The Crystal Cable Minissimo Forte
In 2009, when Crystal Cable introduced the original, glass cabinet Arabesque, the audio world marveled at the performance of a speaker that sounded as clean and clear as it looked. The Arabesque shape of this groundbreaking loudspeaker was crafted to prevent resonance and standing waves, eliminating parallel walls and common dimensions. The result was natural resonant decay without resorting to damping materials. This unique design and technology were further perfected in the subsequent Arabesque speaker models: the Arabesque Mini, the Arabesque III, and the Minissimo.
Now, the new Minissimo Forte takes things to an even higher level. Crystal Cable’s goal was to further refine the performance possible from a standmount loudspeaker, while maintaining its predecessor’s beauty and compactness. An advanced new passive-active crossover has been added, alongside special fully balanced filter technology. The unique MAD™ (Multiple Absorption and Dispersion) system and the new stable and decoupled stand further reduce cavity resonances and improve sound quality. Together, this series of engineering improvements delivers superb sonic performance.
With so much of the design right first time, the original Minissimo stand mount loudspeaker was a hard act to follow. Crystal Cable’s engineers thoroughly analysed the behaviour of the loudspeaker using tools like COMSOL™ Multiphysics computer-aided design facilities and the custom-made vibration measurement system. The decision was then taken to focus on three specific areas where further improvements could be achieved, namely the speaker cabinet, stand assembly, and crossover.
Developing the cabinet
One key design aim was to take the Minissimo’s cabinet and support stand out of the equation, making them as acoustically inert as possible. This was achieved by identifying and then eliminating all vibration paths inside the speaker, with the fitment of a special layer of internal resonance-reducing material. This is unique in the field of loudspeaker design and has further lowered cabinet noise while preventing extraneous vibrations between the cabinet and stand.
Crafted from a single PU aluminum alloy block, the cabinet of Minissimo Forte demonstrates exceptional rigidity, establishing an ideal foundation for the premium quality drive units. The meticulously designed MAD™ structure effectively disperses resonance, allowing the drivers to convey the music without interference from the cabinet. The outcome is a sound that is translucent and glass-clear, unveiling remarkable levels of detail.
Developing the crossover
In the creation of the ‘passive-active’ crossover design, engineers at Crystal Cable drew inspiration from the remarkable outcomes attained during the development of the Symphony loudspeaker by sister-brand Siltech. Crystal Cable and Siltech share all resources and production facilities. Unlike most loudspeakers employing a passive separation filter with coils to convey the correct signal to the drivers, Minissimo Forte utilises a passive-active filter. This innovative approach eradicates the limitations associated with non-linearity and dynamic compression of the signal by incorporating frequency-dependent components. This design facilitates superior control of the sound, enhances resolution of musical details, and expands the dynamic range.
Stand
Each Minissimo Forte includes a robust, bespoke aluminum stand designed to position high-frequency sound at ear level when you are seated. The stand is acoustically inert, minimizing resonance without adding noise. Its structural components decouple it from the cabinet, preventing the transfer of vibrations. Simultaneously, the stand functions as the housing for the passive-active system in the loudspeaker.
Crossover
Crystal Cable introduces a groundbreaking passive-active crossover filter, a nearly unparalleled innovation in the industry. The inclusion of active, powered electronics, along with the elimination of problematic coils, allows for a more precise customization of the drivers to match the music being reproduced. This approach results in minimal loss of the original electrical signal, providing a more precise, detailed, and vibrant sound compared to conventional passive crossovers. Additionally, this technology offers greater consistency over time.
The Scala
Continually pursuing innovation and enhancements, Crystal Cable’s engineers have devised a brilliant upgrade to finely tune the radiation pattern of the Minissimo Forte. A spatial form is positioned atop the current Arabesque Minissimo loudspeaker, elevating the Minissimo’s capacity to perform live music in diverse room environments.
- The Scala’s 3D shape is precision machined from a solid block of aluminum.
- The staircase shape is modelled by our engineers using advanced Comsol physics. Its acoustic behaviour is also modelled carefully to further improve the sound of the Arabesque Minissimo series loudspeaker.
