Alpair 12 Driver
The Alpair 12 is a large full range single cone drive unit (8″ - 206mm frame). The primary feature is its extended and detailed range, operating to 20kHz. The driver achieves this performance without using a whizzer or co-axial centre tweeter making this driver a “puristʼs” single cone/cap design.
This driver incorporates a new cone multi-forming technology originally developed in Japan. The cones and made using 7 separate forming and trimming processes, all controlled via CNC operation. The accuracy of this technology is superior to conventional spun and press methods.
Tadashi Matsubara San, a most experienced senior driver designer from Japan has produced the rear suspension. It is unique and exclusively made for the Alpair 12. Lui Yi Ping from Taiwan is a specialist in front suspension design. He has produced the 7ʼs suspension as the most advanced of its type so far. Itʼs ultra-thin, and the production process for this component is all new. The same exclusivity is also applied to the frame, coil, connectors, every part for this driver is unique custom designed.
The acoustic result is remarkable for a large full range emitter, delivering outstanding clarity, detail and musical realism.
Easy Installation
New standard hole M4 metric hole size. The Alpair 12 comes supplied with 6 high quality Hex drive black powder coated wood screws and a 2mm PVA cabinet seal for easy installation.
New Frame
The frame is 100% custom made. Like other Alpair series drivers, the Alpair 12 frame is designed to reduce resonance that could be transmitted to the cabinet. This Alpair also comes with a trim cover to improve both fit and finish.Suspension
The front suspension is a new advanced moulded design, made only for this driver. The mass of the piston section has been reduced. It's ultra-thin compared to other drivers. To cope with the new design demand, the mould was machined to a +/- 5 micron tolerance. This is critical to maintain the accuracy of the ultra-thin piston wall.Multiform Cone
Alpair 12 has an all-new Multiform cone. The low mass, mixed alloy material is very thin, less than 0.11-mm on the critical sections along its profile. Much research went into the profile design to take advantage of the Multiform cone manufacturing process. To our knowledge, the Alpair 12 is the only current production driver of single cone, single cap 8″ design, capable of reaching 20-kHz at 87dB.Cap
The cap is now directly bonded to the coil former using an A/B bonding method. This arrangement is very strong and is an efficient method for the transmission of middle and high frequency responses.The Spider
The spider is a custom design. Its profile and the suspension shapes are specific to this driver. This spider makes a significant contribution to the fast response of the Alpair 12.Custom Construction
The custom construction of the Alpair 12 is significant. An all new connector system has been design to make installation easy. Each connector is colour coded. The system also is also designed to optimise the damping of the leads that run to the coil.Features
- Two colour choices, gun-metal grey and classic gold. Drivers are packed in single boxes with 2mm thick seals and 6 x 22mm long hex head wood screws.
- Handling Donʼt touch the cone or cap. These are delicate components.
- Running in period The Alpair 12 has advanced suspensions that require careful running in: Donʼt use any kind of artificially generated sound signal. Hours 1 to 20. Low volume vocal and light music, no heavy bass. Hours 21 to 120, gradually increase the volume to normal listening levels and gently introduce rhythmic bass music. Patience and care will bring musical rewards.
Revc
7.0 Ω
Fo
46 Hz
Sd
143.14 cm
Vas
22.8 Ltr
Cms
0.750 µmM/N
Mmd
14.886 g
Mms
15.871 g
BL
8.752 TM
Qms
1.454
Qes
0.420
Qts
0.327
Levc
0.058 mH
No
0.493%
SPLo
89.3 dB
Xmax (1 way)
9 mm
Power
50 watts cont
for reference only
Frequency Charts
Impedance Charts
Installation
United Kingdom