Chane L Series Interest Thread and List

[Chane M&C]

Update: The crossover team was out all last week so we didn't make much progress on the final units although this coming week could put us back on the right path and get this final element signed off. I'm excited to be nearing the end of development and getting this sound into your hands. As you'd expect we have a half dozen parties interested in doing early evaluations and reporting their findings. Based on what I heard putting this first set of six models together (the seventh was pushed into a slightly different program*) nobody wants to be at that stage more than I do.

For those of you considering the A line, I have to report that they remain a deeply competitive series; maybe too competitive. You know the L line has larger and more expensive models as well as different design goals, but the A line compares exceptionally well. I say that as the only guy who's heard the incoming new A1.5 and its stepped-up soundstage and scale, but all the A models acquit themselves well by comparison to new Chane stuff I suspect will itself stand against - and probably surpass - some regarded flagship models out in the field in areas like focus and definition. I'm not speculating as much as that sounds: There are specific technical reasons for such a positive distinction.

*Still in the offing are a good dozen other proven model concepts - all of them at least the sophistication and cost - of the L line. Being a small company we have to sneak up on them in sets of four or six because that's how our factories like to work. I've said before that much of the last three or four years has gone into developing the contrasting benefits of large scale economies and small batch supply. As unusual as that combination is we're all committed to it.

That's it for now. More to come as it happens. Thanks for your very kind patience.

[bluemoon]

When will we hear more about the non L speakers which appear to be a horn type speaker? It could sway my purchase decision between the two different types of speakers based on further info.

[Chane M&C]

When will we hear more about the non L speakers which appear to be a horn type speaker? It could sway my purchase decision between the two different types of speakers based on further info.

As soon as production progresses just to the point we have a firm schedule and all the associated web materials (much of which is already written). Once there's nothing between us and any of this new product we'll take it live. Thanks for asking because this all exciting stuff.

[bluemoon]

Thanks Jon
I've been following these developments since the inception of the l series and will wait to see what transpires.

[VinylDreams]

Please add me to the list for a pair of L7's

[Chane M&C]

This is an example of a Chane crossover; this one from an A series model. Note the heavy-gauge inductors. The green resistors are special audio-grade units - they're in the tweeter's signal path - and the black capacitor in the back - also in the treble signal path - is well above the usual all-yellow Mylars a lot of brands use.




































We're in the process of producing these same sorts of units, at the same quality level, for the L models (as well as some other things). I thought we were good to go a few weeks ago but as you can see, there are always a few more things to finish.

[tfrecka1]

Speaking of the A line, any updates on the A6.4? Have you been able to work on it while waiting on the L models?

[Chane M&C]

Speaking of the A line, any updates on the A6.4? Have you been able to work on it while waiting on the L models?

Thanks for asking: The A6.5 (we're bumping it into the .5 family) lacks only the crossover. Samples are underway and crossovers will be designed in July, with production thereafter.

The completed A4.5 onwall design produces first, then the A6.5. (The A line production channel is well in place so things happen faster here, at least once a design has been approved.)

The A6.5 has two 6.5" woofers in front-ported bass reflex, flanking the 5.25" mid and planar treble section from the A5. It measures 530mm in horizontal width, and 260mm in both height and depth. Its nominal impedance is 8 ohms, and its bandwidth is roughly the same as the SplitGap 5.25" A models.

There'll be a new A6.5 product page as soon as we complete these steps.

[Chane M&C]

Quick update, folks: Production engineering has all of the first six approved designs and is making the usual small adjustments that happen between original prototypes and final production. We'll see if and when they come back with a final report on X or Y element of the whole cycle, but having done this more than a few times we know where we need to be - we're not reinventing anything at this phase and production could theoretically start up today.

This puts us on the cusp of production but it doesn't guarantee an element or two won't yet creep into the mix for final ironing out. But all the front end work is done - pages and pages of it - and all that's left is scheduling and go time. And as always, you'll all be the second to know ... about ten minutes after we do at Chane. We want to announce even more than you want to hear it so we've no cause to hold back.

Of course, the view from 40,000 feet remains the same: long ago I decided that long term gains were best served by using Big Brand methods on ongoing small batch production - get all the benefits of value and consistent quality but in the more local, bespoke style of multi-model development. As it turns out it works well but it takes forever for the tail to wag that dog. Fortunately it also involved really raising the tech bar, meaning we also gained a good degree of performance. (Incidentally, some of this stuff actually goes back to back-of-napkin concepts from 2001. The basics work; all you need is 100% agreement from every aspect of the supply and demand-side structure.)

On that note, the assembly, packaging, and fulfillment team here in the US impresses me daily. They're looking at all this too, salivating, and it falls to me to fill that demand as well as that of Chane's customers. They've about 1200 high end drivers on hand already, some of which go into a few things I've promised to talk about at the right time. One of them I'll relate in about six posts in this forum, in plenty of time for you to consider your options. I'm very enthused about it and can't wait to get into it, new product channels on the main site included. Here again, you'll be the second to know, a figurative ten minutes after we have ignition.

I think you'll find all this pretty high up on the value-performance scale. I just need providence to smile on it all and nudge it forward as planned. I think it's neat when you can do something you love just because it fulfills the sound you'd been reaching for...

[kabin]

Did I mentioned I'm looking forward to the L's? :) Hope it gets a production green light before too long. I suspect I also need to step up my subwoofer in the near future so I'm keeping an eye open for those rumored new Chane subwoofers.

[Chane M&C]

Did I mentioned I'm looking forward to the L's? :) Hope it gets a production green light before too long. I suspect I also need to step up my subwoofer in the near future so I'm keeping an eye open for those rumored new Chane subwoofers.

Sorry I've been MIA lately; I'm looking for that good news that we're making stuff soon. The eighth new design finishes up this week, and I need the factory to start sending us piles of new stuff...

[Chane M&C]

A quick note, which cheers me more than I can say: A member of the list emailed over the weekend to say that a serious medical condition he feared would prevent him participating in the L project has gone into remission. I just replied.

I'm so happy to hear this, and what a way to start the week. Those of us with medical concerns know very personally what that weight is like, even if it resolves itself. I'm sure I speak for at least a few of us.

Welcome back, friend.

I just noticed that the two L series threads have received nearly 140,000 views, way over here in our tributary of the audio Internet. Our Chane man is in the factory later this week to oversee setting things moving, after which, when it's fully in control, I'll announce a few things. I've been really looking forward to this - please remember that when we know, you'll all know.

We do this for the idealism. For the sound, and to offer a real difference. That doesn't mean it's easy or, in this case, even close to speedy, but in the end it's all a deliberate, methodical journey to a good thing.

PS: Let me add a less positive note, one I've been putting off for what will become obvious reasons. Some people won't understand that camaraderie and ideal; the joy of music and cinema like this. Put bluntly, we've been subject to various slanders by the usual suspects over time. When you violate a popular running narrative on sound and value - when you exceed expectations and end up the preferred option as many times as we have over the last decade - someone out there will say things they shouldn't. It happens. It's a big place.

If you encounter a particular narrative out there saying some rather aggressive things against Chane under the guise of concerned speculation it's actually falsehood. Maybe it's a case of mistaken identity - these minor audio celebrities clearly have no experience with Chane and we've never met or spoken - but apparently some folks can't grasp that free speech has limits, and that one is defamation. Just know that if you happen to encounter it, it's wrong. It's sloppy, reckless, and mean-spirited.

I've got a better idea. Let's celebrate our friend's joyous recovery...and imminent good sound.

And as always, I'll update the threads with product news the moment I can. Thank you for being here and for your generous interest.

[Spidacat]

The quickest way to quiet critics is to get the speakers into our hands. :) :D Once some fresh reviews get out there I doubt there will be anything to worry about. If you provide some test speakers and perform strong as in previous shoot outs what could they say then?

I guess smilies aren't working - there was supposed to be a big grin after the first sentence.

[Chane M&C]

The quickest way to quiet critics is to get the speakers into our hands. :) :D Once some fresh reviews get out there I doubt there will be anything to worry about. If you provide some test speakers and perform strong as in previous shoot outs what could they say then?

I guess smilies aren't working - there was supposed to be a big grin after the first sentence.

Indeed. The Internet is a big place and eventually brings all things. In this case it sounds like Chane is being conflated with another entity entirely. Audio is also subjective and it attracts some partisans - certain minor after-guards circulate content that is simply defamatory, and worse. They themselves naturally remain ignorant of what they wish to remain ignorant of. If you encounter it, the team knows of it and I felt the time was right to suggest that our public should too. Because it's wrong.

More importantly, studio photography of models L7, L6, L3c, L3, two models X, and the first wave of subs is upcoming, in installments - folks can ask for dates but I don't have them yet so stuff will just appear. We just got excellent news and that was part of it, which I'm happy to report. It's exciting, and now that we're on-site to oversee, things are also moving well.

The values, the tech, and the design elements we've been able to include are, if I may say, outstanding. Randomly pick, say, the L3c, a 6.5" MTM two-way. I doubt anyone will see this one coming, sound-wise. And then the mystery models and so on. Other premium stand monitors are going to prototype phase, as are premium bass systems. Again, when we know, you'll know.

At some point I think we'll reinstall a skunkworks forum in which to post the product and tech particulars- there will be a fair amount of it.

I'll get the smiley thing looked into. Probably a switch somewhere in vBulletin...

[1st Time Caller]

Jon
I am happy I have not seen any of that kind of crap posted anywhere and you know most of us will vigorously defend you and Chane. I also agree once the speakers hit the channel and people can hear and live with the new speakers all the chatter will be a new narrative of how great they are and we hate that the supply chain ran out so fast. My biggest fear is you will release the 6 and 7 the 3rd week of sept and I will be in Europe not coming home until oct. If I could order and pre pay now I would but I know you wont release and do pricing until all is ready. Now if you tell us there will be a choice of finishes that would be another bid smiley. (you know I am partial to a chetry rose wood)