The key component is a completely new 5 inch mid/high driver that eliminates the need for a compression driver, and lowers the LF crossover point to just 600Hz below which a ported 12 inch LF driver takes over. The 5 inch device, developed in-house at Function-One's Surrey, UK base, is mounted on a miniaturized, dedicated Axehead-loaded waveguide and the promise of the complete package is a combination of high efficiency and excellent projection and imaging.
The enclosure shape has been optimized to recess a wall bracket for neat installations but will also be used to flush-fit an amplifier in a future self-powered version. Standard cabinet finishes will be either violet or silver and the waveguide can be rotated to suit vertical or horizontal installation.
"We've spent years listening to compression drivers in this type of cabinet," says Funktion-One's Dave Bruml, "and we think this loudspeaker completely changes that listening experience."
(Mike Lethby)
