2017 DF KRIX - Business SA Design for Export Awards
Celebrating
South Australia's
Design-led
Exporters
Celebrating
South Australia's
Design-led
Exporters
Celebrating
South Australia's
Design-led
Exporters
Celebrating
South Australia's
Design-led
Exporters
Main menu:
AWARDS > 2017 Gallery
2017 FINALIST
ESOTERIX ALTUM
KRIX LOUDSPEAKERS
Category
PRODUCT DESIGN
CONSUMER
Design
KRIX LOUDSPEAKERS
About
The Esoterix Altum is a high end bookshelf speaker designed specifically to enhance the two channel listening experience, whether playing old favourites on vinyl, or enjoying the definition and detail of the latest hi-resolution tracks.
Design Challenge
Krix products are sold within the consumer and commercial cinema loudspeaker markets. The consumer market, in particular, is becoming increasingly fragmented, with Krix targeting the home theatre and multi-room audio segments. Recently there has been a revival in two channel audio, driven by a resurgence in vinyl records along with developments in hi-resolution digital recording processors and the availability of hi-res music via streaming services. The Krix Esoterix Altum has been designed specifically for the two channel market, in particular the premium end. Krix wanted to create something not only acoustically exceptional, but also visually unique and appealing - something to stand out from the more traditional designs.
Design Solution
Classic speaker two way designs can compromise directivity as the sound from the woofer often becomes narrow as it rolls off just below the crossover frequency and the sound from the tweeter is too wide as it rolls on. This creates an uneven off-axis response and the sound reflected from the side walls of the listening room is coloured. Krix's solution was to couple a waveguide to the tweeter. Krix embarked on the development of a high frequency waveguide with the multiple aims of reducing distortion, controlling the sound from the tweeter to narrow the angle of coverage, reducing sound radiated onto the side walls of the room, and provide a more uniform off-axis frequency response. Krix applied its advanced COMSOL simulation technology to achieve the best possible control of directivity and to optimise throat size and contours to achieve a smooth high frequency response. Aesthetically, the distinctive fully-mitred cabinets provide a seamless look, while the prismatic geometry results in a very rigid, low resonance enclosure that integrates the components perfectly and minimises standing waves. The baffle is angled at 7.5 degrees allowing the waveguide to protrude from the front baffle, not only creating a novel design feature but also allowing effective time alignment of both high frequency and low frequency drive units.
Design Impact
Krix's exports have averaged 30% of total sales over the past two decades. Krix has 80 products in its complete range, and the Esoterix Altum is expected to create significant interest within the audio community, which in turn will increase Krix's profile in key export markets such as China and Dubai. Krix employs 25 people at its facility in Adelaide within its research and development, marketing, manufacturing, logistics and administration departments. All design and engineering is done by Krix, and the vast majority of its products are manufactured at Krix's state of the art production facility in Adelaide. Many of the components are purchased from South Australian and Australian suppliers. Krix also regularly engages with local Universities, examples include sponsoring PhD and Honours projects.
