ophidian minimo 2 speakers
While larger in size to the original Minimo, the new Minimo 2 stands less than 21cm tall, barely an inch taller than a DVD case. But don't let this compact speaker fool you - it is a surprisingly capable little speaker that produces an image size and bass depth that belies its ultra-compact dimensions.
Much of the magic is in it's crossover design and Aeroflex technology, which allows the cute little Minimo 2 to perform way beyond its tiny size, which can only be appreciated in the flesh. The Minimo 2 is ideal for those tight on space, but still want a high quality loudspeaker.
Many small speakers try hard to impress, but fall flat when it comes to producing a balanced frequency response. Not so the Minimo 2.
The Minimo uses a 27mm Sonolex coated soft dome HF unit, and a long throw 115mm mid/bass driver. The advantage of such a small mid/bass driver is its speed, producing tight bass lines with control that is more in line with high end loudspeakers. I've heard speakers costing thousands that can't match their pace and control, and both of those qualities ultimately affect clarity. As bass quantity isn't their main goal, they come across as much more naturally balanced than most other sub £1,000 speakers.
Ophidian's Aeroflex technology is designed to do a similar job to a conventional loudspeaker port - produce extended bass from a small cabinet - but it does so without the side effects. Reflex ports usually produce a highly turbulent flow of air, which can produce noise, and also drastically change the bass depending on its proximity to the wall. Place your hand over an Aeroflex port and you'll hardly feel a thing. This allows the Minimo 2 to be placed near to walls without all the negative issues, making it a very flexible little speaker that could even be placed successfully on bookshelves, making it a genuine bookshelf speaker - very few speakers touted as a bookshelf will actually work in that scenario.
The cabinets of the Minimo 2 are built and crafted in England, and available in a oak or walnut real wood veneer finish. The cabinet is constructed of plywood as it possess better vibration damping qualities over the often used MDF. A real wood veneer is then applied to the cabinet to provide a high quality finish.
The previous Minimo had no grille, but the new model comes with a magnetic grille, which helps keep the non-grille look clean and free from ugly holes.
