Ophidian loudspeakers
Ophidian was founded in 2011 with the aim of producing high quality British made loudspeakers that outperform their physical dimensions. As part of this goal, all Ophidian models feature their unique AEROFLEX bass topology.
AEROFLEX is a unique bass loading method to Ophidian that enables even the most compact cabinets to deliver clean, accurate bass. Ported or reflex speakers, repurpose what would otherwise be wasted energy from the rear of the bass driver to boost the low frequencies. In most systems the size of the port is inadequate and at high volumes, or during just short musical peaks, unwanted noises and distortion occurs, often in the form of ‘chuffing’.
By utilising a much larger and longer port system AEROFLEX technology drastically lowers air velocity, properly controlling the driver throughout its stroke. This greatly enhances dynamic range and ensures the speaker produces the same tonal balance at both high and low volume levels. The port is built into the cabinet itself, enhancing structural rigidity, which in turn improves the quality of the midrange and thus the overall sonic presentation.
Every enclosure is hand built in Sheffield, England with assembly and quality checking completed at Ophidian HQ on the Wirral.
The crossovers in all Ophidian loudspeakers use components from industry leaders Mundorf from Germany, including audiophile grade capacitors, pure oxygen free copper coils and metal-oxide film resistors. The use of such high-quality components ensures that signal integrity is preserved from beginning to end for musical purity.
The midrange and woofers have been selected from a special high-end range from Dayton Audio to deliver a very natural presentation and are as free from distortion and coloration as is possible.
The tweeter units, from renowned Norwegian manufacturer SEAS, feature Sonolex coated fabric diaphragms provide a detailed yet smooth performance that is easy to listen to over long periods.
Voodoo - 3 way floor-standing speakers
This model is the flagship floor standing loudspeaker. Whilst it has a large cabinet it is designed to sonically disappear creating sound pictures way beyond the cabinet boundaries. The Voodoo can render a realistic 3D sound-field, with depth being particularly impressive. Within the soundstage the impression is not only of the performers and instruments in sharp focus but also the space in which the recording was made, where that exists on the recording.
High frequencies are delivered with real finesse and sparkle, but never in what would be thought of as bright or forward presentation. This is quite different to many loudspeakers designs today and the Ophidian’s unique voicing will allow long, relaxed, listening sessions.
Midrange was very expressive and realistic in tone and works over a wide frequency band. As the crossover frequency to the woofers is lower than most, they can deliver a more accurate bass reproduction. This means low frequencies are delivered with real texture, speed, and dynamic impact. The bass element is full bodied but very controlled.
The Voodoo’s driver integration and timing are first rate, and the overall level of transparency is exceptional even compared to competitive high-end brands at this price point.
Ophidian Voodoo in walnut or oak veneer finish, and custom paint colours £12000
Optional plinth with spikes £4000
Ophidian Voodoo in walnut
Ophidian Incanto - 3 way floor-standing speakers
This is the latest evolution of the award winning, Evolution P3 mid-sized floor-stander. The technology from the former model is combined with that from the flagship Voodoo speakers. The sound can be considered a mini-Voodoo in style and voicing.
The Incanto has a smaller sized cabinet than the Voodoo which will make for easier placement where size can be a factor. However, the sound is much larger than the cabinet size would suggest.
The triple 175mm aluminium woofers from the Dayton Audio high-end driver series offer superb dynamics and real speed of transients. As with the Voodoo, the midrange (a 50 mm dome in this case) also runs over a wide frequency range, meaning a lower crossover frequency to the woofers, allowing them to deliver on the job they are designed for. This is aided by Ophidian’s unique AEROFLEX bass system.
The light mass of the midrange Dayton Audio dome offers accurate tone, speed, and clarity. This crosses over at a higher frequency than usual, to the same SEAS 22 mm tweeter as found on the Voodoo. This allows the midrange to cover the critical range our ears are sensitive to, allowing for a more correct presentation. As with all Ophidian speakers, the high frequencies are delivered with both a smooth and natural presentation allowing long listening sessions without fatigue.
Soundstage and imaging are excellent, brimming with micro-dynamics and textural information that allows for real expression from vocals and instruments alike. As with the Voodoo, the holographic soundscape has a true depth; the stage appears from way outside the speaker cabinets whilst delivering a very solid centre image. The sound quality is above the asking price and represents excellent value for money.
Ophidian Incanto in walnut or oak veneer finish, and custom paint colours: £6000
Ophidian Incanto in walnut
Ophidian M-Series loudspeakers
We will be reporting on these models in due course.
Ophidian Minimo 2 £1100
Ophidian Mojo 2 £1400
Ophidian Mambo 2 £2000
You may be interested in our other loudspeakers
Visit our demonstration room
4 Zephyr House Calleva Park | Aldermaston | Berkshire RG7 8JN
Demonstrations by appointment Monday – Saturday: 10:00am to 6:00pm.
Telephone or Zoom consultations are available and can be booked at mutually convenient times
