[Creative Sound]

Hi,

I'm pleased to announce the new CSS EL70 extended full range loudspeaker designed and built by Mark Fenlon of Mark Audio in Hong Kong. Over the past year or so, Mark and I spent time talking about the need for a smaller "classic" paper cone driver with extended frequency range. Both of us recognized the need for a moderately priced driver capable of providing audiophile grade output and that's easy to use in a wide variety of applications. The EL70's frequency range is ultra-wide (Fs=64Hz, Fr to 25-kHz @+80dB). It’s very capable of delivering extended low bass response and with a Qts of 0.55 is usable in many box designs. Applications range from close field desk top, small BR for power handling, larger BR for extended range, MLTL, horn etc.
The first batch is on its way from China and should arrive in Vancouver around August 24th. Prototypes and the first production units are scattered around the globe as a number of DIY people are co-operating on a variety of cabinet designs. These will be released over the next few weeks and the plan is to compile them all into one place for easy distribution.

For now there will be 3 SKUs set up on the CSS website, although others may also be developed. All drivers include mounting screws and gaskets. Here are the initial prices for the first month.

EL70 single driver US $45, C$ 50
EL70KITP1 2 drivers, 2 ports, 2 sets of binding posts, 16 gauge wire, connectors US $90, C$ 100
EL70KITP2 4 drivers, 2 ports, 2 sets of binding posts, 16 gauge wire, connectors US $170, C$ 185.

Dr Jim Griffin showed his design with 2 EL70s per cabinet at the Dayton DIY event on July 11th. He will also show these at the Atlanta DIY event August 8th. A pair of EL70s as well as a pair of Mark Audio Alpair 10s will be given away at that event.

Stay tuned, more to follow.

EL70 Datasheet

Bob

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[Creative Sound]

Hi,

A few comments about the difference between the FR125SR and the EL70.

The EL70 does not use XBL though Mark and I have talked about using it on future product. The main differences with the FR125SR is the higher sensitivity of the EL which was a very specific goal. Since both use paper cones there will be similarities in the overall sound. The technology employed in forming the EL70 cone is new and bodes well for further cone development. With a slightly higher Xmax and larger voice coil the FR will handle a little more power but that is so often enclosure loading dependent.

Given the large number of enclosure designs that will be released in the next weeks it is clear that the EL paramaters support a very wide range of designs. The manufacturing track record evident in all Mark Audio productions also means the driver to driver consistancy will be higher with the EL70.

We expect to be doing some extensive listening comparisons in a couple of weeks at the Vancouver Island DIY event at Dave's so look forward to those results and impressions.

Bob

 

[Creative Sound]

Hi,

Over the next few weeks we will be posting a large number of designs developed for this speaker.

For the EL70KITP1 the recommended cabinet size is .5 cu ft (14 litres) and for the EL70KITP2 .75 - 1.0 cu ft (21 - 28 litres) should work well.

The design by Dr Jim Griffin will be supported by another kit, the EL70KITBIPOLE and will include 4 drivers, 4 ports, wire, connectors, and some Acoustastuff damping material. US $199, C$ 219.

Here is another design from our distributor in the Netherlands. Henkjan Desktop TL

More to come.

Bob

 

[Creative Sound]

Hi,

Much of the EL70 activity will be documented on DIY Audio in Vendor's Bazaar.

There will also be a CD with all the plans and a central download location.

Bob

 

[Creative Sound]

One of the things that has allowed us to do so much cabinet development is the similarity between the Mark Audio CHR 70 and the EL70. For some cabinets the differences are enough to require different dimensions; for others they are the same and only things like stuffing or damping come into play.

Here is a design which works for both MicroTower Bipole ML-TL.

More to come.

Bob

 

[Creative Sound]

Looking forward to the upcoming designs!

Ryan,

Many of the designs are available from the "Downloads" section of the CSS website. There are others on DIY Audio.

Bob