Loudspeakers

The ‘jolly’ balance of these colourful pint pots is instantly visible in the forward mid/treble response [see Graph 1], the rise from 300Hz-20kHz (especially once the 26mm tweeter digs in above 2.1kHz) largely accounting for the high ±5.5dB and ±4.7dB response errors (re. 200Hz-20kHz), respectively. One of our pair had a reduced tweeter output [red vs. black traces, Graph 1], from –1dB after crossover to –3.7dB/10kHz, but sensitivity still met DALI’s realistic 83dB specification at 83.9dB and 83.4dB, respectively (re. 2.83V/1m/500Hz-8kHz).

In a similar vein, the cancellation notches at 3.5kHz, 8.2kHz and 12.6kHz are probably linked to structures on the baffle, and baffle edge, and while the plastic-framed grille softens the treble very slightly it also exaggerates the dip at 3.5kHz [blue trace, Graph 1]. Toeing the speakers off the main axis by 15-30° delivers a smoother response [grey trace] – the errors reducing to ±4.4dB and ±3.5dB, respectively – and may be preferred. The reflex port is tuned to a low 42Hz but has strong quarterwave/tube modes at 1.15kHz, 2.3kHz, etc, that punch through the forward response [Graph 1] and march down the CSD Waterfall [Graph 2]. DALI suggests the Kupids may be placed within 25mm of a rear wall and if this partially attenuates the port, might not be such a bad idea... This, and the bass/mid driver’s 150Hz peak, brings a corrected LF extension of just 85Hz (–6dB re. 200Hz), though deeper bass will be possible on wall. Importantly, the Kupid is easy enough to drive – its minimum impedance of 4.1ohm/250Hz and moderate phase angles creating a 1.9ohm EPDR at a relatively ‘safe’ 790Hz. PM