OBX-RW4 Loudpseaker

OBX-RW4 is the top model in the range, with outboard (OBX) crossovers.

The OBX-RW4 outboard crossover variant allows the capacitors, inductors and resistors to be isolated from the high levels of mechanical energy inside the loudspeaker cabinet. All crossover components are microphonic to a greater or lesser extent, so housing them externally minimises this feedback and provides appreciable benefits. Furthermore, an external crossover facilitates a more generous physical separation of the crossover components. Even when components are laid out with mutually orthogonal orientation, there is still a degree of inductive and capacitive coupling which disturbs the crossover’s behaviour. Generous physical separation eliminates this parasitic coupling.

This approach confers several musically valuable benefits – a quieter background, an elasticity and freedom of dynamic range and a more distinct and intelligible acoustic space conveying time and poise. This quality contextualises the musical performance adding to the easy suspension of disbelief. The outboard crossover has further benefits; tonal colours are more radiant; textures are more distinct and unambiguous; the presentation is calmer with more expression in the playing. Perhaps most importantly, dense, complex passages are easily comprehensible and unforced.

Technical Summary:

• High sensitivity wide dispersion MTM topology 750-density hardwood composite enclosure. Stiff internal triple bracing.
• Proprietary LV hand-wound air core inductors. Optimised crossover layout.
• Mechanically-isolated outboard crossover. Star earthing.
• Crystal-oriented internal wiring harness.
• Proprietary Living Voice discrete film and foil capacitors. Proprietary non-inductive wire-wound resistors.
• DEEP CRYOGENIC TREATMENT APPLIED TO: Gold WBT binding posts – cabinet and outboard crossovers, internal wiring harness and crossover components.
• Treble drive unit: Proprietary Scanspeak tweeter made for Living Voice.
• Bass / Mid drive unit: Proprietary Scanspeak 17 cm doped paper-coned drive units made specifically for Living Voice.
• Woods and finish: Premium furniture grade book-matched enclosures in Cherry. Walnut. Maple. Santos. Black Ash. Burr Oak. Ebony. Flat White, Optional black.
• Outboard crossover: Book-matched pair in premium furniture grade enclosures to match the main loudspeaker cabinets.