Currently we offer a basic model and several "upgraded" versions on this OB platform. Each upgrade is intended to address a specific need for the end user. I started with the concept of providing a platform from which to launch the various incarnations of the OB.

     The baffle was designed to enable us to build your new speaker in several configurations. First, I would like to mention that every speaker is custom built. We build to order one at a time based on what configuration and finish is needed by the customer. So, let's go over the various models and explore the many faces of the Hawthorne Audio OB.

 

~User's Guide~

     This user's guide is designed to help you fully understand the Hawthorne Audio Solo. As you will soon discover, this is no ordinary loud speaker. In order to get the highest performance possible from your speakers we would like to share with you the following. What you have before you now is what could be referred to as an open baffle, dipole radiating, point source projecting, full range, high resolution audiophile transducer.

     This agreeably is a long winded, jargon laden description of a speaker we will simply refer to as an OB. OBs are unique in that unlike most conventional speakers, they do not utilize an enclosure to contain and/or manipulate the sound coming off the rear of the drivers. They are somewhat similar to electrostatic or Magnaplanar style speakers in that they project a dipole radiation pattern both forward and rearward from the driver. Unlike the resonating membrane of an electrostatic planar, we use dynamic cone drivers in a coaxial configuration.

     Finding a suitable cone driver for this project proved to be very challenging. We soon discovered how few drivers existed that could be operated optimally in a free air, enclosure-less configuration. Our solution was to have drivers specifically designed for us that would excel in our OB’s. You can read more about these proprietary drivers on our Drivers page under the heading Silver Iris Audiophile Drivers.

     Open baffle speakers are recognized to possess a unique sound signature. They are considered by many to sound very spacious and musical. They have naturalness about them that few box speakers ever come close to being able to pull off. They sonically disappear leaving only a 3D holographic soundscape floating between, above, forward and rearward and extending to the boundaries of your room and beyond. You will often hear audiophiles speak of a sweet spot which basically would be described as the most desirable spot from which to enjoy this sonic illusion.

     The Hawthorne Audio OB loudspeakers are relatively easy to set up, and when done properly, results in a large enjoyment zone. Due to its dipole radiation it is important to note that we must be mindful of this rear wave. You will find that your speakers perform best when they have sufficient room around them. I generally place the system 4-5 feet away from the front wall and progressively move it towards this wall while listening to male vocals. Any hint of lower mid "chestiness" and it's too close. This optimum position usually is rather large and easily located.

     As little as 3 feet is often all that is needed between the speakers and any walls of your music room. If space is a consideration you can simply pull them forward off the front wall for critical listening, then return them after enjoying them. They are light weight and easily moved. If however you are fortunate enough to have a large music room you will be rewarded by giving the speakers much greater distances from all reflective surfaces.

     A good starting point for setting up your speakers would be to create an equilateral triangle with the speakers approx. 6 to 8 feet apart while maintaining ample clearances to all adjacent walls. Place your listening chair centered between the two and approx. 6 to 8 feet away from them thus forming this triangle. The speakers perform very well facing directly forward or toed in at various angles from approx. 0 through 15 degrees. A good starting point would be for them to face an imaginary point about 2 feet in front of your chair. This should create a very solid phantom "sound image" exactly midway between the speakers and directly in front of you. Depending on the recording, this phantom sound image can sound amazingly real. This image may appear to come from a point very deep within this soundscape. Sounds will emanate from points in space both left and right of this center image and often appear to come from a point outside the boundaries of the speakers themselves.

     In a properly treated listening room the walls themselves no longer define your listening area. The feeling of having your favorite performer in the room with you, playing your favorite songs anytime you wish to hear them is indeed one of my personal favorite pastimes. After some practice listening sessions, you should be easily able to listen very deeply into the recorded performance. You may indeed hear portions of the performance as if for the first time. Interactions between the various players and especially the individual sounds of their instruments become more easily identified and enjoyed through highly refined speakers like the Hawthorne Audio OB’s. You may find it very hard to go back to box speakers. This can be such a profound listening experience that many audiophiles spend considerable time and resources seeking out audio components that excel in doing their part to create this illusion.

     While on the subject of the associated electronic equipment it is important to be mindful of one important concept. The concept I am referring to is the relationship between your amplifier(s) and your speakers. It may be helpful for you to think of them as not two separate components, but speaking from an electrical perspective, thought of as one unit. Amps and speakers complete each other. You cannot listen to one without the other. So this relationship between the two is perhaps one of the most critical when we speak of system synergy. In designing the Silver Iris drivers we wanted to make sure that they would be compatible with a very wide range of prospective amplifiers. The drivers would be considered a very high sensitivity or efficient loudspeaker. (approx. 96dB/W/M). They can be driven to high sound pressure levels with just a few watts of power, so caution is in order. Please be kind to your ears.

     This high efficiency would make them an ideal match for low powered valve (tube) amplifiers. Many audiophiles favor the use of very low powered (flea) SET amps. These OB speakers would be considered an ideal match for this type of demanding amplifier and what I personally voiced them with while refining their design.

     The Silver Iris drivers that are utilized in your speakers have a pro audio lineage, and not unlike their pro audio cousins, the Silver Iris drivers are quite capable of handling large amounts of clean power when needed.

     For the Solo, we decided that an impedance rating of 8 ohms would work well with most amplifiers.

     We would recommend a power output rating from your amplifier somewhere between 2 and 150 watts.

     The Hawthorne Audio OB speaker system could be thought of as a piece of furniture and would require similar basic care. The fabric covering is not removable and should be lightly dusted. It would not be recommended to vacuum them as snagging or stretching of the fabric could occur. The oak wood trim pieces have a furniture grade polyurethane finish and do not require any special treatments. It would be advisable to keep your new speakers out of direct sunlight to avoid damaging UV rays. Your speakers were designed to last a very long time. This is evident by the 7 year warranty on the Silver Iris drivers.

Enjoy.

-Darrel