This symbiotic partnership has yielded great products previously, in the form of the AMG Toppers, Resonance control devices.

Mike Lenehan is no stranger to boutique high-end loudspeaker design. His pursuit for perfection has driven him to use unique and quality materials in his masterpieces. Since his first speaker build, when he was but 16yrs old, he has amassed significant experience in respect of design and implementation of these materials.

What began in August 2009 as the initial design 'S2', has since been completely reworked, refined and further tested, as the brief for the project was simple, a high performance speaker that did not cost as much as a family car. From that initial design and build, the enclosure was redesigned utilising heavier materials (32mm MDF) and Steel Rod differential bracing was added, the High Frequency driver was replaced with a better ScanSpeak design and inductors were now very low DCR 12awg aircore types.

"By June 2011 we had what we believed to be a giant killer! Enclosure energy storage was low; Amplitude and phase characteristics were exceptional. The S2 in a typical room was nearly flat to 35hz with high sound pressure level potential. Power handling is also significant with the S2 easily absorbing the full 1150 watt transient output of our Macintosh 501 reference Monoblock amplifiers. Driveability was also exceptional! Minimum impedance being 6.8ohms accompanied by very low capacitive phase interaction. Making the S2 easily driven by anything from a 9watt SET Valve amplifier to a 1000watt Solid State Monoblock." - Valentine Nzvimbo, General Manager of ETI Research, told StereoNET.

According to Nzvimbo, "The finish is aimed for aesthetic beauty. We believe a speaker is the key accessory for any modern living space, for that reason, it must look the part. The S2 is built to be the centre of attention for both its sound and looks. The craftsmanship is inspiring."

The S2R loudspeaker offers Duelund VSF bypass capacitors and hand built internal RibbonTek ribbon wiring. ETI believe "there is not a loudspeaker currently available at even triple the asking price that includes internal crossover components of this calibre."

There are no automated painting processes involved in the S2 side panels, no polyurethane undercoat or finishing material. All paint products are industry leading Polyester materials. This results in a finish that will last a very long time with vanishingly low undercoat sinkback and a superb glass like final finish. The entry S2 uses a very durable and attractive leatherette while the S2R utilises a genuine Italian Leather finish.

With a near endless range of possible finish options, the unique combination of leather enclosure shell and solid colour side cheeks provides a myriad of two tone or matched options. The warmth of leather combines seductively with solid gloss or satin finishes. ETI told StereoNET that any combination of colours is available.

Specifications

• Cabinet - 32mm MDF, Differential Cancellation bracing using 13mm and 8mm steel rod braces.
• Tweeter - 1" chambered textile dome.
• Mid-bass Driver - 6.5" Nomex cone.
• Wiring - solid core copper.
• Frequency Response - 35 - 25,000 Hz +/- 1.5 dB
• Sensitivity - 87 dB @ 2.83 V/m
• Impedance - 8 ohms nominal, minimum 6.5 ohms @ 200 Hz
• Recommended Amplifier Power - 20 - 400 watts
• Cabinet Dimensions (HWD) - 430 x 230 x 345 mm
• Weight (per speaker) - 20 kg

The ETI Lenehan S2R is available for order now, at $4,900 RRP (Introductory Price). This price includes any combination of leather (from the 33 options) and colour finish on the MDF panels.
ETI told StereoNET the lead time is approximately 2-3 weeks from order for custom finishes, and less for standard 'black on black'. Timber finishes for the side panels may also be available in the future.

For more information, contact ETI Research.

S2R Discussion Thread | S2R StereoNET Review