Sometimes history writes itself; all you need to do is tune into its rhythm. Let me tell you the story of a loudspeaker project I named The Flying Dutchman. This extraordinary endeavor was born out of a fascination with sound and precision, with its origins tracing back to October 2023. I mentioned it in a piece titled Double Excitement. The project turned out to be so full of surprising twists and inspirations that it was hard to decide where to begin the story. Perhaps we should start with the fact that we owe it all to our small OGY monitors, which are already captivating audiophiles in the farthest corners of the world.
OGY – Full-Range Speakers Admired in the Netherlands
The Dutch fell in love with full-range speakers thanks to Musical Affairs, a company renowned for its cabinets featuring French full-range drivers, PHY and EMS, and unique enclosures inspired by luthier-crafted instruments. These resonant constructions, lightweight and open-backed, were also challenging. A 31 cm full-range driver induced resonances that were dampened using internal ribs, reminiscent of tuning a musical instrument.
When Closer Acoustics OGY speakers with the EMS LB5 full-range driver hit the market, word of them quickly spread within the Dutch audiophile community. Since low-power tube amplifiers and high-efficiency full-range speakers dominate the scene there, OGY fit perfectly into their preferences.
Shortly after the walnut OGY speakers found a new home in the Netherlands, I received a request to design monitors based on the same construction but utilizing a larger, seven-inch LB7 driver. As it happens, a design for such monitors was already in development, created during earlier work on various speaker variants to expand our lineup. However, that design had been shelved. Why? At the time, I thought its size was too large for a monitor. I believed the LB7 deserved a place in our flagship design—a resonant-diffusion floor-standing cabinet.
The client’s idea motivated us to act. We created a pair of monitors with an elegant walnut front and custom stands to complete the set. Inside the speakers, we installed Electro Magnet Speaker (EMS) LB7 EX drivers with electromagnets instead of permanent magnets. The result was striking. The speakers impressed listeners with their natural and engaging sound.
The success of the earlier project opened new doors. I received a proposal to design speakers based on two electromagnet drivers: the LB7 EX full-range (16 Ohm version) and the EMS B15 EX 15-inch bass driver (also 16 Ohms). The system was to be integrated with our dedicated power supply, perfectly harmonizing with such a demanding configuration.
Full-Range and Horn Speakers – Extremes That Complement Each Other
At first glance, full-range and horn speakers might seem worlds apart, but they share qualities that allow them to work together in high-end audio systems. Horn speakers are efficient, produce minimal distortion, and can play very loudly, making them ideal for professional sound reinforcement. Full-range drivers, with their larger diaphragms, accurately reproduce a wide frequency range but may introduce distortion at high volumes.
Despite their differences, these technologies can form a harmonious whole in well-tuned systems, particularly in audiophile setups often paired with low-power tube amplifiers. The key lies in combining a full-range mid-high driver with a bass driver, ensuring wide frequency response and high efficiency. This allows for exceptional sound coherence.
Bass That Keeps Pace
In systems featuring full-range and horn speakers, bass often presents a challenge. Both require support at lower frequencies, but not all cabinet types deliver satisfactory bass quality. While bass reflex enclosures can generate significant bass pressure, their quality doesn't always meet audiophile expectations.
For this project, we used Closer Acoustics' resonant-diffusion enclosure technology. This approach enhances bass quality, delivering clean sound, accurate transients, and high efficiency. The cabinet, devoid of damping materials, uses only wood, and the inclusion of dual opposing channels of varying shapes and lengths disperses the rear sound wave, eliminating unwanted resonances. The result? Fast, clean, and precise bass that pairs beautifully with full-range and horn drivers.
Development – From Prototype to Perfection
Although the concept was clear from the start, the project required extensive trials, testing, and experimentation. We began with prototypes—starting with the bass enclosure and later experimenting with the "head" for the full-range driver. We aimed to achieve fuller and more cohesive integration of the mid-low and bass frequencies. To this end, we designed a semi-open back with multiple rods of varying diameters to disperse the rear sound wave. Numerous iterations were tested before we achieved the desired sound.
Designing for Aesthetic Harmony
Speakers of this size are a significant part of any interior design. Therefore, aesthetic considerations were crucial. The Flying Dutchman was intended to become the centerpiece of the main living room, so the "Wife Acceptance Factor" (WAF) played an essential role, and I was given specific guidelines. 😊 Ultimately, we chose a combination of American walnut and polished Corian Black Quartz.
Electromagnetic Drivers – A New Dimension of Control
One of the standout features of The Flying Dutchman is its use of electromagnetic drivers. Unlike traditional speakers with permanent magnets, electromagnetic drivers have adjustable electroacoustic parameters based on their power supply. By regulating supply voltage, we can fine-tune the speaker’s efficiency to match room acoustics. Designing a dedicated power supply to independently power both drivers was a critical part of this advanced project.
Amplifier – A Custom Solution
The amplifier designed for this system is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Created by DHTRob, a key organizer of the last three editions of the European Triode Festival (ETF) in the Netherlands, it comprises four main components. The preamplifier uses the rare Philips AD1 tube, with all transformers custom-made by MuseCoils. The power amplifier, driven by Telefunken RS282 tubes and AD101 triodes, features transformers made by Vlaartronic. The output power of approximately 8W ensures exceptional sound quality.
The Client’s CD Library – A Collector’s Dream
At this point, it is worth mentioning other components of the system, including the audio sources, as the client’s music library boasts an impressive collection of over ten thousand CDs. The system includes two compact disc players.
The first is the Philips CD 101, which underwent a thorough modernization. The capacitors were replaced, and all necessary modifications were carried out by an expert in the field, naturally in the Netherlands, the home country of Philips.
The second device is a split CD player consisting of a custom-made CD transport and a PEL Audio NON-oversampling digital-to-analog converter, equipped with a dedicated power supply.
The entire system is seamlessly connected with signal cabling from LessLoss, while power stability is ensured by Furutech power cables, guaranteeing the highest quality of signal and energy transmission.
A Happy Client and Espresso to Seal the Deal
Delivering the speakers was a moment of great anticipation. After installation, the client was thrilled, writing:
"We just woke up after listening to violin concertos until 2 AM. We are very, very happy with these elegant and already hypnotically sounding big twins…”
The client later shared more impressions, praising The Flying Dutchman for its depth, dynamics, and captivating sound. A three-year search for the perfect setup had finally ended successfully.
As a final gesture, the client served us espresso, which turned out to be the beginning of my newfound passion for coffee. This project and its exceptional atmosphere will stay with me for years to come.