Yamaha's Design Laboratory in Japan has been pushing the boundaries of speaker design with innovative prototypes that challenge traditional structures. The core concept behind these experimental speakers is to minimize unwanted sound reflections from the tabletop surface and enhance sound quality by directing sound upward. This approach has led to the creation of four distinct prototypes, each with a unique visual and auditory experience.
One of the most intriguing prototypes is the Sail Concept, which takes its inspiration from the way a sail moves on strings. The sail-like diaphragm is suspended by strings and moved through a dedicated control mechanism, allowing users to physically engage with sound tuning. This interactive experience is made possible by the use of ROHACELL, a closed-cell rigid plastic foam developed by Röhm in Germany (now Evonik Industries). ROHACELL offers superior mechanical strength, heat resistance, and thermoformability, making it an ideal material for speaker diaphragms.
Another prototype, the Butterfly Concept, embodies liberation from the conventional form of speakers and fixed listening positions. The butterfly-like structure minimizes sound reflections from the tabletop by placing the speaker units back-to-back facing a reflector, with only the upper section open. By adjusting the volume balance between the inner and outer chambers, the spatial spread and character of the sound can be altered.
The Horn Concept takes a different approach by using a horn form reminiscent of wind instruments. The driver is positioned midway along the horn, allowing sound to radiate toward the rear and add an ambient quality. This configuration creates a visual perception that sound is emerging from an empty void, leaving the opposite side open to space to create the surprising sensation that the origin of sound is ambiguous.
Finally, the Cristal Concept uses minimal manipulation of the simplest geometric forms to create an emotive figure reminiscent of a 'bird on a rock'. A slit-horn structure is employed, with only the upper section of the opposing speaker units left open. The diaphragm is made of ROHACELL with a metal sputter finish and is directly bonded to the enclosure without a surround, forming a sealed structure.
These prototypes showcase Yamaha's commitment to pushing the boundaries of speaker design and creating innovative solutions that offer both distinctive visual presence and novel auditory experiences. While these concepts may not yet be ready for mass production, they offer a glimpse into the future of speaker design and the potential for new and exciting ways to experience sound.
