But perhaps the most interesting materials are found in the core panel elements themselves. The diaphragms are tensioned to frames machined from a hard, rigid resin material. Once the thin, transparent plastic diaphragm is evenly tensioned within its frame, the self-adhesive sheet with the voice coil cut into it is carefully applied to it. That complete assembly (diaphragm, frame and voice coil) then drops into a profiled recess machined into a CNCd ‘body’ panel, complete with wiring channels and a cut-out for the crossover. It’s a precision fit that creates a complex constrained layer construction, sandwiched between the metal face plates, with a second resin panel carrying the tweeter diaphragm. It also means that in the rare event of a damaged driver (invariably the result of physical insult – shipping damage or tiny fingers that should know better) a complete panel can be simply and quickly replaced, effectively a sealed unit. Like all isodynamic drivers, the Diptyques are almost indestructible when it comes to electrical abuse. The body panel that accepts the tensioned diaphragm/frame is itself sculpted from a special, locally produced, solid black MDF material. It might be hidden away inside the finished speakers, but it sure makes for funky looking parts!
The next step is to install the wiring and crossover into the recesses provided. Once the core is complete, the magnetic arrays, complete with their vertical felt ‘bumpers’ can be installed on either side to create a finished speaker baffle, just waiting for the installation of its feet and leather trim. It’s a modular process that allows Diptyque to offer customers a wide range of finish options, simply because the finished parts are the last pieces installed. It also allows them to offer the same flexible colour options right across the range – and that is unusual.
Talking of the range, the Company now produces five different models, stretching in price from €6,700 for the DP85, to €50,000 for the almost 2 metre/6’2” tall Reference Mk.II.In between lie the DP115 (€9,200), the DP140 Mk.II (€14,800) and the DP160 Mk.II (€22,900). One doesn’t have to have mystical powers of prediction to think that there might be plans for a model to fill the gap between the Reference and DP160, although the company refuses to confirm or deny any such suggestion…
Aside from offices and the design studio, the final space within the clean area is a combined QC zone and listening room. Every set of speakers is individually listened to and tested/measured before shipping. But the listening space also houses a complete system for assessing new developments or presenting existing products. In this case, DP160s and Reference IIs were paired, in turn, with a set of the fascinating Kora hybrid electronics, also built locally, just South of Toulouse. The modestly priced DAC 140 and PR140 line-stage were teamed with the huge (and hugely impressive) CSA 2120 stereo Class A amplifier to considerable musical effect. It’s safe to assume that products from both brands will be featuring in reviews later this year.
