DIPTYQUE REFERENCE Panel Speakers; realism with a physical and expressive bass…
89 dB/W/m. This performance is unique for an isodynamic panel, when the category average is 86 dB/W/m. 3 dB better, this means a sound pressure that doubles from the same power (the measurement is carried out at 1 m with 1 W). This is a gain in dynamics and realism, and less demand on the amplifier while making it work in a zone of increased linearity. To achieve this remarkable result, the Montauban manufacturer pulled out all the stops. In addition to efficiency, emphasis is placed on spectral coverage and linearity; the bandwidth extends from 22 Hz to 24 kHz.
Gilles Douziech and Eric Poix relate it, the Reference were born in March 2020, during the first confinement: “in this suspended time, we dreamed of an ultimate speaker, without compromise, capable of restoring the entire spectrum of the infra- ultrasonic recording with all the naturalness, speed and transparency that only isodynamic technology allows. » As a sign from heaven, the two founders of Diptyque received the unexpected help of Philippe Teissier du Cros, renowned sound engineer, author of more than 1,500 records in the world of jazz and acoustic music, for labels such as No Format, Blue Label, etc.
As the two accomplices tell it, the specifications for the Diptyque Reference were born from passionate exchanges within this trio. By reviewing existing technical solutions, with a focus on the critical notion of sub-bass restitution, the main pitfall of a panel operating as a dipole. The sound wave evolving freely in front and behind the panel, an acoustic short circuit occurs at the lowest frequencies whose wavelengths reach several meters (15.45 m at 22 Hz).
From this challenge was born the Crossed Push pulla major technological innovation consisting of providing the 12 µm mylar membrane with a double coil, horizontal at the rear, vertical at the front. The reels are sets of flat aluminum ribbons glued directly to the membrane. With the corresponding magnetic bars, it is as if driven by hundreds of small square motors, so that the energy transmitted to the membrane is doubled between 20 Hz and 250 Hz. The low-midrange (250 Hz-700 Hz ) falls to the front coil. The high-midrange (700 Hz7 kHz) is entrusted to a long vertical mylar + coil speaker which measures 80 cm high for maximum energy and good dispersion, just like the ribbon tweeter which processes frequencies beyond of 7 kHz, i.e. a 3.5 channel configuration.
Each panel is made up of an assembly of eight MDF pieces forming a frame. Once assembled with the membranes, the panels are closed by stamped sheet metal cheeks, lacquered in a very varied choice of colors. The edge is covered with a leather seal and the panel rests on one side on an adjustable conical foot, on the other on a massive aluminum base hollowed out to contain the filter. A wheel allows you to adjust the inclination.
The finish of this Reference panel is remarkable in every way. In addition to aesthetics, the rigidity and stability are such that we never perceived any resonance or parasitic noise when listening to tracks played at very realistic levels, even though the bass could be felt physically without compression or dry cut.
But let’s return to the conditions of this listening which took place in the very premises of Diptyque in Montauban. The company (offices, workshops, stock and auditorium) occupies a former sports hall from the beginning of the last century where the “testing and listening” area extends over approximately 80 m² and is subject to extensive acoustic treatment (surfaces absorbent and reflective, diffusers on the sides). The system consisted of a pair of References powered by B.audio DAC/B.dac EX streamer electronics, B.amp mono mono blocks of 300 W at 8 Ω or 500 W at 4 Ω (the average impedance of the Diptyque Reference ), Esprit Lumina cables. In source, the designers chose to opt for a battery-powered NuPrime Stream mini network player (an optional smartphone battery), a choice so happy that we didn’t feel the need to return to it.
First excerpt, the voice of baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau performing the song “ Good night » from Schubert I pulled Winter trip (DG 2005 box set in CD quality): the expression “to give you the shivers” takes on real meaning here. The voice is – one expects it from a panel – inscribed in space, out of the frame, but it is also – one expects much less – vibrant, carnal, powerful, with surges of energy worthy of a liberated transducer, without this “braked and confined in a reduced space” side of lifeless speakers.
Even more astonishing is the behavior of these panels in transient mode and dispersion, creating a realistic and moving sound scene. As for the bass performance, this is a first on an isodynamic panel, to the point that the Reference can compete in instantaneous energy with hybrid panel + subwoofer systems equipped with a bass-reflex loaded boomer. In Nemeton by Matthias Pintscher, carried by the percussion of the Ensemble Intercontemporain (Alpha Classics), the Reference have rewarded us with one of the most beautiful listenings known to this oh-so-selective range, combining speed of execution, quality of timbres and instant energy .
This ability to reconcile these different parameters into a perfectly homogeneous whole constitutes the sound signature of these panels.
It is also a notable advance for this technology, which adds to the spatialization qualities inherent to the operating principle, energy capacities that we did not suspect. Note the obvious complementarity with the B.audio Reference electronics and with the Esprit cables. A great success to the credit of our two Algardian creators!
