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Enigma Subwoofer 1980s

I was given a subwoofer that I was told came from the 1980s. It is called an Enigma Subwoofer. The subwoofer comprises 4 woofers mounted in a 2x2 array. There is no cabinet/enclosure around the back side of the speaker (finite baffle).

I believe it once included a controller which I do not have (probably a low pass filter/limiter).

Has anyone heard this subwoofer or know anything about the company that made it? If so, I would appreciate any feedback on the quality of the speaker/sound quality. If this was a reasonable speaker I might want to try to use it. My concern would be damaging the speaker by overdriving it. Would anyone know the amount of power it could handle? I would probably limit the frequency below 80Hz. I would also probably try to use an equalizer on it.

Thank you very much for any input you can give me.
Regards,
Gary
gwho
misterears
5 posts
 
The Controlled that came with the woofer array had three stages of equalization. Stage one was a 6dB/octave low pass network that compensated for the normal roll off due to open back dipole cancellation. That equalization needs to be correct from 25Hz to 1kHz. The next stage was an 18db/octave high pass filter at 25Hz. As an option, this could be higher order than 18db/octave but NOT less than 18db/octave. The last stage is the crossover from the subwoofer to whatever full range speakers you are using. The crossover in the Controller had matching high and low pass filters at 100Hz and were also 18db/octave. All filters were maximally flat (Butterworth) types.
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stonedeaf
101 posts
 
These things came with detailed setup instructions -produced really nice tight musical bass.Have heard them mated up with things like stacked Quads and the combo worked! Not sure if they would be particularly appropriate or effective for dinosaur footfalls - but will blend into a music system just fine.
You really do need the controller/X-over for these speakers since they are mono and dipole radiators - the controller is a necessity.
gwho OP
47 posts
 
Thank you very much for the reply. I will look into getting the cross-over which I do not have.

Your comments were greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Gary
scotia001
1 posts
 
I have the entire system – (array,amp and controller) utterly fantastic -- no booming just pure unmitigated pure base -- the woofer with its 4x15 inch drivers should be positioned about 18 inches in front of the full range speakers -- on choral pieces it is absolutely stunning. The power and controller sections are in for check up now as is the array being inspected for integrity of the cones. This was a find – purchased in the late 80”s used. Few were produced and rumor is that they were in the $8k range back in the late 70's early 80's – it is large standing on pylons floor to top 46 inches high – array is 34x34 x8inches –power amp and controller separate units well over 45lbs. Would like to find schematics for my techs. The combination of this unit with valve pre and amp plus the floor standing ProAch’s and Von Schweikert S1 produces an amazing sound environment. I will repost any technical information assembled after the tune up on this site for anyone fortunate enough to have discovered one of these monsters!
THS 10/11/13 -- csynergy10@aol.com
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