Blumenstein Orcas

@shaizada, can you comment on the Marlins vs the Orcas? Have you had an opportunity to hear them and compare? I have a desktop application in mind.

 

Oh and BTW, the labor intensive nature is a big reason why speakers are such a popular DIY project. Electronics can't really get much cheaper if you are smart about manufacturing. In many cases going DIY is more expensive because you are not buying in bulk. Even something like Yggdrasil can go down to a few hundred $$$ if people decide that DACs are as important as the home computer.

With DIY speakers you don't have to deal with labor, transportation or storage costs inherent with such a large item. Certain features that are in very expensive speakers can be done cheaply yourself, like sand filled baffles.

Not to take away from Blumenstein though. The price reflects how much work these simple boxes actually take. Which if you are looking to save money I saw that he offers rear mounted drivers in birch plywood for $550.

 

Hey! I actually can't offer you direct experience advice on this comparison. I suggest you give the Clark a phone call and ask what he thinks (please post back here so others can benefit from the information as well). I suspect that the Orca would be a better fit for the desktop as that driver just integrates so quickly. You will have a palpable image right on top of your desk and it is a very weird, yet amazing situation

Whichever speaker you end up with, make sure you get those little wedges or something else that is appropriate. You don't want those first reflection points off the top table surface. That will just ruin the sound.

If you read below here, he has some comparisons compared to his other offerings:
http://www.blumensteinaudio.com/all-products/orca-3-inch-fullrange-pair

 

This guy in Japan tried it. The Sigma needs about a 6mm larger diameter hole. Not sure what his final conclusion is, but it seems he cracked the enclosure http://i6i6.biz/2016/01/post-2764.html

 

Blumenstein is moving to a new shop in Tacoma, WA. My speakers are being delayed as a result. Craig offered to finish them out quick before the move but recommended I wait because there will be improved production quality. It'll be another three weeks. I've waited this long, so why not? I'm sure it will be worth it in the long run.

 

Yep, I got the email too and I also decided to wait another 3 weeks for better quality speakers like you did. Patience can be rewarding.

 

Who knows, we might have speaker pairs #1 and #2 out of the new shop!

 

Me three - haha!

Was planning on just posting a pic when they showed up, but I ordered a set too right after you started the thread, hehe.

 

http://www.blumensteinaudio.com/all-products/vintage-orca

Wait, so Clark is selling the vintage Orcas too for $300 less? I see that the vintage uses a slightly thinner wood. I wonder how this compares to the current gen and if I'm losing out on much.

 

It's not only thinner but it's baltic birch instead of bamboo ply. The cost in wood is a huge difference. I presume that the bamboo ply is much denser which is always a plus when building speakers.

 

OMG! Ask Clark if you can upgrade to these

https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.c...tex-fe83-sol-limited-production-3-full-range/

 

Are you guys planning to get subwoofer for the Orcas?
Any difference in bass amount with different amps? (t-amp, First Watt, SET amp?)

 

I suspect I will eventually add a Blumenstein sub to go with it, but not immediately.

 

Aren't these due any day now, @Merrick?

 

More likely end of the month. Craig moved shops and said he was hoping to restart production on November 1st. Since there already was a 3-4 week lead time, I'll be lucky to have these by Thanksgiving.

 

Graph looks pretty good. As does that fostex orange color

 

Have you guys received your Orcas?

 

Nope, and Clark hasn't responded to my last two emails either.