x-voce Ninja Master Upgrades

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Home > Crossover Upgrades > AV123 > x-voce >

x-voce Ninja Master

x-voce Ninja Master shown with optional Vitamin Q bypass capacitors

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All pricing assumes one speaker.

Our Price: $384.00

Availability: Custom Build - ETA will be emailed to you

Build Options...

Cabinet Upgrade...

Substrate Color...

Binding Post Upgrade...

Binding Post Plate...

Bypass Capacitors...

Inductor Replacement...

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

With the Ninja Master upgrade and NoRez the speaker gets ridiculously good (for the total price). The x-voce Ninja Master is mounted on the outside of the cabinet (in the open baffle portion). This reduces the vibration the network is normally subjected to while sealed in the left woofer chamber. This results in a much cleaner and accurate presentation. Additionally, now both woofer chambers share the same air volume resulting in greater focus.

When you have quality stuff to work with, the upgrades shine through. In addition to more detail (or rather exposing the detail in the recording that was previously masked by the components in the path), expect transparency to increase, as well as better focus (the speakers will match each other better due to minimized component variation).

Upgrade Creation
The Skiing Ninja™ network is based on the original x-voce crossover network. The excellent circuit design means we have not changed any part values.

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 higher quality component parts, pure point to point internetwork connections, correct board layout (see: magnetic field orientation), and all of this without us having to change the already excellent circuit design by Danny Richie of GR Research.

Simply elevating the very good to exceptional.

When you have drive 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 substrate
Superior parts quality
Superior layout
Superior connections
Superior QC
Superior durability
Superior network location

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

x-voce Stock	x-voce Ninja Master

The Ninja Master will not physically fit inside as does the stock network due to our superior layout that reduces crosstalk. The network must be mounted in the open baffle section (does NOT degrade midrange performance - in fact, performance all around is increased when moving the network to the outside.

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

Crossover Upgrade Benefits

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 high quality Mills resistors and copper foil 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 Master networks and upgrades.

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

	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.
	Sonicap Capacitors These have become known as one of the best caps available with a sonic signature that you won't hear. Super clean and detailed. We match all our Sonicaps for superior focus. For the one capacitor value in the woofer circuit, we use an Erse PulseX capacitor (the stock cap is an electrolytic - yuk).
	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.
	Layout The component layout of a Ninja Master 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.
	Copper Foil Inductors No dynamic compression...no more will your inductors "hum along" with the music. When a bass note goes through a copper foil inductor, you get all the power and realism of the live performance.
	Mills Resistors Mills resistors offer superior sonic performance in all passive crossover circuits. Most resistors have a higher resistance to loud sounds than they do to quiet sounds. The result is an uneven mess. Bring the top to bottom presentation into sharp focus!
	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

Substrate Color
Choose a color to compliment the rest of the system, find something that will please your partner, or go custom.

Attention!

Colors shown are for reference only. Actual color may vary from what you see on your monitor, due to varied monitor calibrations. Also, when one color is placed next to another (such as on the screen here), both colors will look different than if they were against white, black, or another color. Keep this in mind when selecting a color. For assistance with selecting a color, contact Mrs Ninja to tap into her copious interior designing skills.

Colors available:

				Nickel This one tends to look lighter and closer to a subdued silver in person. Very classy.

				Royal Red The classic Skiing Ninja™ board color.

				Bright Blue Excellent for matching decor or equipment. Otherwise, this one is pretty bright.

				Dark Blue It's blue. It's dark

				Hammered Copper Very cool Hammerite finish.

				Hammered Charcoal Gray Same as above but in a deep charcoal color.

				Satin Black Matches the back of the speaker.

				Custom - choose any color! When placing an order, in the comments section shown while checking out, write a description of the color you want. We will email you samples to choose from. You can also email us anytime to discuss colors before ordering.

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 or tri-amp option, be sure to order 2 sets for bi-amp and 3 sets for tri-amp.

1 set = two posts per speaker / 4 posts total
(most common)
2 set = four posts per speaker / 8 posts total
(for bi-amping)
3 set = six posts per speaker / 12 posts total
(for tri-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 (correct option for most speakers), bi-amp and tri-amp configurations. For bi and tri 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.

Attention

For the x-voce, when Vitamin Q or Platinum bypass caps are chosen, the woofer section will still receive Sonicap Gen2's as those drivers see 200Hz and down only.

Inductor - Keep or No Keep?
The x-voce utilizes a rather large inductor in the woofer circuit. The inductor supplied with the stock x-voce network is perfectly suited and little to no performance increase can be achieved by replacing it.

Therefore we have three options to fit your comfort level and budget. These are arranged from least expensive/greatest labor for you (#1) down to most expensive/least labor for you (#3).

Stock Inductor (x-statik shown)		Replacement Inductor (x-statik shown)

Option 1: We ship you the network fully built except for that one inductor. We supply a photo guide to aid in the removal of the inductor from the stock network and adding it to the new network. It requires a little soldering but it is pretty straight forward. Review the install guide by clicking the Specs/Guides/Etc tab above.

Option 2: You remove the inductor from your network (two screws and two solder joints are all that you need to deal with) and send them to us. We will install during the build process. Naturally with this option, you are without your speakers for a bit longer than with the other options.

Option 3: Order an all new inductor for convenience. We install while building your upgrade. Nothing extra for you to do. This is the most expensive option but is the easiest. Note that this replacement inductor is red in color and not the copper color of the stock inductor. Keep this in mind if you are trying to match a particular decor.

Diffraction Be Gone

$Reference 1 with Diffraction Be Gone$ 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).

Internal Wiring
We offer several options to fit your skill/comfort level.

As your new network sits outside (in the open baffle portion), we recommend full wire replacement. We do not recommend the mid-level or solderless options due only to aesthetics.

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.	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.	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.

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