Srajan, very interesting update on the Vox5 with the use of compressed cork for the top enclosure. I took a look at the embedded link to the Sonus faber model and the photos of its internals. I had never heard of this use for cork before but its properties outlined by Martin in your preview do read very useful for audio indeed. I just wonder about its strength when it's 85% air. Didn't I read in one of your Audio Physic reviews that they use foamed aluminium which has a similar solid-to-air index but as a metal is much stronger? Do we know how soon you will be able to get a pair of the Vox5 and report on your listening impressions? Looking forward to it. Best, Rainer
You have excellent recall, Rainer. Yes, Audio Physic have been using foamed aluminium as dividers, braces and liners for the same acoustical reasons though there seems to be a vital difference. Their metallic foam is actually hollow, i.e. the open areas form a connected matrix. The cellular structure of cork contains individually sealed air cells which don't connect to each other. That should change the exact mechanism by which these materials perform their acoustic functions. As for my samples, Martin expects to ship by early July. Srajan
