F500S

The Fyne Audio F500S is a stand-mount loudspeaker from the UK-built F500 Special Production series. It is the smallest model in the range and uses technology derived from the F700 and flagship F1 series, including a Special Production IsoFlare driver, tuned crossover and BassTrax Tractrix port system.

The 6” (150mm) SP IsoFlare driver combines a multi-fibre low-frequency cone with a 25mm magnesium diaphragm compression tweeter. Its point-source design provides full-range reproduction across the audio spectrum, with an extremely flat response extending beyond 30kHz. A powerful neodymium HF magnet, vented rear chamber and metal pole-piece heatsinking reduce resonance and maintain a smooth high-frequency response during extended high-volume listening.

The bespoke multi-fibre cone is designed for natural midband reproduction and the stiffness required for low-frequency transients. Its twin-magnet motor system uses a separate flux-focusing magnet to improve low-frequency efficiency and maintain a flat response through the bass. The FyneFlute roll surround controls unwanted cone energy at the driver termination, while the rigid cast aluminium chassis supports the LF motor system.

Low-frequency output passes through a downward-firing port into the BassTrax Tractrix diffuser. The system converts port energy into a spherical 360 degree wavefront, dispersing it evenly through the plinth and reducing sensitivity to room position. The F500S also includes a rear-facing presence switch providing +/-3dB adjustment between 2.5 and 5.0kHz for personal soundstage adjustment.

The crossover uses circuit architecture and components derived from the F700 loudspeakers, including low-loss laminated-core inductors, high-grade polypropylene capacitors and Van Den Hul Matched Crystal silver-plated OFC wiring. Final crossover and component tuning was undertaken by Dr Paul Mills. A bi-wire connection panel includes a fifth terminal for grounding the driver chassis and reducing amplifier- or cable-borne RF interference.

Fyne Audio builds the F500 SP Series in its Glasgow factory, using conventional parallel-sided, high-rigidity MDF cabinets with hand-applied finishes. The F500S is available in Black Oak or Natural Walnut real wood veneer, and Piano Gloss Black. A piano gloss lacquered walnut veneer finish is also available across the F500 SP models.

BASSTRAX™ PORT SYSTEM

All 3 SP models use Fyne’s BassTrax Tractrix bass porting system, in a smaller format than the versions used by the F700 and F1 models. A tuned downward-firing port works with a Tractrix-profile cone to convert plain-wave port energy into a spherical 360 degree wavefront that exits uniformly through the plinth. This smooths the LF output and makes the loudspeaker less critical of room placement.

CROSSOVER

The crossover brings components and circuit design from the F700 range to the F500 cabinet. Low-loss laminated-core inductors, high-grade polypropylene capacitors and Van Den Hul Matched Crystal silver-plated OFC wiring support transparent signal transmission. The bi-wire terminal panel includes the additional loudspeaker terminal used for driver chassis grounding.

PLINTH

Floorstanding SP models use a twin-layer metal plinth to improve floor coupling and dissipate cabinet vibration. Machined from thick aluminium plates, the 2 sections are separated by aluminium spacers for integration with the BassTrax porting system. Integrated floor spikes are adjusted from the top of the plinth, with knurled lock nuts to secure them. Machined aluminium cups are supplied to protect wooden floors.

SPECIAL PRODUCTION ISOFLARE

The SP IsoFlare drivers are derived from the point-source units developed for the F700 series. They use high-powered compression tweeters with neodymium motors and multi-fibre LF cones with FyneFlute roll surrounds. The range includes 6” (150mm) and 8” (200mm) versions, with the driver technology including the F700’s 25mm magnesium diaphragm compression tweeter.

BRINGING THE DETAIL

The centrally positioned HF unit uses a neodymium motor and vented rear chamber to place its fundamental resonance well below the crossover point. Computer modelling was used to develop the HF waveguide’s wavefront expansion rate and its flat response to the 30kHz design parameter. Heat is dissipated through the metal pole piece to support consistent HF performance.

The LF cone uses a bespoke multi-fibre mix intended to provide natural reproduction through the critical midband and controlled low-frequency transient response with low colouration. The driver is mounted in a rigid cast aluminium chassis, while the separate flux-focusing magnet improves low-frequency efficiency. The FyneFlute roll surround manages unwanted cone energy in place of a typical rounded-profile surround.