Floorstanding loudspeakers — Blumenhofer Acoustics Fun 13 MK 2

The Fun 13 MK 2 from the German horn specialist Blumenhofer Acoustics is a slim two-way tower. It belongs to the Fun series, where each model pairs a quarter wavelength bass horn with a silk dome tweeter. Blumenhofer, which by then had been building loudspeakers for more than 30 years, announced the MK 2 in January 2017 as the successor to the original Fun 13, which has since been discontinued, and the first production units shipped in the weeks after that announcement.

Key specs that matter

The low frequencies come from a 13 cm (5 inch) woofer with a P2C membrane, a sandwich of PEEK and carbon, while a 28 mm (1.1 inch) silk dome tweeter handles the top end. The crossover between them is set at 3,000 Hz. Blumenhofer quotes a frequency response of 50 Hz to 20 kHz within 2 dB, an efficiency of 90 dB and a nominal impedance of 8 ohm. Maximum power input is given as 80 W RMS. Each cabinet measures 1,110 mm high, 270 mm wide and 290 mm deep, with a weight of 14 kg per unit.

Engineering and use context

No reflex port is used - the woofer works into a quarter wavelength bass horn built into the cabinet. The main goal of the MK 2 revision was a better mid and high range, so that the model would sit more comfortably next to the larger Fun 17. For that reason Blumenhofer fitted the new silk dome tweeter and a woofer of unchanged size but with the P2C cone in place of the earlier material, and it kept the outer dimensions and styling of the first version. The enclosure is built from 19 mm MDF and stands on adjustable spikes. A single set of gold plated tellurium copper terminals is fitted, meaning one speaker cable per channel. Finish options are white opaque and cherry wood veneer. Two speakers ship together in one carton of 126 x 44 x 44 cm weighing 32 kg, and Blumenhofer grants a three year warranty.

Pairing

Blumenhofer describes the Fun 13 MK 2 as tube friendly, and the good efficiency together with a steady load lets modest valve or transistor amplifiers drive it, as long as continuous output is kept inside its rating. The single wire terminals mean split connection is not offered, and one stereo amplifier with a single run of cable to each speaker is the intended arrangement.

Alternatives

The Blumenhofer Fun 17 is the other model in the Fun series, using the same bass horn and silk dome concept with a larger 170 mm woofer.