Setting the record straight on Shinjitsu Audio Speakers:
The name SHINJITSU:
Derived from the Japanese word for “truth”. The design is based on a Japanese designed back loaded horn that we transformed from a flat panel cabinet into our own proprietary laminated design. The prototype sounded great, so we moved forward into production.
Why we changed the tweeters:
Original design called for ESS Heil tweeters. We could no longer reliably source them as needed from ESS. For a while there (months) they were completely unavailable. Orders were coming in and we needed an alternative tweeter. Tested were Raven tweeters, “folded diaphragm” tweeters (Heil imitations), planars and lastly compression horns. Compression horns won out. Why horns? They provided good directivity especially in smaller rooms, great dynamics, and an extended frequency response down to below 800 Hz. This allowed us to crossover first order around 2K. Horns are used on 5 figure speakers systems to great effect. They are not cheap nor inferior. Avanteguarde speakers use a compression driver for a tweeter:
From Criterion Audio website: https://criterionaudio.com/product/avantgarde-acoustic-duo-xd/
34,000 Euros
TWEETER HORN DRIVER - Membrane diameter – 25 mm – Membrane material – Mylar – Magnet material Ferrite
A single 4-inch driver cannot produce bass:
In the back loaded horn cabinet a 4-inch driver delivers a 6-decibel low frequency boost due to the back loaded horn effect. It is measured down to < 40 Hz. Why a 4-inch driver and not (2) 8-inch drivers? In a two-way system an 8-inch driver beams like crazy at the crossover frequency of 2K. It is too heavy of a cone to accurately reproduce critical midrange and lower treble dynamics. We chose a smaller driver and sacrificed low bass to ensure great midrange performance. As to sound out the rear of the horn mouth “smearing the sound, that’s simply not how the back loaded horn cabinet operates. The rear wave is captured by the horn, acoustically amplified, routed to the mouth at the rear and exits in phase with the front wave. The horn compression chamber acts as a low pass filter and cuts off the midrange and highs at 200Hz. If you desire room shaking bass and are willing to sacrifice midrange detail, go with giant woofers…or get a sub.
Useless test programs:
We do initially test with REW. It’s used to align the crossover. We do listen and record the differing crossover and horn configurations to decide how to voice the speakers. You will find audio 24/96 files on our website of the final choices. I invite you to listen to them.
Manufacturing:
CNC and woodwork done at Heather and Fred Studios, Tempe Arizona USA.
Final assembly and testing at our listening lab in Mesa Arizona USA
Crossover components and drivers: USA Speakers, Mark Audio, Madisound, Parts Express
Miscellaneous parts including binding posts, cast acrylic, brackets, fasteners from various places based in the USA
China? not ordered from directly - all USA based parts companies. Why not China? reliability, quality control, and parts on time issues. No Ali-Express.
