Thumbnail Filmstrip of Clou Speaker Kit Images
Visaton Speaker Kit - Clou
Art. No. 5961
Visaton Clou - shown assembled with suggested cabinets, not supplied.
Characteristics and Sound Properties
The CLOU is a slim-line 2-band column speaker offering real value-for-money as a key feature, as shown in the choice of two WS 17 E - 8 Ohm for the low-to-medium frequencies and the SC 10 N - 8 Ohm for the higher frequency range. To guarantee balanced overall sound quality using these less-expensive drivers, the two mid-bass units are physically separated from each other and each has its own enclosure.
The lower WS 17 E - 8 Ohm is mounted in a 36-litre compartment. This produces a uniform increase in the frequency response from 60 Hz up to 600 Hz. The upper WS 17 E - 8 Ohm, on the other hand, is mounted in a smaller 16-litre compartment, which causes a slight increase in the range of frequencies between 60 Hz and 150 Hz. However, taken jointly, the two mid-bass units create a harmonious bass foundation which deliberately emphasises the frequencies between 60 Hz and 130 Hz.
To ensure a seamless transition between the tweeter and the bass drivers, you need a properly balanced damping circuit to cut out any unwanted peaks and resonance.
The result of this unusual combination of drivers and cabinet is a column speaker that has to be seen and heard to be believed and one which produces a sound quality well above its moderate price range.
Extract from Hobby HiFi 05/2008: In the editorial listening room, the Clou speakers demonstrated a convincing liveliness right from the start. They played everything from pop to jazz and classical music - anything our CD player offered them - in a bubbly, impulsive manner. But, at the same time, they remained unobtrusive and fully in control, even at maximum volumes. They coped effortlessly with even the most dramatic dynamic attacks. (...) Bass runs came across beautifully clearly. (...) Voices were reproduced as realistically and three-dimensionally as possible, and were easily differentiated even with complex choral recordings. (...) An excellent speaker, this Clou. So much loudspeaker for so little money -...- you do not find offers like this often, and, if you do, you never get this sound quality. A real insiders' tip.
Press Extract from Audio 2: The Clou speakers are one hundred per cent fun. The subtle emphasis on bass frequencies and the slightly subdued medium range presence give these speakers a pleasant, well-balanced, smooth tonality which is bound to be a hit with the intended target group. Extracting a solid 50 Hz from an enclosed cabinet is quite a feat. During our tests, we could not resist the temptation of trying the system to its limits and opted for Ramstein's "Engel". Not a hope. The speakers remained totally under control and non-invasive, but delivered a fair share of dynamism. So, if you want to get clued up, get yourself the Clou. .
Technical Specifications
Rated power | 120 W |
Maximum power | 180 W |
Nominal impedance Z | 4 Ohm |
Frequency response | 38-20000 Hz |
Mean sound pressure level | 82 dB (1W/1m) |
Cut-off frequency | 3200 Hz |
Principle of Housing | Closed |
Net volume | 36 litres + 16 litres |
Outer dimension height | 1000 mm |
Outer dimension width | 220 mm |
Outer dimension depth | 320 mm |
Frequency and Impedance Response
Frequency Response and Impedance Graph
Exploded Cabinet Drawing
Exploded Speaker Box Drawing
Assembly
All the cabinet panels are cut from 16 mm chipboard or medium density fibreboard, butt-jointed and glued. After that, the openings for the driver and terminals are cut out and any necessary recesses cut. The chamfer on the outer baffle can be made either before the cabinet is glued together or afterwards.
The crossover has to be mounted on the inner side of the rear panel across from the lower woofer.
Internal Damping
The damping material is loosely pushed into the cabinet.
Component Parts List for Each Box - Supplied with Kit
The kit comes with all necessary components (see list below for one box), one set if the speaker is an each, or two sets for a pair, see price above for details.
Tweeter | SC 10 N - 8 Ohm | 1 pc. |
Woofer | WS 17 E - 8 Ohm | 2 pc. |
Crossover | Crossover Clou | 1 pc. |
Terminal | ST 77 | 1 pc. |
Damping material | Polyester wool | 2 bags |
Wood screws | 3.5 x 19 mm | 12 pcs. |
Countersunk screws | 3.5 x 25 mm | 4 pcs. |
Cable | 2 x 1.5 mm² | 2.5 m |
Speaker Cabinet Material List to Make 1 Box - Not Supplied with Kit
Parts for One Box (not supplied) | Size (mm) | Quantity |
Material: 16 mm chipboard or MDF recommended | ||
Side panels | 320 x 1000 | 2 |
Front panel | 188 x 1000 | 1 |
Rear panel | 188 x 968 | 1 |
Separating board | 188 x 288 | 1 |
Reinforcer | 188 x 50 | 1 |
Top | 188 x 304 | 1 |
Bottom Panel | 188 x 304 | 1 |
Speaker Cabinet Dimensions
Loudspeaker Box Construction Diagram - all dimensions in mm.
Crossover - Supplied with Kit Already Assembled
Speaker Kit Crossover Circuit