Thoughts on the new Orion

[a4eaudio]

Definitely a nice alternative from the TM two-way standard.
Coaxial and open-back mid is unique for a kit, nice looking way to do the open-back mid taking advantage of CNC rather than standard PVC pipe or a simple square.
F3 of 37Hz is pretty impressive for a kit. The Solstice is 30Hz and more than twice as much.

I think a large majority of posters here at PETT don't build kits, they either design their own or build others' designs by simply buying the parts. Thinking about the audience that buys and builds kits, this is a pretty unique alternative. Of course, what none of us know yet is how good it sounds and it is unlikely to be demo'd at a DIY event. It will be interesting to see once some reviews roll in, but those are hard to interpret given a lot of builder's-bias.

[djg]

Very detailed instructions, and a very complete kit.

[joshshetter]

It has a very interesting set of features, not often do I see an open baffle coaxial. The low woofer looks a little rough to me, curious if dampening in the cabinet can alleviate some of the wiggles in the mid bass. I do wish they could start providing off axis data on the kits as well, on axis just doesn't tell me enough about a speaker to want to invest.

[davidB]

Siegfied grabs his tie and says "I don't get no respect!!" a la Rodney....


excuse me..."respeck!!"

[Paul Carmody]

Some cool ideas going on with that speaker. Hope I get to hear it.

I do wish he had chosen another name. https://www.linkwitzlab.com/orion_us.htm

[Wolf]

Looks like a solid value kit. I would maybe pad the tweeter down just another dB, as the response rises from the midrange band a touch.

When I heard the CX150 prior, and it's shelf life was short lived for whatever the reason but now it's back, it really was not a bad driver. Smooth sounding poly midrange and integral tweeter did well together.

I think the DCS205 is likely the best budget woofer tor this kit, as the performance and sensitivity seem to work well with the CX150. Were it not for that, the GRS 8SW HE would have had my vote.

Wolf

[jcsmith0919]

Open Back 3-way with coaxial midrange/tweeter. This is speaking to my want to build a pair of open back mid speakers for years (think statements, finalist, bordeaux, etc) coupled with coaxial alignment that I assume is part of the enjoyment I have with Kefs.

Anyone familiar with the CX150 have thoughts on this kit?

https://www.parts-express.com/Orion-3-way-High-Output-Bookshelf-Speaker-Kit-Pair-With-Knock-Down-Enclosures-300-7186?quantity=1