[Oublie]

Don't know if this has been up before

Warwick Audio Technologies Ltd - Technology - Overview

"We have developed a new form of mid-range loudspeaker technology, the Flat Flexible Loudspeaker, FFL.

Using principles similar to ESL*, we have re-engineered the materials and electronics to bring the benefits of high quality audio to a wider marketplace. ESL is the technology of choice for the audio standardisation industry. To date, such speakers have been large, heavy and rigid constructions, requiring expensive amplification.

Using a unique combination of optimal acoustic materials, we have improved on established design fundamentals to bring the worlds first FFL to market."

Looks like it may be pretty low-fi though with limited bass.

 

[krmathis]

Yeah, its quite interesting indeed!

Some discussion in here as well: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/for...eakers-417666/

 

[Uncle Erik]

The only thing it seems to share with ESL is that they're both thin.

There have been a few "miracle" thin loudspeakers over the years, but nothing has caught on. What's troubling about this to me is that they're flexible. If they're folded or even bent, then the dispersion (at the very least) won't be optimal. They'd have to be in some sort of frame for proper imaging - look at how a listening room changes when you move a sofa a few feet.

 

[JaZZ]

Interesting design. Looks like electrostatics («...an electric field...») with a more massive membrane with holohedral mechanical damping and flexible one-sided electrode. Possibly the insulator (dielectric) serves for amplifying capacitance (like the electrolyte solution in capacitors).

It's not really well explained, though. They prefer to keep it mysterious.
.

 

[CodeToad]

One can only imagine what's to come with the re-engineering (and patenting thereof) of (all) materials through nanotech.

Speakers certainly could be better. Perhaps one day we'll look at the current state of things much like we look at Victrola's now.