OPERA CALLAS DIVA SPECIAL EDITION PADOUK

A three-way floor-standing speaker designed to reproduce the tonal characteristics of the Grand Callas in a more versatile configuration, also suitable for medium-sized and smaller rooms. Its acoustic architecture combines an 8-inch woofer, a 7-inch midrange driver and a natural rear-firing dipole radiation system, which helps enhance the perception of space and depth in the soundstage while keeping the direct sound clearly defined.

The cabinet is handcrafted from MDF and curved plywood, featuring a reinforced structure with front panels up to 50 mm thick and a series of internal bracing elements designed to control vibrations. The total internal volume of 60 litres is divided between a 54-litre chamber dedicated to the woofer and a separate sealed enclosure for the midrange driver. The internal surfaces are designed to reduce turbulence and resonances, while the midrange chamber incorporates high-efficiency damping materials to minimise unwanted internal reflections.

The natural dipole configuration employs two rear-firing tweeters, which contribute to the diffusion of the reflected sound field and the creation of a three-dimensional soundstage. The driver system also includes a 1-inch Scan-Speak tweeter, free of ferrofluid and equipped with a double decompression chamber, together with an 8-inch long-throw woofer dedicated to low-frequency reproduction.

The crossover network uses selected components, including Mundorf capacitors, MOX resistors and OFC copper inductors. The circuits dedicated to the tweeters and the mid-bass section are separated to minimise interference, while the auxiliary dipole system features an independent crossover that allows adjustment of the crossover point and attenuation of the rear radiation.

The Special Edition introduces a series of construction and aesthetic improvements over the standard version. The Padouk finish, initially characterised by a coral-red hue, naturally develops towards greyish-brown shades over time. The hardness and stability of this wood contribute to the construction of a durable cabinet, while the handcrafted finish enhances its distinctive aesthetic qualities.

The glass top panel is replaced by a 5 mm aluminium plate engraved with the model name. The rear panel also features a new aluminium connection plate designed to accommodate the updated connectors. Internal wiring is carried out using AudioQuest cables featuring Long Grain Copper (LGC) conductors in a semi-solid concentric configuration. This geometry keeps the conductors in a stable position and limits mutual interactions, while the copper structure reduces the presence of impurities and grain boundaries.

The rear bass-reflex system offers three operating configurations: open, closed or mixed. This flexibility allows the response to be adapted to the characteristics of the room and the positioning of the speakers, providing control over the balance of the low frequencies. The shaped front panel and the positioning of the woofer close to the floor also facilitate acoustic integration and allow for relatively near-field listening. A minimum distance of 10 cm from the rear wall is recommended.

The frequency response extends from 30 Hz to 25,000 Hz, with a sensitivity of 90 dB and a nominal impedance of 4 Ohms. Maximum power handling reaches 240 W, while the recommended amplifier power starts at 10 W, making the speaker compatible with relatively low-powered amplifiers, including certain valve amplifier configurations.

Technical specifications:

• Type: Three-way floor-standing speaker with rear bass-reflex and rear-firing dipole radiation system
• Finish: Padouk
• Tweeter: 25.4 mm Scan-Speak 9700, free of ferrofluid and featuring a double decompression chamber
• Midrange: 177.8 mm driver with re-cooked polypropylene cone and phase plug
• Woofer: 203.2 mm long-throw driver
• Frequency response: 30 - 25,000 Hz (-3 dB)
• Sensitivity: 90 dB (2.83 V/1 m)
• Nominal impedance: 4 Ohms
• Minimum impedance: 3.2 Ohms
• Maximum power: 240 W without clipping
• Recommended amplifier power: From 10 W
• Crossover frequencies: Approx. 200 Hz / 2,000 Hz
• Bass-reflex system: Configurable as open, closed or mixed
• Cabinet: MDF and curved plywood; front panel up to 50 mm thick
• Internal volume: 60 litres; 54 litres dedicated to the woofer
• Midrange enclosure: Separate sealed chamber
• Crossover network: Mundorf capacitors, MOX resistors and OFC copper inductors
• Internal wiring: AudioQuest with Long Grain Copper (LGC) semi-solid concentric conductors
• Positioning: At least 10 cm from the rear wall
• Dimensions: 116 x 37 x 53.5 cm (H x W x D)
• Weight: 65 kg each, including metal base