"TOTEM BEAK
research and development
The “Beak” was developed to control parasitic vibrations that occur on top of a speaker cabinet. These resonances actually interfere with speaker performance, specifically the waveform symmetry emitted by tweeters.
Implementing a Beak on any speaker can actually control and provide a better interaction between speaker, tweeter and housing.
Careful thought and research were poured into the development of the Beak. Its precisely defined contour was carefully designed; if any of its properties were altered, it would impact the flux created within and render the unit ineffective.
the shape
The “Beak” is milled in a prescribed form, which controls resonance and directs emanation. These distortions occur within a strict range.
The Beak can actually channel common distortion and move it through its cavity to the discharge point on top, hence its shape and name.
As the beak on a bird or whale channels sound, this Beak channels the negative effects of dynamic speaker housings.
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mass and detail
The mass of the Beak is crucial to proper holography and image integration. In addition to the proper size and curve ratio, tests were done to determine the texture on the surface of the Beak. The spacing of the micro ribs increases from the bottom part to the peak. In fact, the line structure (micro ribs) controls the velocity at which the Beak dissipates distortion, actually helping the tweeter extend its range. This surface texture actually helps alter frequency and phase, allowing you to lock in a proper height and cor- rect three-dimensional image.
placement
The placement of the Totem Acoustic “Beak” on a smaller speaker is usually towards the outer front corner of a speaker pair. If one looks at the top of the “Arro” (our smallest surface area speaker), the placements of the Beaks are right up front toward the outside. Other small speakers benefit from approximately the same arrangements. On larger speakers or on units with top mounted tweeters, a proper location must be derived. Experimentation is the key to determining the proper location.
specs
The high frequency difference when using the “Beak” is measurable and quite apparent. The tweeter generally has better linearity in the 8 kHz to 20 kHz range. Therefore, better staging and imaging is evident. At the crucial crossover point, frequency dips both on and off axis can be alleviated by as much as 1.5 dB. Outcome: better harmony between woofer and tweeter, resulting in enhanced speed, impact and transients."
Also, mass loading with lead shot instead of sand is another recommended option according to the manual. The higher density might help. Cheers,
Spencer