Description
The wideband driver with better dispersion
After releasing the Pluvia range of drivers, which have been well received, Mark set about the next design evolution. As some of you will know Mark’s design ethos is mechanical efficiency, adding lightness and simplifying where possible. In these new drivers Mark has managed to achieve much more with much less.
This new driver works in our current Frugel-Horn Mk3 kits
New technology Full Range audio driver
The advanced design Alpair 7MS (mono suspension) is a radical departure from previous models. The 7MS is completely new, utilising many new design components and manufacturing processes. The two main features are the patent-pending Negative Camber Cone and Mono suspension system. Other key features include a custom designed, gas-flowed glass-fibre chassis and dedicated ultra light voice coil.
Negative Camber Cone (patent-pending).
The 7MS cone is an ultra shallow design affording a wide dispersion pattern. The outer section of the cone profile is angled backwards creating a +180 degrees emittance pattern to help optimise stereo imaging. Vocals from quality sources sound more natural and detailed as the central cap and cone profile are geometrically close-aligned.
Mono Suspension (patent-pending).
Much technical research has been done to balance the driver’s powertrain (cone, cap, coil and suspension) between its axis of travel and the corresponding centre of gravity. The new negative-camber cone facilitates the repositioning of the coil to avoid the need for a traditional rear suspension (spider). This new mono suspension design frees the coil from having a restrictive spider bonded to it, improving the transfer of energy from the driver’s motor to its cone. The new suspension employs an all new custom mix of four synthetic materials, resulting in improved linearity under low frequency loads.
The 7MS all new chassis is optimised to enhance airflow.
The various slopes and rounded angles help improve sound wave emittance. Custom extended terminals are provided for push-on connectors or light-soldering for cables up to 1.5mm diameter.
Other features.
- The run-in time for the 7MS is significantly reduced compared to previous models. Ten hours of light music at moderate volumes is sufficient for the suspension to reach its optimal operating pattern.
- An Arrestor (as deployed in previous Alpair models) provides an audible warning of accidental excess excursion.
- The low-mass coil has a vented former and the motor employs custom made copper plating to reduce distortion.
- The MS7 is a bass capable audio driver with comparable performance to light-medium load traditional mid-bass units of the same size.
The 7MS is an audio driver designed for the dedicated music lover and High-Fidelity enthusiast. Attention to design detail along with an close tolerance manufacturing standard to +/- 0.05mm on most component alignments make this new generation of Markaudio transducers stand out from the crowd.
Mike (verified owner) –
I’ve been listening to these for a few days now and am really impressed. They’re currently in 11 litre vented ‘CGR slim’ cabinets designed for the 7.3 that I knocked up out of some offcuts of MDF and 18mm chipboard that I had in the shed (they’ll get a more attractive home now that I know what I’m doing with a circular saw!). I didn’t have super high expectations of these drivers because of their size (they are tiny) and their relative price, but their sounds is full and rich and with most music I’m finding that I enjoy them more than my IPL M4’s (these are 7 litre, 2 way sealed cabinets). I was listening to Prince’s remastered sign of the times album today and had to double check that I hadn’t inadvertently left my subwoofer on because the bass response just seemed too rich for these tiny drivers (sub was indeed off). They are really shining with jazz, soul, rock and rap music. I’m still finding them a little harsh with more folky stuff, Dylan’s ‘Highway 61..’ for example was a touch screechy, but I’m hoping they’ll smooth out with a few more miles on the clock. I’ll also experiment with more damping, it’s pretty minimal at the moment.
Overall, a fantastic set of drivers, far exceeding my expectations and whetting my appetite to try more Alpairs and cabinet designs.
admin –
Thanks for that Mike. Reviews are always nice for potential customers to read.
Regards
Stefan