Mark Audio MAOP-10 164mm Magnetic Arc Oxidized Full Range Matched Pair

The MAOP series sits at the top of the Markaudio range and is aimed at audiophiles seeking the ultimate in full range speaker drivers. Due to the complex manufacturing and testing processes used to build these drivers, they are produced in small quantities. These drivers are popular in Asia, and hence when they are available, very few find their way this far West.

The Magnetic Arc Oxidisation Process is done at extremely high temperature in a flux bath that is prone to differential temperatures (hot/cold spots) which can warp the cones. The process is 10 times the cost of normal cone production, at least half are scrapped as it does render cones unusable if they are warped even slightly. The MAOP process involves a chemical conversion where the cone material is converted into its crystalline oxide. The crystal grows both inward into the substrate and outward. As such the new coating is not a deposited coating; it is part of the original structure which gives excellent adhesion. The large crystal structure provides excellent stiffness and resistance to damage. The crystalline structure also encapsulates microscopic voids. It is supposed that it is the blend of microscopic voids and stiff structure that lend the cone the audio properties of both the metal cone and the paper cone, accuracy and a listen-all-day quality.

After construction, each driver is individually measured in the anechoic chamber at the Markaudio factory and pair matched based on that data to within, 0.5% tolerance.  Each pair is supplied with individual electrical and acoustic measurements.

Possible Sealed Box Alignment
0.35 cubic feet (10 liters)
3dB down at 85Hz; 6dB down at 63Hz

Possible Vented Box Alignment
0.7 cubic feet (20 liters)
2" diameter vent by 6" long
3dB down at 50Hz; 3dB down at 39Hz

0.5 cubic feet (14 liters)
2" diameter vent by 7" long
3dB down at 55Hz; 6dB down at 45Hz

MarkAudio Enclosure Plans

Example of parameters included with each driver pair: