Opal-Class Designs

Lenard Opal-Class systems are designed to the boundary of what is technically possible in audio design. This is the system that sets the reference for the Lenard Audio Application Standards© and all other Lenard system designs. Our entire range of designs are either scaled up or scaled down versions of the Black Opal benchmark reference. It is the Opal-Class that achieves the highest ratings for all of the Lenard Audio Application Standard’s© key attributes and therefore from which all other systems are measured against.

All Opal-Class systems are fully 4-way active, achieving full-fidelity* and transparency. This maintains complete realism of the original performance.

The spectral energy can replicate the power of real instruments providing complete clarity and detailed separation, as though the musicians are actually present. The effect is a virtual 3D experience.

Only a 4-way active system can achieve full-fidelity by providing a flat frequency response across the entire (human) audible frequency spectrum (20Hz – 20kHz). The Opal-Class of systems can replicate this full dynamic range without limitation.

The scale of the Black Opal is a result of form following function. To determine the performance reference for the design, the system was built in relational scale to the instruments it is replicating. For a sound system to reference realism it must adhere to physics and the science of amplification. Otherwise, listening to a sound system is like trying to watch a movie that shows a green sky and an orange sea, but you are expected to believe it is realistic.

All Opal systems come standard with solid state amplification and internal crossovers included. Valve/tube amplifiers can be added for the nostalgic and those who attain to a sweeter, warmer sound.

*Full-fidelity refers to a quality level for audio above what is typically expected from high-fidelity. We make this distinction with the aim to demonstrate the extent to which the full audible frequency spectrum is properly reproduced with 4-way active design. It is only by properly reproducing the full audible frequency spectrum that realism of sound can be genuinely achieved.

Black Opal

Opal

Overview

Black Opal cabinet structures can be arranged to suit various applications & environments. These variations do not influence the neutrality/transparency of music reproduction.

Black Opal systems can be made from any durable cabinet material.

The Classic Black Opal system cabinets are crafted from the finest Australian hardwoods. The exponential horns are CNC machined from solid 100 year old redgum.

This system comes equipped with solid state amplifiers and internal crossovers. Valve/tube amplifiers can be added on request.

Please contact us for sales and demonstration enquiries.

Specifications

The details below are per speaker stack. Systems are provided in stereo pairs.

The crossover points are typically set to:

  • Tweeter - 6kHz to 20kHz for the harmonics
  • Horn - 800Hz to 6kHz for the upper voice/mid
  • 12in - 100Hz to 800Hz for the lower voice/mid
  • 15in - 20Hz to 100Hz for the bass
  • Electronics
    • Class D amplifiers
    • 4-way electronic crossover Linkwitz-Riley 4th order
  • Inputs
    • RCA x 2 for slaving
    • XLR male balanced - XLR female balanced
    • Signal from CD payers, Computers, iPhones, Pre-amps, Mixing consoles
  • Speakers
    • Ribbon tweeter
    • 2in compression driver with horn
    • 12in flared cabinet
    • 2 x 15" front loaded
  • Dimensions
    • Height 1640mm (64in)
    • Width 600mm (24in)
    • Depth 600mm (24in)
    • Mass 100kg (220lb) per stack

Controls

The controls for the system are easily accessible on the solid state amplifier block. Levels are independently controlled for each active speaker. Calibration of the system allows you to set the levels for the acoustic environment and your enjoyment of the music. This is personal and simple to perform.

Standard Opal Controls

Custom Opals

Overview

Lenard Custom Opal systems are designed and developed to meet the specific desires of the client but always created to achieve the limits of what is ultimately possible in sound reproduction. Custom Opals are ideal for specialised domestic, home theatre and private environments. They represent the ultimate of what can be achieved to satisfy the most discerning music lovers and those who just want the best!

The system shown in this section is an example of a commissioned audiophile Opal system with 27 inch bass speakers. Yes, you read it correctly, 27 inch bass speakers!

With a passion for music with deep sub-harmonic bass, our client was aiming to re-live a childhood experience and to bring back fond memories and feelings from a special time in his life. The challenge was great; not only for us to find a way to provide this experience but also for our client who wanted to exceed the limits of his imagination and and work with us to make this happen.

Sub-harmonics can reach below 16.4Hz so finding a way to faithfully reproduce the depths of notes created on these wave lengths was our first challenge. Our second challenge was to keep the cabinet design within the limits of the space available.

The resolution was to use specially sourced 27" bass speakers and a cabinet structure design to fit within the room corners, limiting the consumption of living space. The system height is designed to fit floor to ceiling 2.5m or 8ft.

Each speaker structure is made up of 3 cabinets. Two bass cabinets, one inverted on top of the other and a 3-way centre cabinet that fits within the two bass cabinets. The centre cabinet can be rotated 180dgs, allowing the mid horn to be adjusted to the correct listening height for the environment.

These particular custom cabinets were painted with Mercedes metallic-grey auto duco to meet the clients specifications. However, custom systems can be designed in a range of materials and/or finishes to meet the clients' desires.

p>This system was provided with two specially developed Valve (tube) Towers. Each tower contains 5 x 100 Wall ultra-linear valve amplifiers. The amplifiers are modulated vertically. There is a separate amplifier for each speaker.

Lenard Custom Opal systems can be made in a range of sizes and finishes and to suit any environment, application and architectural design.

This particular system was reviewed by Stephen Dawson from Australian Hi Fi Magazine in the March/April 2007 edition.

Custom Opal Custom Opal