RMAF 2010

James Harrell’s Jumping Cactus Loudspeakers are high-efficiency designs (94dB) with isolated aluminum enclosures. The speaker’s front panels are finished in Bubinga wood, while the aluminum portions feature a nice satin black power coat. All three drive units are from Eminence. That’s a 10” paper cone woofer, a 6” paper cone midrange unit, and a 1” phenolic dome tweeter. The midrange and tweeter are secured atop the woofer enclosure via Velcro, and can be angled or moved back and forth. A passive Butterworth 1st order crossover is in its own enclosure and is velcro’ed onto the back of the speaker.

Harrell explained that his background as an aerospace mechanical engineer led him to selecting aluminum enclosures for their ability to control resonances. He has been a hobbyist for some time, building loudspeakers for himself; the Jumping Cactus is his first attempt at bringing a design to market. The system, a hodgepodge of modified and homemade gear, had a lively sound with big images and bold bass. It may have been a little rough around the edges, but was still thoroughly enjoyable.

Jumping Cactus Loudspeakers are made in Tucson, Arizona, by James Harrell, and cost $7900/pair. Harrell offers a 60-day trial period and a two-year warranty.