Fyne Audio, located in Scotland, has introduced its latest Vintage Classic Gold Special Production series at the High End audio fair in Munich in May 2024. During the announcement, it was stated that deliveries would commence at the end of 2024. The four models within the Vintage Classic Gold SP series are now available for purchase, prompting us to revisit these exceptional speakers.
Fyne Audio’s new gold standard?
The Vintage Classic Gold SP series was presented by Fyne Audio at the High End show in Munich as a speaker that transcends traditional genres. The brand emphasizes that head designer Dr. Paul Mills aimed to create the finest sounding speaker within a cabinet design reminiscent of the golden age of hi-fi. While this suggests a nostalgic view of the past, we can overlook that assertion. Although the design of the Vintage Classic Gold SP product line evokes a sense of nostalgia, the manufacturer has seamlessly integrated contemporary technology into the speakers. This fusion of retro aesthetics with modern performance is noteworthy.
The Roman numerals in the model name indicate the diameter of the coaxial driver in inches. The Vintage Classic Gold SP Series is available in IsoFlare driver sizes of 8, 10, 12, and 15 inches (VIII, X, XII, and XV, respectively). Each of these four models is equipped with a single multi-fibre paper LF cone, which is enclosed by Fyne’s innovative FyneFlute roller shroud. According to the designers, this unique rubber shroud effectively controls cone energy, reducing time fade and enhancing transient response.
Large ferrite magnet systems are used throughout the range, with rectangular copper voice coils over an aluminium die to aid heat dissipation during high volume operation. The motor assembly uses a copper shorting ring on the pole piece to reduce eddy current and stabilise the magnetic field.
Some technical elements have indeed been adapted from other Fyne Audio models. The compact Gold SP VIII derives much of its impressive sound quality from Fyne’s premier F1-8 standmount speaker. Central to its 8-inch IsoFlare driver is a 1-inch magnesium dome high-frequency transducer, which employs a ferrite magnet system along with a specially designed waveguide to facilitate optimal radial dispersion of high frequencies.
In contrast, the Gold X, XII, and XV SP models utilize high-frequency technology from the Vintage Series, featuring a 3-inch titanium dome compression tweeter powered by a substantial Neodymium magnet system. This configuration lowers the crossover frequency to an impressive 750Hz, enabling the high-frequency unit to effectively handle a significant portion of the critical midrange. The conductive properties of the large high-frequency magnet significantly reduce the inductive losses of the voice coil, leading to diminished distortion and an expanded frequency response.
Each model’s custom, hand-assembled crossover incorporates enhancements over its Classic Series counterparts, featuring high-performance metal-clad resistors and premium polypropylene capacitors from Claritycap. The internal wiring utilizes Neotech PC-OCC throughout the design. Following assembly, every Gold SP crossover is subjected to a specialized Deep Cryogenic Treatment process at Fyne’s facility, utilizing a unique methodology.
The updated cabinet design draws inspiration from the traditional “box” cabinet of the Classic Series, a style prevalent in hi-fi systems during the 1960s and 70s. The Gold SP has transitioned from particleboard to Fyne’s high-density birch plywood construction, offering superior damping and reduced coloration compared to particleboard.
Each cabinet is thoroughly reinforced and dampened to minimize internal reflections typically found in parallel-sided speaker designs. Furthermore, the cabinet incorporates an enhanced iteration of Fyne Audio’s downward-firing BassTrax tractrix-profile low-frequency diffuser system, which transforms bass energy into a 360-degree wave, ensuring an even distribution of bass throughout the space. The anticipated outcome is a speaker that achieves remarkable bass integration within the room, exhibiting significantly less sensitivity to placement compared to conventional rear-ported designs.
Adjustable sound
All models in the Gold SP range, similar to the Vintage Series, are enhanced with finely-tuned high-frequency Energy and Presence adjustments tailored specifically for each model. This feature enables listeners to customize RF energy boosts and presence enhancements by up to +/- 3dB within the frequency range of approximately 2kHz to 5kHz, allowing for optimal integration with the room, equipment, and personal preferences. These adjustments can be easily made using the anodized gold metal knobs located on the front panel.
Additionally, every Gold SP model is equipped with dual speaker terminals, allowing for optional bi-wiring, as well as Fyne Audio’s fifth ground connection. Each model showcases exquisite real walnut veneer and an anodized gold finish. The grilles are constructed from acoustically transparent material, similar to that used in the high-end range, and the Gold SP models come with M12 threaded floor spikes to ensure optimal coupling with the floor.
Prices
- Vintage Classic Gold VIII SP: $9,000 per pair
- Vintage Classic Gold X SP: $12,000 per pair
- Vintage Classic Gold XII SP: $14,500 per pair
- Vintage Classic Gold XV SP: $18,000 per pair
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