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Bluetooth Jul 25, 2024
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Speaker measuring and reporting - Spinorama Mar 19, 2024
TiFi Argos
creation story
The need to build computer speakers arises from life itself. It's not possible to place floor speakers in the office, as the small office has a desk against the wall. Thus, computer speakers that would fit on the desk are necessary. This time, the goal was set to achieve an affordable price level. This means abandoning multiple amplifiers and a separate controller. However, timed sound is still desired. Therefore, the famous "single loudspeaker speaker" was chosen, complemented by a separate subwoofer suitable for the desk. Had I known how complicated such a simple project would be...
Finding an amplifier with suitable outputs for the main speaker and separate subwoofer was easy. It's also easy to make a small subwoofer when the sound has already been divided in the amplifier. To prevent the work desk from vibrating, the subwoofer is balanced, with two speakers working in opposite directions at each end of the subwoofer cabinet (bipole). No matter how powerful the bass, the subwoofer remains stationary without vibration. The size was set so that the selected amplifier could be precisely placed on top of the subwoofer to save desk space. As the compact subwoofer is slightly larger than the main speakers, it was named Kraken. Due to its small size, the bass of the subwoofer is not low, but it is ideal for listening to music, as it is precise and clean.
Although solving the bass part was simple, it was not the same with the main speakers. It took nine months and three generations of models to achieve results worthy of TiFi. The first generation confirmed the suspicion that although a single loudspeaker speaker can cover the entire frequency range, the sound is not spatial. The high-frequency beams narrow, due to the size of the loudspeaker. Such a narrow beam does not create primary reflections and a surrounding spatial sound field. With the second generation, it became clear that the additional high frequency directed backward does not solve the problem of spatiality in different possible locations. The third generation showed the way for those who believe that desk reflections and the interference between two loudspeakers do not disturb near-field listening. Although the frequency profile of the third version of the speaker in the correct listening point was close to ideal, moving one's head is enough to turn desk reflections and interference into a wave-like sea of high-frequency sound.
The shape of the fourth generation was a narrow and tall cylinder to move the speakers away from the desk surface. The content differed from the appearance again, as in most TiFi speakers, a quarter-wave resonator was built-in. This time I decided to complement the high frequency with a ribbon loudspeaker so that the ribbon is slightly ahead inside the main loudspeaker. And after multiple adjustments of all dimensions and angles, I was satisfied with the result. With an ideal directional profile, evenly horizontally and satisfactorily upwards, but not towards the desk. The sound is pure and spatial as it should be. When the speakers are in the middle of the desk, the sound is slightly bright, leaning towards the high frequencies, but it responds well to the amplifier's tone controls. When the speakers are near the wall, the sound profile is balanced. Desk reflections do not disturb, and even when moving around the room, the sound image is good.
As smaller working cabinets tend to have some room modes already at 120 Hz, TiFi Argos is designed to be crossed over quite high also. So Argos does not feed the resonances and at crossover region it is easier to manage these with subwoofer and amplifier settings and position.
Sound Image
For sound profile detailed evaluation look at Spinorama measurements.
The bass part with Kraken is predictably accurate with SB Acoustics aluminum diaphragm speakers and a closed-box subwoofer. There is no disturbing echo or humming. The bass is difficult to characterize. Natural bass starts from about 40 Hz. If adjusted from the computer equalizer, below 40 Hz can also be obtained. The absence of vibration transmitted to the table by the subwoofer is extremely pleasant and allows music to be listened to at any volume.
Argos is a good combination of Tang Band paper diaphragm reinforced with bamboo fibers for pure sound and neutrality and a ribbon loudspeaker added for high frequency. The overall result is pleasantly balanced. The sound image is not as sharp as with powerful and stiff diaphragm separate high-frequency loudspeakers on TiFi floorstanding speakers, but it is sharp enough for a clean and spatial sound image. Long-term listening experience allows recommending this speaker for everyday music listening. The speakers do not tire the ear and are reasonably demanding in terms of recording quality. The speakers are intended for listening when placed on the table, about the same distance as the computer screen. The sound image is best at normal sitting height. Thanks to the uniform distribution of sound, it can be listened to when moving around the room or changing the position of the chair. Sufficient power allows them to be used as room speakers in the small office. Thanks to the separate subwoofer, the bass does not disappear, and there is enough power.
The TiFi Argos and Kraken set is not my preferred speaker in any room. They are the most listened to, based on working hours, and still enjoyable.
Test listeners feedback
Listened in kit with TiFi Kraken subwoofer and Audiophonics TPA-S120 amplifier.
I.P., recruitment consultant, radio amateur: Very pleasant-sounding speakers.
J.K., business consultant, audiophile: It's evident that the design decisions result in a clean sound image. I did not expect such sound quality from a desktop setup.
A.M., an entrepreneur, engineer, and music enthusiast: Too good for desktop. Very balanced sound profile. Kraken bass is unbelievable, when applied with computer equalizer corrections.