Streamline Prototype
In this new design, I thought I would further explore the dual radiating Flatiron 2.1 side wall speaker, while tweaking some of the internal components & cabinetry as well.
The Flatiron Series is all about luxurious details and absolute no-compromise audio components. In this first model of the the Streamline Series, I explore a slightly more compact and sleeker form factor (4.5” less depth) based on classic Miami South Beach art deco architecture. By eliminating the metal grills from the Flatiron Series and flushing the top panel across all sides, a cleaner look is achieved. I also borrow the now exposed drivers from the Cathedral Series with their modern ceramic coated aluminum cones for a pop of contrasting fleur de sel color.
The Flatiron drivers vs. the Streamline drivers?
These two sets of speaker drivers couldn’t be more different. The Flatiron drivers are coaxial which means they have a concentric tweeter in the center of the mid-range woofer. This design perfectly aligns the sound waves across the entire music range to hit your ear at precisely the exact moment making the music sound super tight. This effect is enhanced even more due to the compression horn in its center. In a nutshell, when you hear the blare of a jazz trumpet, a cymbal crash or a great singer’s lyrics, you can almost feel their breath on back of your neck. This realism is truly experienced when you’re standing anywhere in front of the dual-facing speaker drivers. Off to the sides is still very good, but slightly less visceral.
The Streamline drivers are sets of separate tweeters & mid-range woofers like in many speakers. While placement is very close to each (only a few inches away), it’s not quite as tight as the coaxials, but still very good. Where these traditional dome drivers excel is dispersion. Stand absolutely anywhere in the room, and these drivers sound very good— clean, crisp highs, yet never harsh due to the ceramic coating.
Did someone say Sub-woofer?
Yes, the Streamline has an almost identical down-firing sub-woofer in the bottom of the cabinet. The Flatiron’s larger cabinet contains an 8” sub, while the Streamline’s smaller cabinet contains a 6.5” sub. Maybe it can’t go 30 Hz LOW-LOW like the Flatiron, but the Streamline can still go LOW to around 36 Hz.
