Chesky Audio unveils the LC1 speaker

David Chesky is a well-known figure in the realm of high-fidelity audio. His label, Chesky Records, is a prominent presence in the collections of numerous audiophiles, whether in vinyl or CD format. It is common to observe that the children of prominent athletes, musicians, or movie stars often pursue similar paths. However, this is not always the case.

Lucca Chesky is the son of David Chesky, a prominent record executive and musician who transitioned into loudspeaker design at the age of 17. The narrative unfolds with Lucca returning home from a summer research initiative at Princeton University’s Applied Acoustics Lab, where he had the opportunity to study under Professor Edward Choueiri. While Choueiri may not be widely recognized, he is the principal developer of BACCH DSP, a sophisticated tool for stereo 3D imaging and binaural audio processing that is gaining traction in the industry.

Leveraging his newly acquired expertise in anti-resonance materials, Chesky Jr. swiftly devised a plan. With his father’s support, Lucca utilized 3D printing technology to create a prototype cabinet. It is said that Sandy Gross, co-founder of the speaker brands Polk, Definitive Technology, and Goldenear Technology, also contributed valuable insights regarding the choice of drivers and crossover components.

Lucca’s inaugural product, now referred to as the LC1 Bookshelf Monitor, showcases a compact design that the newly established company claims features an innovative cabinet construction, ensuring pristine sound output free from interference. The cabinet occupies less than one cubic foot and is described by the designer as exceptionally inert and acoustically dead. It incorporates premium components, including Silver Solder, Solen Film Capacitors, and high-grade audiophile internal wiring, all meticulously bonded with silver solder to facilitate the clearest signal transmission.

The system is enhanced by two 8-inch fluid-coupled subwoofers, tuned as a transmission line, which significantly improve bass performance, allowing for deeper sound reproduction than typical speakers of this size. A 6.5-inch bass/midrange driver with a polypropylene cone manages the midrange frequencies, while a 1-inch wide-dispersion dome tweeter, featuring anti-diffraction technology, takes care of the high frequencies.

The specified frequency response ranges from 50 Hz to 20 kHz, with the LC1 exhibiting a sensitivity of 83 dB (2.83 Volts / 1 meter). The dimensions of the LC1 are 25.4 x 20.32 x 25.4 centimeters (DWH), and each unit weighs approximately eight kilograms. Assembly is conducted manually in the USA.

Sales are presently conducted via the Chesky Audio website, with each unit priced at just below $500. The LC1 model is also offered in Metallic Red and Metallic Bronze color options, priced at $625 each. Currently, the estimated delivery time is a minimum of four to six weeks.