Fastlane Audio - Catalyst

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The Fastlane Audio Catalyst project was inspired by the Klipsch OJAS speaker. I appreciate the simplicity of the design and the top-mounted horn concept, while preferring a smoother and more modern horn geometry over the traditional multi-cell Altec-style horn.

Instead, I chose to modify one of my own designs, the Eliptrac-400.

The Eliptrac-400 is a 300 Hz elliptical tractrix horn developed by myself and Al Klappenberger. The design was created to reduce corner reflections and diffraction effects commonly associated with rectangular horns, while improving directivity control, and overall clarity.

The goal of the Catalyst project was to combine the effortless dynamics and realism of horn-loaded  systems with improved imaging, reduced listening fatigue, and a more refined presentation suitable for long term listening.

The bass section of the Catalyst utilizes a front-ported enclosure tuned to approximately 40 Hz. The design was optimized to provide improved low-frequency extension and impact while preserving transient response and overall system efficiency. The front ported configuration allows for greater placement  flexibility within the listening environment , reducing sensitivity to rear -wall spacing and minimizing boundary interaction issues commonly associated with rear-ported designs.