AudioKinesis Custom Planetarium Alpha

I have decided to sell off my main audio system.  For the past two years I find myself listening mostly to my near field / studio monitor system in my home office and just don't have much time for dedicated listening.    

Up for sale in this listing is my AudioKinesis speaker system.  It is based on the Planetarium Alpha and was custom built by Duke LeJeune for me in 2010 at a cost of $6,500.
     
Duke describes the speakers here with full specs:

Specifications:

Type:   Controlled-pattern monopole with built-in subwoofer

Woofer:  12" prosound type with treated paper cone and high quality motor

Tweeter:  1" compression driver, neodymium magnet, polyester diaphragm

Subwoofers:  10" long-throw, Qtc = .5 sealed box

Waveguide:   Low-coloration 90 degree constant directivity

Crossover:   1.5 kHz, asymmetrical transfer function

Impedance:   Between 8 and 12 ohms, aside from bass impedance peaks

Efficiency:   96 dB/1 watt at 1 meter

Typical System Bandwidth:   25 Hz to 17.5 kHz in-room when using the subs.  Down to 40Hz without them.

Power Compression:   Less than 1 dB of compression at up to 112 dB/1 meter SPL

Recommended Amplifier Power:   3-100 watts (unclipped peaks up to 200 watts acceptable)

Dimensions:   44" tall by 14.25" wide by 14" deep

Weight:  110 pounds each

Please note that these speakers have a down firing 10" long throw passive subwoofer.  If you wish you to use the built in subwoofers you will need to supply your own subwoofer amplifier.  One is not included in this listing.

Also, some people are being confused by the photo of the back of the speakers.  Allow me to explain.  There appears to be three sets of speaker cable binding posts when in fact there are only two.  The bottom set is for the built in Subwoofer.  You connect the speaker level cables of your subwoofer amp here.  The middle set are for the mains.  You connect the speaker level cables of your stereo power amp here.  The top set are not for speakers at all.  This is where you can connect a supplied tuning resistor that is designed to tame the treble response.  When I bought the speakers I tried them with and without the tuning resistor installed and ended up using the speakers without it.  A pair of tuning resistors are included.  These speakers are not set up for bi-wiring or bi-amping.  Hopefully this clears up any confusion over connectivity.

Using Audiogon's grading system I rate the cosmetics a 6/10.  The cabinets have definitely acquired a few bumps and bruises along the way.  So if what you're after is heirloom quality furniture then you should probably look someplace else.  The cabinets are made from MDF and the front baffles are made from solid walnut.  The front baffles are in excellent condition with just one small scuff but the side panels have a few scratches and scuffs.  See the included photos for full disclosure.  A professional wood craftsman would have no problem restoring the finish of the cabinets so that is an option for you if cosmetics are important.

If cosmetics are somewhat secondary and what you value the most is performance and sound quality then look no further.  I rate the speakers a 10/10 and they sound fantastic after 8 years of regular use.  I am reasonably confident that you would be very hard pressed to find a loudspeaker system that sounds anywhere near as good at 3 times my asking price.

LOCAL CURBSIDE PICKUP in Windham County, Connecticut.  COVID protocol applies.  You must be wearing a mask when you pick up the speaker system.  I will help you load it into your vehicle.  Please do not ask if you can come to my home and audition the speakers.  The answer is no.  For one, I no longer have an amp and preamp as they were sold on Audiogon a couple of months ago, and secondly I will not allow visitors in my home due to COVID.

I will ship the speakers as well but buyer will be responsible for all shipping costs and shipping arrangements separately.  First, I don't want the hassle, and secondly, this will allow you to use a freight carrier of your own choosing should you wish to.  If you use a freight service make sure the truck that comes for the speakers has a lift gate.  The pick up address is a residential address and there is no loading dock.  

Package dimensions:
48.0" × 16.0" × 19.0" (110.0 lbs.)
48.0" × 16.0" × 19.0" (110.0 lbs.)


The speakers are 96db efficient and tube amp friendly.  I used them with a pair of 300B tube amps for 6 years before switching over to a solid state amp.    

They will come in the original shipping crates that Duke made to ship the speakers to me.

I accept PayPal for payment.  I will not entertain any sort of payment arrangements outside of PayPal.

Questions are welcome from serious, committed, and motivated buyers.  I will not indulge indecisive tire kickers so if that is you then please don't waste my time.