AV123 Rocket RS750 Ninja Upgrade

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AV123 Rocket RS750 Ninja Upgrade

Photos show foil inductors; all Ninja networks now come with Erse XQ inductors.

Additional Views:

This upgrade is for AV123 Rocket RS750 (all versions!).

All pricing assumes one pair of speakers. If upgrades for a single speaker are needed, please contact us.

Our Price: $376.00

Availability: Custom Build - ETA will be emailed to you

Build Options...

Cabinet Upgrade...

Binding Post Upgrade...

Binding Post Plate...

Bypass Capacitors...

Diffraction Removal...

Internal Wiring...

Fun Stuff...

Qty:

Description

Customizations

Specs/Guides/Etc

Customize! Use the options in the blue box above to fully customize your upgrade. Click the (?) next to each item for a short description. For detailed information on each item, click the 'Customizations' tab directly above.

Ninja Notes

The RS750 from AV123 has, for me, become a bit of a legend. A LOT were sold. Questions about the classic versus the signature abound as does misinformation about what this speaker does right and not so right. It does have one of the most attractive baffles out there, the woodworking is outstanding and its slim stature means it can fit in almost any room.

The original RS750 'Classic' was a bit of a dark speaker (opposite of bright) and so the RS750 Signature was released. The Signature had two components changed on the network to give it a little more lively top end.

Unfortunately that did not cure some other issues that kept this speaker from being as great as it could be. We knew the potential lurking under that rosewood veneer - an excellent sounding loudspeaker that matches its good looks.

The 'Ninja' network is considered our LEVEL 1 upgrade. The parts quality is superior to everything on the original network. Level 1 upgrades allow us to get the new design into the most speakers by way of the lowest price possible considering the built and component quality. Perfect for those that want new speakers but are on a budget. With the Ninja network, you get an entirely new speaker.

For an all-out design, check out the Ninja Master!

Upgrade Creation
The Skiing Ninja network™ is an ALL NEW design. Developed by Danny Richie of GR Research exclusively for Skiing Ninja Systems™, we started from the ground up and created an entirely new beast.

Some improvments of note...

- Smoother and more balanced amplitude
- Drivers now overlap minimally with a higher and easier to drive impedance load
- The resonance break-up mode of the woofers is now well controlled

- Much cleaner spectral decay (less stored energy)
- Higher degree of phase accuracy
- Greater consistency off axis; both vertically and horizontally

Gone are the days of crappy mass produced PCBs. Today is the day of a hand made engineering masterpiece of musicality. With a Skiing Ninja™ Ninja Master network, your speaker will be equipped with an all new design - specifically tailored to this speaker and its strengths, higher quality component parts, pure point to point internetwork connections, and correct board layout (see: magnetic field orientation).

Simply elevating the good to exceptional.

When you have components of this caliber, the improvements you can expect shine through to their fullest.

If it's so great, you may be asking yourself, why didn't the original manufacturer equip the speakers similarly? We thought you might ask that. Here is your answer.

Physical Changes
Superior circuit design
Superior substrate
Superior parts quality
Superior layout
Superior connections
Superior QC
Superior durability

Before and After
For comparison, here we have the stock crossover network and the Ninja Crossover Network:

RS750 Signature - Stock	RS750 - Ninja

Now that you know what has physically changed, lets talk about what you will hear as a result...

Crossover Upgrade Benefits

With the new network, the speaker is very well balanced with no one area jumping out at you. Just smooth and seductive to listen to.

As you stand or sit or walk around the room, the speaker's sound will not change as dramatically as it does now. As you increase the volume, the woofers will no longer break up thus giving your ears a far cleaner signal. The top end is where is always should have been... nice and shimmery with cymbals but never harsh or bright. Midrange is very clean with excellent attack and decay of notes.

Those are just a few of the improvments made via the new network circuit. Below is what else awaits you thanks to our attention to detail and component quality...

Overall you will notice a higher level of detail, texture, focus, superior sound stage, dynamics, musicality, and transparency. What does that mean? We use as few components in our networks as possible. This allows the cleanest signal to be passed to your speakers. Rest assured this does not change the frequency response of the speaker or the overall character.

Texture – All of the ‘inner’ details of each instrument comes across clearly. The ‘live’ feel comes across so well because the subtleties that are normally lost are finally present. The more revealing the overall presentation is, the more convincing it is.

Focus – We tightly match our components. While most components are 5 or even 10% tolerance, we use only 5% or less tolerance components and then we hand match them so that each pair of networks is 500 to 1000% better than the stock crossover.

Sound stage – Moves the sound stage from being within the confines of the speaker and moves it out, up, and behind the speaker. This helps recreate the sense of space and volume of the original performance.

Dynamics – Our networks use quality Lynk resistors and Erse XQ inductors. This means no masking of top end detail, no muddled midrange and more convincing slam on the low end. There is a lot of techno mumbo jumbo about the why’s of this and it would be too much to detail here. Contact Us if you want more info.

Transparency – The ability for the speakers to remove themselves from the performance. Our networks enhance this ability due to their magnetically correct layout, point to point build and superior quality components. Sit down, close your eyes, and listen... the performance comes alive as your speakers sonically disappear.

Musicality – The best part and why we are all here. Everything your speakers used to do they will do better with Ninja networks and upgrades.

Features and Components
Ninja networks utilize the very best components available. If you want more in-depth information on these components, visit our components section.

	RS750 Classic and Signature This upgrade will install into ANY version of the RS750. Classic, Signature, or even if you are not sure which you have, this upgrade will work!
	Fully custom build Each network is meticulously designed from the ground up. We can even tailor the sound to fit your room or personal requirements (i.e. reduce brightness etc.)
	Pure point to point connections No PCB and no wiring between components. Whenever possible, we mechanically connect components to each other for superior connection and durability and then solder.
	Erse PulseX Capacitors Erse PulseX capacitors offer excellent performance at prices not much higher than the garbage you see in most networks. Total harmonic, IMD distortion and phase distortion are virtually immeasurable, while all losses are near zero in every aspect. An excellent 'budget' capacitor.
	Bypass Capacitors Bypass capacitors are installed along with every capacitor in the network except for those not directly in the signal path. Sonicap Gen2 0.1uF are standard equipment and excellent however we do have a few options to consider. Be sure to click the Customizations tab above for all the info.
	Erse Electrolytic Capacitors A well made electrolytic capacitor. We use this only in the woofer section of the network.
	Layout The component layout of a Ninja network is carefully chosen to provide the shortest signal path possible while also ensuring magnetic field contamination is keep to a minimum or even completely non-existent. For more information on why this is important, visit our layout information section.
	Erse XQ Perfect Lay Inductors This line of coils features 1% inductive tolerance. ERSE's perfect lay coils are excellent for those who do not want any saturation distortion, but still want a low D.C. resistance.
	Lynk Resistors Lynk resistors offer great performance for a very small price and are easily superior to the standard sand cast resistors you find in most networks.
	Cardas Quad Eutectic Solder George Cardas created this ultra pure, quad eutectic solder for perfect joints; the best reliability with the lowest noise and contact resistance. Ultra pure, tin/lead/silver/copper.
	Ninja SSC Wiring Your networks can be built with a variety of wiring options. From full internal wire replacement to completely solderless installs, we can tailor your kit to your experience and comfort level.
	Copper Connectors and Wire Nuts Optional - When installing your new networks, we understand that there are situations where you just don't want (or can't) solder a wire-wire connection. We offer pure copper connectors to allow you to crimp those connections. We even throw in some color-coded pre-cut heat shrink tubing to make it professional. Alternatively, we also offer wire nuts for the easiest install possible.
	Substrate All Skiing Ninja Networks™ use point-to-point construction techniques over painted MDF. No Printed Circuit Boards. No thin traces to contaminate the signal. Just pure, crystalline music...
	Spax Screws Spax screws are specially designed to make it easy to install your new crossover networks. Traditional wood screws only really work well if you drill a pilot hole or can apply copious pressure. Inside a speaker cabinet, neither is practical. Spax screws have patented serrations that drill their own pilot hole. Imported from Germany.
	Stand-offs The last thing you want after installing your killer new networks is a spurious vibrational sound that wasn't there before the upgrade. That's why we include specially made 60 durometer (a measure of hardness) board stand-offs. These stand-offs isolate your new network from the cabinet and keep it quiet!

Customizations
We don't stop with crossover network upgrades. A speaker's final sound quality is very much a sum of its parts. The crossover network design, the crossover network parts quality, the cabinet, internal wiring, drive units and binding posts. All of these items contribute to the end product - of which the goal is to simulate a live event with as close to perfect accuracy as possible.

Build Options
We offer kits that are professionally built by the Ninja and his minions. This way you know every connection is correct and tested. These are our easiest to install kits.

If you are adventurous, we offer DIY (Do It Yourself) kits. These kits come with all of the parts of our professionally built units but you assemble the network yourself. A diagram, photos and schematic are included so you don't have to figure out the layout. The ability to read a basic electronic circuit schematic is not required for a DIY build but it is very helpful!

For DIY kits, you will need a soldering iron (solder is included with your kit), heat gun or hair dryer with high setting, needle nose pliers, hot glue gun & glue or Liquid Nails and wire cutters.

If you are not sure, let us build it for you!

DIY Kit	Ninja Built

Upgrade your Cabinet
Your speaker cabinet should never 'talk' along with the music. NoRez will quiet down your cabinet to wonderful effect. Tighter bass, cleaner mid-bass and midrange.

All of our cabinet upgrade kits come pre-cut with instructions. Simply place each numbered piece into the cabinet as per the diagram and you are set. Price listed is for one pair of speakers (unless it is a center channel speaker).

Read all about the benefits of upgrading your speaker cabinet with NoRez and Black Hole 5 as well as find out why your cabinet needs to shut its trap!

NoRez	Black Hole 5

Binding Posts
Ditch those brass binding posts or even worse, that binding post cup.

Vampire #BP-1.5 binding posts are gold plated and made from one piece of hard brass, including the top nut. They are then copper plated, silver plated, and finally gold plated. This 1/4” post includes all mounting hardware and is priced per set. If you want a bi-amp option, be sure to order 2 sets for bi-amp.

1 set = two posts per speaker / 4 posts total
(most common)
2 set = four posts per speaker / 8 posts total
(for bi-amping)

Expect a cleaner overall sound with this upgrade.

Binding Post Plates
A Binding Post Plate adds some serious bling to your speakers as well as enabling speakers with 'binding post cups' to accept the Vampire post upgrade.

Binding Post Plates are available in single (as is stock) or bi-amp configurations. For bi amp plates, we include custom jumpers so you can run single connections if so desired.

A note regarding speakers with separate posts:
Not all speakers utilize the same hole spacing and thus some drilling or adjustment by us may be required. If you are unsure about your own speakers, you can order this item and we will contact you if any adjustment is needed. If so and you do not wish to perform the adjustment, we will credit your card and cancel this portion of your order. Alternatively, simply contact us for more information.

All configurations are available in all colors shown...

Bypass Capacitors
Why use a 'by-pass cap'? Think of a capacitor as an energy storage device. Capacitors will store and release energy and are often used for that very reason.

In loudspeaker applications we use them for the capacitive effects and not their energy storage capabilities. The larger the cap the more energy it can store. Also larger caps take longer to charge and to discharge this stored energy. Different types of caps store and release energy at different rates too.

For a wealth of information on the usage of bypass capacitors in loudspeakers, click here.

Our networks typically come with the Sonicap Gen II bypass as standard (check the options above to confirm as this is on a per-network basis). We also offer additional types of bypass caps to suit your taste and budget:


Sonicap Gen II: The Gen II has a nice midrange bloom that produces a wonderful combination when bypassing larger values of Gen I with smaller values of Gen II. This excellent capacitor is standard on most networks.	Genuine Sprague VitaminQ P96: Slightly more expensive than the Sonicap Gen II, the Vitamin Q's provide a very lush sound, one that allows you to get lost in the music. If you're looking for the last bits of detail, you're better off sticking with the Sonicap Gen2 or looking at the Sonicap Platinum. Pairs excellently when powered by mid-fi receivers.	Sonicap Platinum: The Platinum posses the best combination of sonic characteristics available in a capacitor today. It is very fast, but full and rich. The presentation is ultra smooth without loss of detail, focus, or dynamics. The Platinum is the best bypass cap we offer and is ideal for high resolution systems.

Additional Thoughts on bypass capacitors...
If you are running your system with a mid-fi or lower receiver, you may want to try the VitaminQ's as that can tame the sometimes strident sound some receivers produce.

Sonicap Platinums are Teflon based whereas VitaminQ's are paper in oil. PIO is considered less accurate but many people love the sound.

Diffraction Be Gone

$Reference 1 with Diffraction Be Gone$ The RS750's top black plate overhangs a bit causing a surface reflection that results in a 1db rise in response at 2.5kHz followed by a 1.5db dip at 3.5kHz. That peak can cause a little bit of a brightness. Adding Diffraction Be Gone to your speaker will do away with the reflection and give you a smooth response. You can even leave the grills on without negative effect!

More about Diffraction Be Gone and how it works...
Sound waveforms from your tweeters are shorter in length than the width of your speaker cabinets. These
waveforms are being randomly reflected by your speaker baffles and edges to your listening position slightly out of time with the original event. Not a good thing!

These waveforms carry the first arrival and higher harmonics of your midrange along with all things high frequency.

Diffraction Be Gone removes this almost as if you had taken the boxes away. We had custom cut high density real wool felt (accept no substitute) tweeter surrounds or fascias made for these speakers that absorb and quiet this interaction. What you will get when this is removed is a clearer view into your stage and recordings. What the microphone captured is revealed in your room without the distortion to time (body) and phase (space) caused by early reflection. Space opens up, deepens. Vocals and instruments appear more truthfully in that space, rounder and more physically right.

The tweeter surrounds attach with Velcro tabs (included) and also eliminate the issues caused by grills - yes you can now run your grills installed!

Internal Wiring
Due to the nature of the driver connections, this upgrade is available with fill replacement wiring only.

Highest performance:	Mid-level performance:	Solderless option:	Solderless option:

Ninja SSC Full internal wire replacement The cabling is 15 guage high purity oxygen free solid core copper with a polyethylene jacket. This polyethylene (PE) jacket is superior to polyvinyl chloride (PVC - which is what you will find in 99% of speakers sold) by way of its dialectric constant (2.2-2.4 for PE versus 3.4 for PVC) and preserving qualities. We include Cardas Quad Eutectic solder for all connections.	NOT AVAILABLE Ninja SSC with pigtails, Cardas Solder and Heat Shrink Your networks will be wired with 10" leads so you can tie into the existing wires coming from the drivers and binding posts. Simply solder the two wires together using the supplied silver solder and heat the shrink tubing (included) for a professional finish.	NOT AVAILABLE Ninja SSC with pigtails and copper connectors Your networks will be wired with 10" leads so you can tie into the existing wires coming from the drivers and binding posts. Simply crimp the copper connectors over the wires and heat the shrink tubing (included) for a professional finish.	NOT AVAILABLE Ninja SSC with pigtails and wire nuts Our easiest solution - your networks will be wired with 10" leads so you can tie into the existing wires coming from the drivers and binding posts. Screw the wire nut over the connection and you are done.

Difference between Copper Connectors and Wire Nuts:
Is there a sonic difference between the two? Technically yes however is it audible? Not likely. Our recommendations are listed left to right with full wire replacement being our #1 recommendation. If you can't solder, our solderless options are a very good alternative.

Fun Stuff
We've got a bunch of fun stuff for you to pimp out your music or theater room. T-Shirts, Limited Edition Pint Glasses and Limited Edition Posters. Click to go to our Skiing Ninja™ Fun Stuff section for more information (link opens in a new window).

Special Customizations
We offer an array of customization services from outboard networks to tailoring your new networks to fit you and your room. For example, if your room has a lot of glass and is sparsely furnished, you may find your speakers to be 'bright' - we can alter the response to compensate for this. Any custom changes are easily removed if your environment changes.

Simply contact us for more information on any of our customization options.

Performance Measurements

Our networks are tailored so you can adjust the amount of 'brightness' with a simple twist of your speaker.

The graphs below show what happens to the response if you point the speakers straight out as in the left diagram versus if you toe them into towards you as shown in the second diagram.

Frequency Response - 10dB Scale - 0°	Frequency Response - 10dB Scale - 0°

Stock	Skiing Ninja™

Frequency Response - 5dB Scale - 0°	Frequency Response - 5dB Scale - 0°

Stock From 1.3KHz to 3.1KHz there is a 10dB dip	Skiing Ninja™ Here you can clearly see the difference over stock

Impedance	Impedance

Stock	Skiing Ninja™

CSD	CSD

Stock You can see huge stored energy around 3KHz	Skiing Ninja™ 3KHz stored energy has decreased significantly

Frequency Response - Vertical Off-Axis	Frequency Response - Vertical Off-Axis

Stock Each different color represents another 5 degrees up or down	Skiing Ninja™ You can see that there is little variation with the Skiing Ninja network™

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