Phonogen Reference

The Phonogen was the hobbyhorse of Mr. Nobert Schäfer, at that time based in Beuron.
The basic principle was the specially manufactured exponential horn, which was cast from lightweight concrete.
The entire exponential is rounded to avoid standing waves.
Common technical data
:

- Weight min.73 kg
- Dimensions W x H x D 60 cm x 80 cm (120 reference) x 70 cm
- Frequency response 18 - 25000 Hz (40 kHz reference)
- Efficiency approx. 100 dB at 1 W at 1 m distance
They were available in at least three versions:
1.version:
- passive with dynamic drivers
- active two-way crossover
- price approx. 8000 DM
- weight 73 kg
- dimensions W x H x D 73,5 cm x 100 cm x 59,5 cm 2.version:
- passive with magnetostats in the mid-high range
- active two-way crossover
- price approx. 10000,- DM 3.version 1A: in co-operation with the magazine Audio later voted as "Reference
- 3 way fully active
- 3 amplifiers by Backes and Müller (2 x bass direct/exponential) each with active negative feedback
- 2 midrange drivers by Backes und Müller
- tube amplifier with ion tweeter by Audiotrade, now Acapella
- price 25000,- DM
Further info under the following homepage:
http://www.plasmatweeter.de/phonogen.htm
Unfortunately, the speakers were only built for a short time because of extreme problems with the ion tweeter. The return was simply too high.
Mr. Schäfer then abandoned the project and founded a new company:
It's called Translife, these boxes are realized with flat radiators, where he discovered interesting things about sound propagation.
Just have a look at http://www.translife.de Furthermore he was one of the first, besides Sony, who dared to build a digital power amplifier.
Suitably to the Phonogen he developed the digital amplifier Phonogen Digital 1000.
The successor was the Phonogen Digital 2000, which was rated very well by "Audio".
He also developed a timer.