Rocky Mountain Audio Fest: Emerald Physics DSP-Based Loudspeaker
October 22nd, 2006 — By Robert Harley
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in loudspeakers is such a good idea that I’m surprised so few designers take advantage of the technique’s merits. With DSP, the designer can create any crossover slope he wishes, equalize the system, and time-align the drivers.
The advantages of DSP-based loudspeakers was demonstrated by Emerald Physics, a new company with a most unusual product, the CS1. The four-piece system employs a 1� compression driver tweeter mated to two 8� midrange units in one flat open panel, coupled with another open panel consisting of four 15� woofers in a dipole configuration (two forward firing, two rear firing). A DSP unit from DBX provides the electronic crossover and other processing. Six amplifier channels are required, although the amplifiers can be low power owing to the system’s high sensitivity (100dB 1W/1m).
The demo I heard produced a super-precise spatial presentation, smooth and flat tonal balance, wide dynamics, and terrific bass extension without the lumpiness one often hears in hotel rooms.
The downside is that the CS1 is a “form follows function� design, meaning that it has rather utilitarian cosmetics and finish.
Nonetheless, the CS1 is a fascinating product, and at a list price of $4750, could represent a stunning value. Full production is scheduled to commence in January.
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Where can we find out more information about Emerald Physics Corp and there CS-1 loudspeaker?
Do they have a web-site or contact information?
Comment by Craig October 24th, 2006 @ 11:14 amRobert, I and many others felt these were the best-sounding speakers at the show. I love the spaciousness of dipole radiators including these. Monopole radiators sound too in-my-face forward. The Nemesis sounded excellent even with the midfi equipment driving it. The system’s tonal balance can be tailored by the DSP to exactly what one would want, and the DSP can contain many different contours that are user selectable.
RR is $6750 with double stereo bass systems, exactly double what’s in the pic.
Comment by Jeffrey Behr October 25th, 2006 @ 11:42 amEmerald Physics has a web site at http://www.emerald-physics.com. The company was founded by its designer, Clayton Shaw, whom I met at the show. The phone number is 435 640-1294. The company is based in Park City, Utah.
I hope Emerald Physics can make the transition from what appears to be a great design (in prototype form) to full-scale production and distribution.
Robert Harley
Comment by Robert Harley October 25th, 2006 @ 12:05 pmRobert, The Emerald Physics website (www.emerald-physics.com) will be operational in an abbreviated form by November 5th in order to answer the many questions that have arisen as well as to release digital renderings of the production version. We appreciate everyone’s interest and support.
Clayton Shaw
Comment by Clayton Shaw October 25th, 2006 @ 8:01 pmEmerald Physics
This sounds like a design to follow - thanks!
Comment by Donald October 25th, 2006 @ 11:35 pmArguably the best sounding and one of the cheapest systems at RMAF. Better bass than many 6 figure systems. Trying to find the floorspace in my home.
Comment by Eung Kim October 26th, 2006 @ 2:02 amThis sounds promising. I would like to know if they will have a downscaled version with the same principles for the average home owner. You know, loves the sound, but has limited space & money. So far I’ve been lucky enough to have the wife approve appropriate placement for a 7.1 with dipoles.
Comment by Mike Andrews October 26th, 2006 @ 6:02 pmI heard them was was impressed with their imaging and versatility. They can be driven quite effectively with 6 x 50 wpc of class D to great effect. With 4 modules there is great set up flexibility. It was the only room I returned to.
Comment by Jeff October 26th, 2006 @ 7:49 pmGreat value but not perhaps W.A.F.
We are in the process of completing an small footprint version of the Emerald Physics CS1, where the mid/treble panel is physically connected to a taller bass panel (5ft tall) with 3 bass drivers. The two panels are spaced apart 18″ with solid aluminum rods just as the show prototype. We have already confirmed that no loss of sound quality or imaging occurs if executed correctly. Price should stay around $5000/system including DSP computer.
Detailed information will be posted on our website which goes up around Nov 05.
Clayton Shaw
Comment by Clayton Shaw October 28th, 2006 @ 11:40 amEmerald Physics
Clayton:
Will you be exhibiting at CES?
Robert Harley
Comment by Robert Harley October 28th, 2006 @ 11:48 amRobert, We would like to exhibit at CES, but it is getting very late regarding room space. I would entertain sharing a room with a good amplifier manufacturer. I think everyone will be interested in the new integrated version of the speaker mentioned in my last post, so we need be at CES to allow everyone to see and hear it. Amp companies are welcome to email me or call regarding CES at (435)640-1294 or clayton@emerald-physics.com
Clayton Shaw
Comment by Clayton Shaw October 28th, 2006 @ 8:44 pmEmerald Physics
Robert,Emerald Physics has a confirmed demo room at THE SHOW -Room 1310 during CES. We will demonstrate V2.0 of the CS1 in full production form.
Clayton Shaw
Comment by Clayton Shaw November 3rd, 2006 @ 12:01 amEmerald Physics
Anybody get a comparison to the Zu Definition? Just curious as from a design standpoint and goal very similar, and also a Utah based company…
Comment by Anthony December 2nd, 2006 @ 10:30 amSeems they get much of the same type reaction and praise as the emeralds do, but of course with a slightly scaled down size using 10″ vs. the 15″ drivers… Also looks like they get about the same best of show and value type comments too.. of course they cost a bit more money.
Thanks
Nice to see someone else do what your doing in the
Comment by Gilbert G Hodges March 5th, 2007 @ 9:52 pmdigital domain other than Meridian.(theirs is optical to the speaker and is very expensive).
Then theirs Linkwitz speakers which do there
work in the analoge pre-poweramp. They also use a di-pole bass config. as do you.
Please let me know where locally I can listen to your speaker system. I live in La Habra, Ca.90631 and my email is gghodgesus@yahoo.com.
I’m looking forward to listening to your product.
Gilbert G Hodges
I spent a back to back hour in the evening with both the Emerald Physics and Zu Defs. Be happy to tell you all about how they compared. 920-863-1763 jschmonsky@centurytel.net
Comment by Jim Schmonsky March 21st, 2007 @ 10:40 pmBoth great speakers.
Robert,
Our production product is called the CS2 and now shipping. Our website is also up and has a slightly different URL than before at http://www.emeraldphysics.com. Likewise my email is now clayton@emeraldphysics.com.
Clayton Shaw
Comment by Clayton Shaw May 18th, 2007 @ 4:53 pmEmerald Physics
Mr. Shaw, I would like to know if you have any dealers in New York and also if you have any upcoming reviews? Thanks.
Comment by P.Nicolas June 7th, 2007 @ 4:00 pmI’m interested in the operation of your unusual bass arrangement. Please advise if front & rear bass speakers are wired “push-push” or “push-pull”.
Comment by Frank Dobias October 20th, 2007 @ 11:26 pmFrank Dobias
Mr. Dobias, the arrangement we used in the prototype CS1 has all 4 woofers moving in unison. Therefore, the rear 2 drivers which face the opposite direction are reverse wired.
Comment by Clayton Shaw November 1st, 2007 @ 10:23 pmClayton Shaw- Emerald Physics Corp.