Yamaha's Design Laboratory in Japan has reimagined the speaker form with a collection of experimental prototypes. The core concept behind these speakers is to minimize unwanted sound reflections from the tabletop surface and enhance sound quality by directing sound upward. This is achieved through unconventional arrangements of tweeters and woofers, breaking free from the traditional speaker structure. The four prototypes in the collection offer a unique experience, each with its own distinct design and approach to sound adjustment.
The Sail Concept is an interactive experience where a sail-like diaphragm is suspended by strings and moved through a dedicated control mechanism. This allows users to physically engage with sound tuning, offering a novel auditory experience. The diaphragm is made of ROHACELL, a closed-cell rigid plastic foam developed by Röhm in Germany (now Evonik Industries), which provides superior mechanical strength and heat resistance, making it ideal for speaker diaphragms.
The Butterfly Concept breaks free from conventional speaker form and fixed listening positions, embodied by a butterfly-like structure. By adjusting the volume balance between the inner and outer chambers, the spatial spread and character of the sound can be altered, offering a unique listening experience. The Horn Concept uses a horn form reminiscent of wind instruments, leaving the opposite side open to space to create an ambiguous origin of sound. With the Cristal Concept, minimal manipulation of the simplest geometric forms creates an emotive figure reminiscent of a 'bird on a rock'. Each prototype offers a distinctive visual presence and a novel auditory experience, challenging conventional speaker design and offering a fresh perspective on sound.
These speculative speakers by Yamaha move the diaphragm like a sail on strings, offering a unique and interactive sound experience. The Design Laboratory's approach to speaker form rethinks the traditional structure, inviting users to explore new dimensions of sound and design.
