Cheap Trick CT 231 Retro speaker with Visaton drivers as in Klang+Ton 3/07

CT 231 aus Zeitschrift K+T 2/2007
Technical data:
- size (HxWxD): 23.6 x 14.6 x 20.6 cm
- impedance: 6 Ohm
- sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 80 dB
- frequency range (-8dB): 50-25 000 Hz
- speaker type: 2 way bass reflex
The CT 231 is a small bass reflex speaker. Thomas Schmidt and Christian Gather chose the following drivers for this kit:
- Dayton ND20FA-6 dome tweeter
- the shielded Peerless SDS 106 TV bass driver

This kit is somehow reminiscent of the WA10 / Peerless CSC 10 combination that used to be very popular some time ago. The frequency response is almost flat, the distortion factor is low and the waterfall spectrum is – with the exception of some resonance between 700 and 800 Hz – quite well behaved.

Excerpt of the review in Klang+Ton 4/2007:
"The CT231 seemed to be a bit lost, after we had placed them on stands in the centre of our too large listening room. But this was just an optical impression. It took a few seconds of listening to realise what was actually happening: these small boxes filled this large room with such a rich sound that we were speechless. The sound balance was almost perfect, with dynamics that let us believe to listen to much bigger speakers than these 3 ½ litre cabinets, independent of music style. And without any doubt, this 10 cm peerless woofer is capable of producing real bass. Sure, it's not extreme low bass but it's also not a fat midrange suggesting a low bass. And yes, the CT231 shows real dynamics. There are certainly limitations, but they become noticeable much beyond normal usage. Listening to AC/DC's "Hells Bells" with eyes closed the speakers seemed to be much bigger. It would be quite difficult to find a matching subwoofer since bass is already quite potent and really not necessary for most occasions. Continuing our listening session we also learned to appreciate the more subtle qualities of these midgets. Imaging and positioning of instruments was a piece of cake while stage depth could be improved on, but then one should cough up bit more. And by placing the speakers carefully the sound characteristics could be emphasised. Bass is even stronger with the speakers closer to the walls. The sound is most linear and three-dimensional with the tweeters on the inside and the cabinets slightly angled towards the listener. Our extensive listening session was the biggest compliment for the CT231, and more an more participants entering our listening room certainly created a real Klang+Ton reviewing atmosphere." ...
Our kit consists of:

  • Dayton ND20FA-6 tweeter
  • Peerless SDS 106 TV bass driver
  • 1 bag polyester fleece
  • one HP 35 bass reflex tube
  • 2 binding posts
    gold plated brass
  • sealing tape
  • 6 PAN screws 3.5x17 mm
  • 1 metre loudspeaker cable 2x 1.5 mm2
  • the crossover components to be mounted on wood
    (on the right)
  • Klang+Ton building instruction
  • 1.2 mH air core coil/1.4 mm
  • 0.22 mH air core coil/0.71 mm
  • 0.33 mH air core coil/0.71 mm
  • 15 μF ELCO non-etched
  • 1.5 μF MKT capacitor
  • 5.6 μF MKP capacitor
  • 2.2 μF MKP capacitor
  • 3.9 Ohm MOX10 resistor (orange-white-gold)
  • 1.2 Ohm MOX10 resistor (brown-red-gold)
  • 4.7 Ohm MOX10 resistor (yellow-purple-gold)
  • 2.7 Ohm MOX10 resistor (yellow-purple-gold)

Price per CT 231 kit without cabinet per unit: - not available

Upon request a 150 x 115 mm universal PCB is available for mounting the crossover components.
Price per PCB EUR 4,70 excl. VAT: € 3.95 / $ 4.27

price / performance improvement

Even cheaper is our Kit with Mundorf core coil instead of air core coil in the low frequency path.

Price per CT 231 price/performance without cabinet per unit: - not available

Cheap Trick CT 231 with high-end components:

Only Mundorf MCAP's are being used in our high-end version;
all coils are Mundorf cfc (only the R2 is a back varnish air core coil).
the standard damping material is supported by wool.

Price per CT 231 high-end kit without cabinet per unit: - not available

Upon request a 150 x 115 mm universal PCB is available for mounting the crossover components.
Price per PCB EUR 4,70 excl. VAT: € 3.95 / $ 4.27

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