Unveiling the Secrets of Sound Creation from AKM’s Audio Room
December 2024
Meister's Tutorial #03
The establishment of AKM’s new Audio Room in Shin-Yokohama brought with it two new pairs of high-fidelity audio loudspeaker systems. We interviewed Audio Meister Tomonori Sato to learn about the intentions behind the selection and installation of these speakers.
Tomonori Sato, Audio Meister
Marketing & Sales Center, Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation
Sato entered Asahi Kasei Corporation in 1998. Since then he has been involved in the development of ICs for audio equipment and internationally pioneered the planning of 32-bit DACs and ADCs. In 2009, he became the Audio Meister of Asahi Kasei Microdevices. Since then, he has brought into the world the VELVET SOUND series of DAC chips, including the AK4490, AK4497, and AK4499. They are used in numerous pieces of audio equipment. One of the recordings he uses to review sound quality is the 1988 Philips Saint-Saens: Carnival of the Animals performed by Argerich, Kremer and others. His hobby is making speakers and he uses an exclusive Fostex unit to listen through his own enclosures.
◆ Today, we’d like to hear more about the speakers in AKM's Audio Room.
What were the motivating factors behind the selection and installation of these two speakers?
Our primary focus is to accurately assess and convey the sound quality of our developed products to customers. When we evaluate the sound quality of our products, we always conduct relative assessments against a reference. Therefore, we needed speakers that can faithfully bring out the sound quality of our products. We selected a pair of Fostex Back Loaded Horn (BH) speakers, as well as a pair of Fostex 2-way bass-reflex speakers from Foster Electric Company, Limited.
◆ Why did you consider these two speaker sets to be the most suitable?
Let’s start with the BH speaker.
Our products are fine-tuned in terms of sound quality. To verify that our adjustments produce the intended results, we needed speakers capable of thorough evaluation. We chose the BH speaker with a full-range driver for two main reasons.
First, it has a simple electrical and magnetic circuit system, which enhances the differences in relative sound evaluations. Second, it is highly efficient and features very quick transient response. The unit we selected has an efficiency of 94.5dB (1m/1W), which highlights even the slightest differences in sound, allowing for more precise evaluations.
The simplicity of the system also allows for easy driver replacement, particularly of the super-tweeter. This feature supports the development of future audio meisters, who will undergo tests to achieve the sound quality I specify by swapping out the drivers.
◆ That’s interesting! So, it serves both evaluation purposes and the training of future Audio Meisters?
Exactly, but honestly, one of the main reasons is that I personally prefer the sound of full-range speakers. I like a more light and lively sound than a heavy one.
◆ Why did you also choose a 2-way bass-reflex speaker, then?
BH speakers are not mainstream for general audio listening, and some customers may not be accustomed to their sound. So, we also prepared a multi-way speaker option. While the BH speaker’s sound is great for analytical listening, we wanted something that allows for more relaxed, musical enjoyment.
The selected 2-way bass-reflex speaker excels in reproducing highly detailed sound fields. Additionally, the ease of switching between the two types of speakers, considering their weight, was an important factor. We worked closely with Fostex to select these speakers based on our requirements.
◆ Could you tell us more about your collaboration with Foster Electric Company?
They are excellent partners in our sound creation goals. Many of our team members use their products personally, attesting to their quality and ease of tuning. They generously shared their expertise in speaker handling and maintenance, broadening our knowledge. Being involved in the production process of the BH speaker was a valuable experience, reinforcing the importance of addressing physical vibrations in properly evaluating our products.
Construction of the Back Loaded Horn (BH) speaker enclosure
◆ I see that you consider the entire scope of acoustic factors in your evaluations.
What are your future plans?
We plan to continue leveraging the Audio Room for comprehensive sensory evaluations of AKM products. Our aim is always to deliver the highest-quality products to our customers, and we hope they look forward to our upcoming releases.
