Zigmahornet

About the Zigmahornet

The Merrill Zigmahornet is a specialized loudspeaker enclosure designed for the Merrill DCA4 4.5" full range driver. It features an acoustic labyrinth design, also known as an unstuffed transmission line or quarter-wave resonator, which provides extended bass response and reduced cone excursion compared to sealed boxes, along with a wider operating bandwidth than typical bass-reflex designs. The cabinet is tall and slender, minimizing edge diffraction and enhancing imaging, making it an imaging champion with superb upper midrange dynamics and clear, tonally complete midrange. Bass extension is light but surprisingly deep for its size, with some listeners perceiving extension down to around 40Hz despite the driver's nominal 60Hz rating. The enclosure is well built and affordable at about per pair. However, the design has some limitations, including resonances above the intended frequency range and group delay effects that can affect sound depending on listening conditions. The slender baffle can cause a high-frequency baffle step, potentially thinning bass into the midrange, which can be mitigated by placement near a wall or baffle modifications. The speakers are best suited for smaller rooms and moderate listening levels, as they are limited in loudness and bass output for large rooms or high-volume listening. Overall, the Zigmahornet paired with the Merrill DCA4 driver delivers a natural, warm, and live-sounding experience with excellent imaging and midrange clarity, favored by audiophiles seeking a pure full-range single-driver speaker experience.