The Reference 3A Hyper-Exponential Driver

Reference 3A loudspeakers share a crossoverless midbass driver

The principle is simple, Connect the midbass driver directly to the amplifier, with no interfering electronic crossover. Design the drivers so that the sound remains in phase across frequencies, and build the drivers light and strong so that their output won't break up within their designated frequency range. The result will be minimal distortion and maximal fidelity. This driver is what makes Reference 3A loudspeakers unique.

The HyperExponential Carbon Fiber Cone driver As REf 3A calls it, allows an unhindered, direct connection between driver and amplifier. There are no crossover components in the circuit to detract from the sound.

Why crossoverless?

Crossover inductors, capacitors, and resistors can drain away amplifier power, diminish resolution, and alter the phase and timing of the signal. Removing the crossover makes the driver extremely sensitive and responsive to musical information.

How do they do it?

First, the drivers shape. An intrinsically rigid "hyperexpontial" shape, similar to the bell of a trumpet gives it strength. The unusual, blunt ended phase plug centered on the driver helps to maintain phase coherance throughout its performance range.

Materials such as carbon fiber make the driver light enough to make it responsive to musical nuances.

Mechanical tuning The Driver's sealed enclosure that it resides in gives it a natural first-order low frequency rolloff. The phase plug, voice coil windings and shape help to control dispersion and a give it a smooth high frequency rolloff.

Reference 3A speakers incorporating the Hyper Exponential Driver

Dulcet | Veena | Episode | Grand Veena

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