Полочная акустика — Closer Acoustics Ogy

Ogy is the smallest loudspeaker from Closer Acoustics, a Polish workshop in Katowice led by founder Jacek Grodecki that also builds valve amplifiers. It was the first stand-mount in a catalogue that until then held only floorstanding full-range models, and every unit is assembled by hand in the Polish workshop. Each pair is made to order, which takes four to six weeks depending on the chosen finish. Prices before VAT were EUR 1,490 for plywood, EUR 1,766 for white acrylic stone and EUR 2,103 for piano black.

Key specs that matter

A single 10 cm EMS LB5 full-range driver covers the whole band with no crossover in the signal path. The maker specifies 91 dB efficiency, a nominal 8 ohm load and a 40 Hz to 18 kHz response, with power handling of 15 W. A 16 ohm version has also been listed. The box stands 31.2 cm tall, 13.2 cm wide and 30.6 cm deep.

Engineering and use context

The EMS LB5 is designed by Michel Fertin and hand-built in France by Katy Fertin at EMS Speaker. Using one cone for everything keeps the output from a single point and avoids phase shifts that a filter network would add. Behind the driver sits an undamped transmission line with about 6 litres of internal volume, and the line exits through a curved, smile-shaped opening milled into the front baffle. Leaving out damping material is intended to protect efficiency. The standard cabinet is made from selected birch plywood with natural wood veneer, and an oak veneer version is offered. The Corian editions use the acrylic stone to add mass and damp the enclosure, and the Corian rear panel carries the binding posts with the Closer and Ogy logos cut into it. Bespoke finishes can be ordered. Closer Acoustics sells a dedicated Ogy stand, and the speaker can also sit on top of the BOB MKII bass module in the modular BLOCKS system, which adds low-frequency output from a separate 94 dB enclosure.

Pairing

Because the driver is efficient and the load is benign, a few watts are enough, so single-ended valve designs and small class A amplifiers make sensible partners. The low power handling means large solid-state amplifiers should be used with care over volume. The maker aims the speaker at small and medium rooms of up to about 25 to 30 m2.

Alternatives

The Closer Acoustics OKHO is the other compact full-range box in the catalogue with the same efficiency, built as the top element of the BLOCKS system in a 35 x 40 x 35 cm module.