Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2007
I have heard these speakers at previous shows, in a variety of sized rooms, and my impressions varied between “definite potential” to “needs work”. This year the speakers were - finally - in a room large enough to allow them to breathe, and show what they are truly capable of.
The Cogents have effortless
dynamics and vanishingly low distortion; they make most of
the other speakers at the show, even many of the very
expensive ones, sound lifeless. Having heard these
speakers, one instantly understands why horn enthusiasm is
alive and well, even decades after this technology fell out
of favor in mainstream audio. I should add that I had an
opportunity to get to know the two main players behind
Cogent, Steve Schell and Rich Drysdale, as well as their
business colleague Jonathan Weiss, and found them to be
good-hearted, level-headed individuals with unbridled
passion for what they are doing. Kudios to these guys for
their outstanding efforts.
It was a real pleasure talking
with you at RMAF. I thoroughy enjoyed the sound of your
conical horns and was emotionally moved by the late period
Johnny Cash you were playing. The selections you played are
some I've been playing regularly the last few months.
As I told you at RMAF, out of respect respect for your
generous sharing of knowledge, I will be sending you a VTAF
(Vertical Tracking Angle on the Fly) for your SMe 3009 arm.
Images are attached. It will take some dexterity for you to
install it, but I'm sure you are not shy on that. By
isolating the tone arm form the arm board or plinth the
VTAF greatly improves the sonic performance of the arm. The
sliding adjustment for mounting distance is retained, but
uses a plate unique to the VTAF. It is a nicely integrated
system. This will ship some time in the coming week.
My partner in crime (Stephaen
Harrell) and I, here in Eastern Washington state, are
planning to build a full horn system for our clubhouse,
inspired by the Cogent system. Looks like it will be based
on Steve Schell's 35 Hz. J horn. We will be calling our
system the Po' Boy. We will use a home built version of
your 300 Hz conical horn.
From your writing I gather the RCA 1428B moving coil
drivers are extremely difficult to find, but that the RCA
permanent magnet theater drivers, like the MI-9584-A are a
little easier to find. If you have any suggestions please
advise.
I did not notice which driver you were using on your 300
Hz. horn at RMAF. It sounded wonderful. So did your 700 Hz.
horn, for which I also do not remember the driver. Perhaps
you could advise regarding which drivers were being used.
Yours,
Pete Riggle
Pete Riggle Engineering and Audio