Jordan Eikona TL3

[ianlenco]

I've built quite a few cabinets for Jordan Eikonas over the last few years including the VTL, SL, DCR, TL array and now the TL3.

http://www.ejjordan.co.uk/PDFs/TL3plans.pdf

When I got a sneak preview of the TL3 design from Colin at EJ Jordan I built a prototype to test the plan. Here it is stood next to the big TL array

https://i.imgur.com/VjZjbnyh.jpg#gWPQG

I'm mighty impressed with this cabinet considering it has nearly as much bass response as the big boy and probably better imaging and air - three other people have come to the same conclusion. Anyway, I decided to do something a bit different with the cabinet and have gone with a translam construction. Sure it is a bit (!) wasteful in materials but it's something I've liked the look of for some time. There not finished yet but thought some of you might be interested.

[ianlenco]

After doing up some drawings the TL3's life started at a local CNC shop. (https://ckjcnc.co.uk/) which I've not used before but turned out to be an excellent choice.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF89lM6EolM

So now to the gluing up. The inclusion of 3 5mm holes in each layer to take plugs has made alignment a simple process.

https://i.imgur.com/Bt3JfRPh.jpg#gWPQG

.....and here's progress to date. They are glued up in blocks as I still need to take it apart to fit the internals.

https://i.imgur.com/QUbpWBph.jpg#gWPQG

[Firebottle]

Exciting stuff Ian, I look forward to hearing them at some point.

[ianlenco]

Jordans plus Neurochrome - a combination worth listening to :)

[Bigman80]

Wow, great work!!!

[Marra]

They are going to look stunning when finished.

[ianlenco]

Thanks guys. I'm taking my time with these in the hope that they will look stunning
There are some beautiful examples of translam cabinets on the web so lot to live up to.

[friendly]

As one of the people who enjoyed Ian's hospitality recently I can confirm that this design deserves the time and effort being put in. They sound fabulous.
Sad part of this project is I won't be able to tease his woodworking skills. Can't wait for the finished article.

[Gregje]

That's pretty cool!

[ianlenco]

This pic shows positioning of the internal partition. Top is next to the vent edge, bottom is midway across opening. When the time comes I will glue the top section using the bottom section to align it. Once the glue's set I'll remove the bottom section and carry on adding sections to the top, gluing the partition as I go.

https://i.imgur.com/mK0wHARh.jpg#gWPQG

[gninnam]

Coming together nicely Ian - very good work as usual!

[ianlenco]

After a few days of gluing and sanding the speakers are more or less ready. I've used Aqua Coat as a grain filler which has produced a nice smooth finish, not always easy with the edge of ply. Aqua Coat leaves a light sheen on the wood so could be a finish if that's what your aiming for. It's also quite stubborn to remove where I got a bit too much on the curved corners :rolleyes: I haven't quite finished them - the plinth and the top haven't had any treatment yet but family (Christmas) commitments mean I won't have much time to fiddle over the next week so here they are.


https://i.imgur.com/3JiGsJLh.jpg#gWPQG

[ianlenco]

There's an intro to the TL3 here with a link to the cabinet plans. http://www.ejjordan.co.uk/tl3/

[ianlenco]

https://i.imgur.com/RAUsoI9h.jpg#gWPQG

Two really good things about them, first they sound great, :grin: a little crisper than the prototypes and maybe a fraction more weight. Second, my wife thinks they look great. :)

Thanks go to Mike for measuring the prototypes and suggesting a slight increase in the amount of Angel Hair stuffing. Also to Colin at EJ Jordan who responded to my pestering for a smaller transmission line that did bass like the big ones I have. He also tweaked the plans as I built the prototypes and then answered my incessant questions when I decided to fiddle with the shape and construction of the cabinets.

[Marra]

Looking and I imagine sounding very good.

Them.s chunky binding posts.

[ERICLIMPIT]

Nice work Ian, I'm a big fan of the Jordan Eikona, in those cabs I'm sure they must sound excellent :clap:

[Ali Tait]

Nice job Ian, they look great.

[ianlenco]

Well Roger, you should never have sold your drivers but thank you anyway :lol: Thanks Ali. I've done some more listening this morning and I'm very pleased with them. Apologies for splitting the above over three posts, I tried to do it all in one but got a stroppy message blocking my post. When I split the posts the AoS system was quite happy :scratch:

[ianlenco]

Another pic showing the cover made for the vent.

https://i.imgur.com/eKX4SdMh.jpg#gWPQG

One other thing I didn't mention, as the internal height was built up with 30mm slices the height was a bit more than Jordan's plan so I put a false bottom in :)

[Firebottle]

I have heard these at Ian's place, they are superb.

They have an immediacy to the sound, really good imaging and stonkingly good bass extension. I was very impressed plus the look and finish is extremely good.
The translam construction is as rigid as you could ever want, there is no cabinet colouration at all.

[ianlenco]

You're very kind Alan. Shirley liked them too :)