t disturb the imaging or midrange detail of the Eikona and will relieve it of having to reproduce low bass notes. In this way, the system as a whole will play louder and cleaner than could be accomplished by a single Eikona.
Just such a system has been built by Chris, one of our customers in the US.
It is a very attractive, high-end loudspeaker which is being used in a dedicated music and theatre room (notice the plumbed-in wiring and the bass traps in the corners). The Eikonas are mounted in 5-litre sealed enclosures built of 25mm Baltic Birch. They operate from 120 Hz upwards whilst music below that frequency is handled by a SEAS subwoofer and passive radiator. The crossover is electronic and the bass system is powered by its own amplifier, built into the back of the enclosure.
Here are Chris’s comments:
“I was hesitant to try the Eikonas because of their cost … [but] I can say that I’m not disappointed I took the leap. In my opinion, the Eikonas are worth every penny and they are nothing short of amazing! … In general the Eikonas have a fullness to them and a more relaxed and smooth feel… they are extremely detailed and image well. The soundstage is huge and the music has depth to it.
I have them in sealed cabinets and crossed at 120 Hz to the subwoofers. They are extremely smooth and yet detailed! Best I’ve heard to date! I’m sure they will only get better as they break in but so far I’m very happy!!
The subwoofer is tuned to 25Hz, F3-31Hz, F10-22Hz. With room gain easily into low 20s… But for me, more importantly, the bass is extremely clean, crisp and controlled.
Overall I’m very happy with the outcome of my new speaker set up. Music is powerful and brings enjoyment to life!”
As always we are happy to receive photographs and information about loudspeakers you have constructed using the Jordan Eikona. Email them to us or contact us via our Facebook page. Keep up-to-date with the latest EJ Jordan news by signing up to our newsletter.
If you are building an Eikona-based loudspeaker – whether one of our published designs or your own – we are always available for advice and support.