IsoPad vibration controlled mounting for the FR35 – When the FR35 is used as a component in the FR2035 3 way IsoActive loudspeaker System – the IsoPad employs similar visco-elastic material as discussed in Steps 1 & 2 in a constrained layer making for a very inert mounting pad for the FR35. Combined with high density rubber feet any vibration that may be passed between the smaller and larger loudspeaker enclosures is effectively absorbed and turned into heat.

This is another key element in our attempts at controlling vibrational energy in the FR2035 design. We feel strongly that some of the finer aspects of this loudspeaker system’s performance are very much down to the care taken in this area of the design.

Visco-elastically isolated crossover circuit board – A similar idea as the front baffle arrangements described in Step 1 occur in the rear of the loudspeaker. The MDF panel that the crossover circuit board is mounted to is isolated from the rear, screwed-in baffle by the same material we employ at the front. This reduces whatever remaining cabinet vibration to virtually zero vibration at the circuit board. In turn a majority of the components mounted on the board are damped by a similar material to reduce vibration caused by air movement inside the enclosure.

Isolated front baffle -. The mid bass drive unit is actually screwed to the black super high density panel not the enclosure’s ‘carcass’. In turn this black panel is adhered to the carcass via a thin layer of visco-elastic material. The benefit is a much reduced amount of vibration in the frame of the bass mid driver is passed on into the carcass. This reduces the ‘ringing’ of whatever resonant frequency the carcass of the enclosure might be. This then reduces cabinet borne colouration of the overall acoustic output of the loudspeaker quite dramatically.

We have taken reasonable care to reduce the amplitude of cabinet resonances but this method reduces them even more by simply not exciting cabinet resonances in the first place.

KEF designers – The idea is well understood and has been used by many manufacturers over the years including Andrew Jones while working at KEF. It is not always or often used currently due to the constructional complications it creates. Our method of adhering a separate front baffle onto the normal front baffle is a somewhat simpler solution than the usual complex rubber mounting arrangements employed by KEF and others. We may not be obtaining as much isolation as the rubber mounted solution but ours is simpler to manufacture and likely more reliable in the longer term as there are no rubber parts to perish. The tweeter drive unit is mounted to the main carcass of the enclosure and in effect is isolated from the bass unit as well. A further advantage towards the goal of clean treble performance from a drive unit not effected by vibration.

The FR2035 is an extraordinarily clever design that allows amazing clarity and big bass from a relatively small system. The best way to achieve the best sound without making an enormous speaker was to create a “System”. The “System” combines two individual units. The FR35 Bookshelf Monitor sits on top of the FR20 Active, Isobaric Bass Module. The FR35 is powered by the bass module via connectors. The FR35 crossover was specifically designed to blend seamlessly with the bass module. Together they form the FR2035 IsoActive System.

When you purchase the FR2035 IsoActive System you are purchasing a pair of the System speakers. Each system speaker consists of a pair of FR20 Bass Modules (in your choice of colour), a pair of FR35 Bookshelf Monitors (in your choice of colour), 2 x Iso Plates, 2 x 3m IEC Power leads, 2 x 3m signal leads, 2 pairs of FR35 interconnects, 1 pair of stainless steel spikes and floor protectors, a unique aesthetic and unparalleled sound quality.

IsoActive is a term conceived by Andrew as the designer of the FR2035 system. IsoActive was coined after months of brain draining, to-ing and fro-ing searching for a description of the two key features of the system – Isobaric and Active.

The “Octobaffle” is so called because it coincidentally has eight sides. It is a “baffle” in that it is a very sturdy platform to mount the bass unit on (in) and reduces cabinet diffraction at higher frequencies, to some degree. It holds a 10″ bass driver and hides the second 10″ bass driver which is inside the bass module and behind the “Octobaffle” in an isobaric formation.

We were aiming for the smallest footprint possible for maximum bass performance in a sealed box alignment. Designing it the traditional way just looked wrong and the whole System would have been much larger than we intended. We were comfortable with the depth of the System being about the same as a standard TV cabinet but wanted a narrow footprint. The use of isobaric technology and the “OctoBaffle” allows a small box with the bass of a much larger unit.

Where the FR6 and the FR2035 were solely engineered and designed by Andrew Hutchison, the FR35 sound was a collaboration with Brad Serhan from Orpheus and more recently from Serhan & Swift.

Why? Because sometimes two heads are better than one, especially when you are trying to reinvent the wheel. In this case, the wheel is the legendary LS3/5a the sound quality of which inspired the FR35. The combination of the FR35 as a part of the FR2035 System meant that the crossover for the FR35 needed to be more than a little bit special and completely flawless in its design.

Andrew is lucky to be able to call Brad a friend but also holds enormous respect for Brad’s skills in speaker design. With the FR35, Dellichord was aiming for the best sound possible. If you want the best, you use the best.

As Dellichord is manufactured in our own cabinet factory, we are pleased to be able to offer custom colours. As a custom order the top speaker, the FR35 can be supplied in any timber veneer or in any satin finish colour. The FR20 bass module can be offered in any satin finish colour as a custom option also. For eg: you could choose a black FR35 with a lime green FR20 bass module. Or a fire engine red Fr35 with a matching red FR20 bass module. Your imagination is the only limitation.

We love the two-tone, timber/colour combination which is why we have released the two standard colours in both the FR35 and the FR20 bass module giving you four options – Maple/black; Maple/white. Walnut/black; walnut/white. Due to the limitations of manufacturing, the only timber veneer option for the FR20 bass module is the Black Ash currently on offer as standard. For custom colour pricing please chat to your favourite retailer.

We tried. We had a very clear idea of how we wanted the FR2035 to sound and we experimented with passive. We found that we could not achieve the seamless transition, exceptional sound quality or bass with a passive crossover. We had no choice but to go active and we love the result.

A smaller speaker can sound every bit as good or better than a bigger speaker especially if the small speaker is Isobaric. And for any average domestic space, a small speaker like the FR6 Isobaric stand mount speaker is perfect. The only advantage is that a bigger speaker can give you more volume.

The advantages are immense in relation to controlling cabinet vibration and resonances. The delicate mid range sound is emanating from a very small enclosure with minimal resonance issues. A larger enclosure has all kinds of cabinet resonance issues. The affect the cabinet has on mid range sound is much larger than most would realise. The complexity of construction is dramatically increased but so is the performance. This design technique is normally reserved for loudspeakers in the AUD $35,000+ range for example the 800 Series Bowers and Wilkins.

There is a ridiculous advantage to controlling your own manufacturing process. Unlimited availability for research and development. Improved quality and quality control. AND we always put our orders first so there are no unnecessary delays. We can design our own crossovers, control the quality of our timber work and ensure the finished product is amazing. Why doesn’t everyone do it? Because it requires a very unique set of skills and some serious dollar to set up and maintain a cabinet factory. We have invested everything to ensure our product is the best it can be.

How do you know if your loudspeaker brand is serious? They are sold through retailers. And the Dellichord FR6 isobaric stand mount is absolutely only sold through retailers. Retailers are very careful about the brands they support. Floor space is expensive, sales staff are expensive and the speakers have to be be as good or better than every other recognised brand they carry. It is the retailers’ reputation on the line if they support manufacturers who are not professional or will not have the longevity to support their product in the marketplace. You can have confidence because your retailer has confidence.

Even though the brand is in retailers, sometimes a specific model is not offered to retailers or doesn’t suit their individual business model. This is the case for the Dellichord FR2035 and the new Dellichord 70S models, both of which are available directly from the manufacturer.

The 70S was actually designed specifically for sale direct. If you don’t have a retailer near you with the FR2035 in stock, then this model can also be purchased direct. There is the opportunity to see, touch, hear and experience the sound in your space. You also then have the chance to compare your current system with the new and improved sound of the Dellichord loudspeakers.

CONTACT US IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ARRANGE TO LISTEN IN YOUR HOME.

Dellichord is a word conceived by Andrew as the designer of the Dellichord range of loudspeakers. Andrew’s intention was to create a brand name untainted by connotation, context or nuance other than association with the quality and sound of the brand.

Jeans are jeans. Yet there are gazillions of different styles, colours, shapes, sizes and brands. Every loudspeaker is influenced by untold variables that change the way it looks and sounds. Technology and knowledge allow improvements to form and function and fashion dictates design to some extent. When it comes to sound, a loudspeaker designer will engineer a product that they find pleasing to listen to, but “pleasing” to them may not be “pleasing” to you. Even if a designer was actively trying to be completely unbiased in the design, a little bit of the heart of the designer is in every one. Like a fine wine or a fine fragrance, fine loudspeakers are as individual as you are. This is what makes creating loudspeakers both exciting and challenging.