VMPS RM40 owner Robert Learner finds satisfaction in the Sampan FTL micro speaker!

Robert Learner's comments from SonicFlare.com review:

How does the Amphion Ion at more than twice the price compare to the Sampan FTL?
" ..The Amphion ... doesn’t present the depth and holography of the FTL. Nor is it as coherent and immediately engaging. The Ion has it’s own strengths and appeal. but doesn’t possess the addictive coherency and flow, the magic of the [Sampan] FTL.

Surprise #1 was the amount of detail the FTL threw at me. ... you get timing and texture -- this is a potent combo.

Surprise #2 is how deep these tiny boxes go. ... the Sampan FTLs subjectively deliver, and music across the frequency spectrum has appropriate body.

Surprise #3 is the other end of the frequency spectrum. The rolled off highs I often experience with single driver designs is MIA here. The FTLs [are] notably neutral throughout the entire frequency range.
 
...That the FTL manages to fit a nearly three foot [transmission] line in a box about a fifth of a cubic foot in volume is indicative of high quality cabinet design and construction." 
Sonic Flare, April 25, 2007

"... the little Sampan FTLs were dynamic and surprisingly extended at both ends of the frequency spectrum. ... the speakers sounded much bigger than they looked...but vocals and acoustic guitar sounded full-bodied and robust."
John Acton of Positive Feedback comments on the Sampan FTL
at AudioKarma Fest 2007 in Michigan.
 

Here is what Affordableaudio.org had to say upon hearing the Sampan FTLs at AudioKarma Fest ‘07.

 "Audio Two (Windsor, Ontario) surprised
many listeners with the sound, size and
price of the Role Sampan FTL speakers
($995). They are incredibly small (8”x4”x9.5”) and lightweight (less than 5 lbs.) considering the full-range sound they are able to produce from a single 3.5” driver in a folded transmission line. Electronics were a Croft battery powered preamp and amplifier and Connoisseur CD player."
affordableaudio.org, Issue 16, April 2007 report on AudioKarma Fest ‘07

 Specifications:
Dimensions: 8 X 4 X 9.5 inches (H X W X D)
Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz
                                +/- 3 dB
-6 dB reference to 1 kHz: 35 Hz
Sensitivity: 87 dB 1 watt/m
Rated Impedance: 8 ohms
Minimum impedance: 7 ohms
Nominal impedance: 9 ohms
Recommended Power: 2 - 100 watts
Shipping Weight: 9 pounds per pair 
Standard finish: satin black

Special Features:
True point source
Magnetically shielded
Perfect time coherence
Hard wired hand soldered
Single 3.5 inch cast frame transducer
MLSSA matched transducers
True minimum phase response
Superior five-way terminals
10 year limited warranty

"The Sampans ... have a big, bold, expansive sound.... It really takes some time to come to terms with just how much energy they can put into a room. There’s always a tendency to look up and say to yourself, “all of this is coming from those two little boxes? That can’t be right.""new review of the Sampan FTL by Paul Cervantes,  Ultralinear.net

The Sampan-FTL
personal music therapy


shown in creamy white finish, also available in satin black and white birch

No subwoofer needed!

Dimensions: 8 X 4 X 9.5 inches (H X W X D)
   203 X 102 X 241 mm
Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz

The Sampan FTL images better on a bookshelf than most small loudspeakers image on stands out in the room. Place it on stands out in the room and there is no contest. And while most small speakers struggle to reproduce 80 cycle bass, the Sampan FTL is engineered to play 40 cycle bass with ease. In fact, the Sampan FTL bass extension will put many full range loudspeakers to shame.

From top to bottom the Sampan FTL presents a very neutral and seamless frequency response with no excesses at any place in its frequency spectrum. It produces a totally engaging and enveloping sonic experience. It's astonishing resolution and foot tapping speed will make you want to go through your entire music collection to discover and savor sonics delights you missed before. It is a tiny loudspeaker that can full an average sized house with music. And it has the uncanny ability to project accurate bass into adjoining rooms.

The Sampan FTL uses the latest transducer technology – a cast aluminum frame, neodymium magnet, underhung motor design to generate surprising sound pressure level. Its crossover-less design and flat impedance curve means it can easily be driven with everything from an iPod to the most exotic audiophile amplifier. And its small size means it is very portable and easy to place, allowing you to freely enjoy high quality music just about anywhere.

The Sampan FTL is the game changer among small loudspeakers, it says the future is now..

 " This is great application of the single driver concept."
 
"People are blown away."