An added wave that improved symmetry
The improved spider is the product of careful FEM analysis. In this process, our three designers discovered that we could use an asymmetrical spider with an extra and smaller wave to improve the total symmetry of the entire system.
Using an asymmetrical design meant we optimized its corrugations and stiffened the spider, which gives the 18W55 more control over the voice-coil; preventing even the slightest irregularities in its movement.
The spider isn't the only improved feature on the 2016 Contour.
The increased symmetry in the voice-coil’s movement means more control over the sound, especially at higher frequencies and high volume. The higher SPL lets you play louder than with previous Contours without losing the traditional quality of Dynaudio sound reproduction.
The more windings, the more...
Danny, Andreas, and Daniel pushed on; using what they learned in their analyses to optimize the 18W55’s magnet system. They chose a dual ferrite magnet system with a large 30mm diameter center vent.
The magnet and coil turn electrical energy into motion. By incorporating two separate magnets, we could fine-tune and control the system’s power output just as needed and get extra space for the longer excursion of the voice coil.
A loudspeaker driver needs a strong foundation.
We also took a close look at our voice-coil: tested out different options. We chose to continue working with our characteristic aluminium voice-coils with a large diameter. We make them from extremely lightweight aluminium, which allows us to increase the number of windings compared to heavier copper coils.
We also did something new, though. Danny, Andreas, and Daniel increased the winding height of the voice-coil by 24% compared to older Contour models, which gives a longer, more stable displacement of the cone.
In the end, it’s about control and bass. Simply put, the more windings we use, the more control we get. And, a longer, more stable displacement means we can move more air without distortion. Combined, those two things let you play louder, deeper and more controlled bass.
You've got to move that air
Also, we improved the magnet system and voice-coil ventilation: in the magnet system, we included a large 30mm diameter center vent while the voice-coil uses a built-in ventilation system. Together, the improvements in ventilation allow air to escape without obstructions and lets the cone move more freely.
Do you want to listen to the changes yourself? No problem, click here to find a dealer near you.
Both improvements have their distinct advantages: if air cannot escape the system easily, it generates resistance as the system moves the cone in and out – which would sound like distortion. Moreover, more movement lets the Contour create a much deeper punch that really shakes your bones.
Because of the improved magnet system, the voice-coil’s increased winding height, the 7.6mm tall elliptical surround, and stiffened spider, Danny, Andreas, and Daniel managed to increase the 18W55’s excursion by 70%.
By increasing the excursion, they allow the cone to travel farther from its resting position meaning it can move a higher volume of air and create more sound pressure. This increase in air movement and sound pressure enables the driver to reproduce deeper bass than its predecessors at higher volumes (although your neighbors might not thank us for that).
It all adds up
All of the added features in the 18W55 driver play an important role in achieving our goals: it truly is a holistic approach to loudspeaker driver design. Remove the updated spider’s improvements and lose control over the cone’s linear movement. Remove the improvements in the ventilation system and you would over compress all that added air movement thereby distorting the sound. Remove all of the improvements and lose the Contour’s wonderful sound reproduction.
