Volcanic Rock Makes Light and Durable Pioneer Speakers
Pioneer is going the way of Jules Verne as it journeys to the center of the earth to develop speaker technology. While yesterdays press conference at CES already had us chomping at the bit over future plasma flat screen technology, we've got to give props to Pioneer's R & D people for using volcanic rock as the material for a key component of its speakers.
Constructing the new speakers utilizes basalt technology in a process that involves polarizing the rock (to identify the correct volcanic minerals to use) and melting it at 2500 degrees. The resulting fibers are drawn and woven into fabric for a cone, which is the circular piece that houses the speakers and transmits sound. "Whoa," Keanu Reeves would say if he knew about the procedure.
There are distinct advantages to using basalt rock, as it makes the volcanic speaker material both light and stiff (easy to carry, but not susceptible to bass-induced rattle). The demand for speakers that are not too heavy but stand up to the music booming is understandable and now attainable. Our only advice besides suggesting you look into these speakers is this: Just because Pioneer went and got all 'Joe Versus the Volcano' doesn't mean you should...
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