Markaudio Alpair-5 Gen.3 Gold 3" Full Range

Generation 3

Markaudio Alpair-5 Gen 3 3" Gold Anodized Aluminum Cone Full Range- 100mm- 4 ohm

The Alpair series are our statement products, offering unique performance levels to the discerning listener. Aerodynamically sculpted, low-loss glass-fibre mixed polymer baskets married to cutting edge low-distortion motors and our patented long-stroke suspension and cone technology provide performance previously unknown in wideband loudspeakers. With models offering reinforced low-loss uncoated paper cones and the introduction of our negative-camber profiles, the Alpair range continues our tradition of advanced engineering to stand amongst the best wideband drivers available today.

Spec Sheet PDF

Alpair 5 Cabinet Plans on Mark Audio

High Q, good for small sealed box (see below).

The Alpair 5 Generation 3 is a revised version of our celebrated 2nd generation Alpair 5. For this updated model, the circular copper-clad aluminium (CCAW) voice coil of the 2nd generation model has been replaced with a high purity rectangular profile copper winding. This new coil provides better damping of high frequencies for a similar mass, and gives a slightly warmer, more natural treble while maintaining the exceptional micro-detail the Alpair 5 is famous for.

With Thiele / Small parameters optimised for flexibility and ease of use, and treble response that extends to 25KHz, the Alpair 5 Generation 3 has a detailed, balanced and neutral sound reproduction across an ultra-wide frequency range for this class of small driver. It is easy to use and versatile, well suited to use with higher-end compact enclosures. A typical bass-reflex with an internal volume of 3 litres can be tuned to below 80Hz. For larger budgets, it is ideal for high-end line array applications.

The Alpair 5 Generation 3 is a pure single suspension full-range audio driver: its only suspension is the advanced inverse roll front-surround. This retains designer Mark Fenlon’s classical mechanical engineering approach to reducing mass and extend long-throw operating capacity. Mark, with Evan Yu and the engineering team spent several months of research removing mechanical restriction from the ultra-thin coil body. Traditional driver designs use a spider (a suspension device located behind the driver’s cone). Bonded to the coil, spiders physically restrict the coil’s ability to transfer mechanical signals to the cone. Some other drivers use damping fluid, springs or other devices, all of which produce losses. The Alpair 5 Generation 3, like the previous model, completely removes all these restrictions; its coil locates cleanly between the driver’s cone and motor sub-assembly, making it a pure free-to-air mechanical design.

The accuracy requirement for component design, engineering and detailed assembly goes well beyond typical commercial audio-driver manufacturing. The front suspension operating tolerance is measured in milli-newtons. Production Alpair 5 Generation 3 drivers, like the early Generation 2 model, are made to within +/- 2.5Hz @ F-Zero. All production units are then pair matched to with +/- 1Hz @ F Zero.

QC205R and QC205B fit this driver.

Possible Enclosure Suggestion:

1.5 - 3 liters well-damped, sealed for F3 of 165 Hz

Please note: Small to medium sized speakers are usually lower power designs. The power rating is given in the technical data for each audio driver. For a reliable long service life, please operate your new speakers with care. For the first 100 hours, operate them at very low volumes. After this period, gradually increase the volume to a normal listening level. If you see the cone of the speakers making large movements, immediately turn the volume down. This will protect the speaker and your human hearing from damage. Factory mechanical defects for a period of 1 year. Excessive hard use (over-driving) and other damage caused during customer use is excluded from our warranty.