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K-Series Professional Monitors

The K-Series professional monitors were released around 1980. They werethe replacement for the HPD-series, the basic design of which spanned backto 1946. The K-series were the first to use ceramic magnets - which in turnresulted in a re-design of the high frequency horn. Originally the hornlength was set to suit the Alnico style magnets, which are much longer inshape than the squat-profile of a ceramic magnet. .

Distinguishing physical features of this model are:

• a cast chassis basket that is finished in gold, with 4 fixing holes located on flanges extending out from the main basket.
• for the K3838: a low-frequency driver surround that is a roll-surround made from plastic-foam (the so-called "Tannoplas" surround.)
• for the K3808: a low-frequency driver surround that is a corrugated fibre, treated with plasticizer.
• a crossover unit with three treble controls (roll-off, energy, and presence)

This model is often confused with the Monitor Gold because the chassisis painted gold. However, the Monitor Gold did not have the plastic-foamroll-surround of the HPD-series, nor the "girdacoustic" low frequencycone.

The K-series 15 inch units were was available in two models:

• K3808: This unit has a corrugated surround on the LF cone, a lighter cone, and around 94dB sensitivity
• K3838: This unit has a "Tanoplas" roll-surround on the LF cone, a heavier cone, and around 92dB sensitivity

Above: A pair of K3808 monitors showing the corrugated LF cone surround.


Above: A pair of K3808 monitors with the magnet covers removed, showingthe
HF-driver assembly on the back of the ceramic magnets.