The Whamodyne files - ancient Bottlehead history

[Doc B]

Here's a link to our early experiments with cost effective efficient speakers for low powered tube amps. We've learned a lot since those days, but it's still interesting reading.

http://www.bottlehead.com/valve/whamodyne%20files/whamo.html

 

[Keim]

I built these speakers, and still use them.  They were easy to build, inexpensive and sound great.  In fact, people are amazed by the sound quality.  Very low WAF.

 

[Tubejack]

I have a full complement of the ORIGINAL specified Whamodyne woofers, mids (I think I have 10, but need to confirm), and tweets which I purchased in 1997-98 in original boxes.  Too many projects, not enough time.  My workshop is in the environmentally controlled part of my house, where they have been stored, so no attic or basement effects - perfect as the day they were received.  With Doc's permission to post, I would like to offer them to a Bottlehead who will actually built a full Whamodyne system; for $150+shipping, from 79912.  Pls send me a PM if interested.

Note: I am traveling so it won't be possible to ship until 1st week Nov, if interested.

/jack

 

[cspirou]

I built these speakers, and still use them.  They were easy to build, inexpensive and sound great.  In fact, people are amazed by the sound quality.  Very low WAF.

I realize I am answering this 5 years later. But doesn't a low WAF mean that your wife doesn't like them? Aren't you suppose to aim for a high WAF?

 

[Grainger49]

Gaël,

Dan's wife is "Queen Eileen" queen of Bottlehead.  She is into music, electronics, tubes and has been known to build a kit herself.  Not your average wife.  Neither is my wife, average.

 

[cspirou]

@Grainger

My post was not about Dan but about Keim, who I quoted directly. Also I wasn't questioning what various interests our wives have but rather on his use of the term WAF itself.

 

[Brent]

Gaël,

I don't think there is a discrepancy here: the speakers sound good but may not look good in your living room. Kim wasn't selling them, he was just describing them. As to whether you're "supposed" to aim for high WAF, that's up to the individual I guess.

Brent

 

[Keim]

I realize I am answering this 5 years later. But doesn't a low WAF mean that your wife doesn't like them? Aren't you suppose to aim for a high WAF?

Much like you were slow in asking the question, I am slow in answering.  Yes-Wife Acceptance Factor.  In my case my wifes opinion of the looks of the speaker was not important.  They are in the basement, where I decorate. 

On another note-I still use these speakers.  Just started bi-amping them using a minidsp 2x4hd and a Harman Kardon amp.  They respond REALLY well to bi-amping.

 

[Llewellen]

Reading through the archives brought back a lot of fond memories of the "good old days" when Valve was published in hard copy.

I still have a full compliment of drivers and tweeters in original boxes, and a set of fully dimensioned drawings that I did for the Whampipes.

However, I couldn't find dimensions for the original Superwhamodyne and sub, which I'm thinking I might finally build up.  Anyone have them or know where to find them?  Thanks.

 

[Keim]

I have them somewhere.

 

[Llewellen]

@keim:  If you can remember where you put them and either post or forward them, that would be great and much appreciated.  Thanks.

 

[Doc B]

It's in the VALVE archive, May 1996. Wow, I hadn't looked at the Whamodyne files in years. Not the best sounding speakers I ever did, but they looked pretty cool, and as I reflect on that era, they were somewhat instrumental in introducing me to people in the recording industry

https://s3.amazonaws.com/VALVE_Archive/VALVE_1996.zip

If you like those, you should hear the speakers we are working on now. They contain about four generations of improvements in our knowledge base. We're demoing them today at the DIY meet at Bottleheadquarters.

 

[Llewellen]

Thanks Doc.  It was s very long time ago that I heard the Whamodynes so I'm not quite sure what I remember of their sound  :  I do have the complete component kit (that didn't sell on ebay) so that's what prompted me to think about building them up.

I haven't seen a link to your new design but would be very interested.  Unfortunately, I won't be in WA state today so won't be able to hear them.  Where can I find them on your site?  Thanks and regards.

 

[Pfenning]

Does anyone have the build instructions for these? I have all the components to build a set, I just need the cabinet plans, wiring diagram, and crossover diagram. I’d like to gift these to a young man that is getting interested in speaker building and hifi. It would be a great project for him at a very low cost to build.

 

[Paul Birkeland]

Is this what you're looking for?
https://web.archive.org/web/2013051...e/whamodyne files/superwhamodyne articles.PDF

 

[Pfenning]

Hi Paul, yes, that’s a good start. Is there any more information available on the crossover and wiring diagram?

 

[Paul Birkeland]

There's a crossover design and wiring diagram in that PDF.

 

[Pfenning]

Hi Paul, thank you for the information. For some reason, my phone was not pulling up the whole document, just the first page. I was able to access the entire document on my desktop. Thank you!!