Pre/Power Amplifiers

DeVore rates the O/96's sensitivity at a high 96dB/W/m but also its nominal impedance as 10ohm which brings the specification closer to 95dB at the more usual 2.83V/1m – this was nearly met on test at 93.8dB/1kHz although the mean from 500Hz-8kHz is a lower 91.5dB. The latter reflects the O/96's strong lower midrange but mild depression through presence and lower treble [see Graph 1]. Importantly, this high sensitivity is not achieved at the expense of a punishing load, and a genuine 8ohm nominal is warranted here.

Optimum response is achieved some 6in above the tweeter axis – or head height for the 'average' listening position – where the errors amount to a moderate ±4.8dB (200Hz-20kHz). Pair matching is excellent at ±0.4dB (aside from a short-lived blip of 0.75dB/4.2kHz) but the magnetically-attached, fabric-wrapped frame grille brings its own influence, including the –3.6dB dip also at 4.2kHz and further loss through the presence and treble [blue trace, Graph 1]. Some minor resonances were detected on the impedance/phase spectra at 130-650Hz and two linked to the 10in pulp bass/mid cone at 1.7kHz and 2.4kHz (crossover) are visible on both the forward response and the CSD waterfall [Graph 2] although THD through this critical region is exceptionally low at <0.1% (re. 90dB SPL). Aside from a –3dB dip at 450Hz – visible on both corrected nearfield and farfield responses and as a 'bump' on both impedance/phase plots – the bass unit has a flat and extended output, augmented by the clean 43Hz tuning of its two rear-firing ports to yield a steeply rolled-off but deep bass extension of 37Hz (–6dB re. 200Hz). PM