MarkAudio NC7_MAOP Nature Collection Speakers (Pair)

A flagship sister model inheriting the technology of the NC11

The NC7_MAOP is a new bookshelf speaker in the Nature Collection, developed with the same philosophy as MarkAudio's flagship model, the NC11. It features the MAOP7_v2 driver, which is highly praised as an excellent driver that balances delicacy and dynamics, with a wide frequency range that extends flatly up to 34kHz (±6dB) and an ultra-lightweight moving system of only 3.3g (MMS 3.8g).
The resonance frequency (Fb) is expected around 50Hz, delivering a surprising amount of depth and natural bass for its size. The solid foundation of the mid-lows, the basic element of music, ensures a musically balanced sound that works well across genres.

Two models finished by skilled instrument craftsmen using carefully selected solid woods

The NC7_MAOP is available in two cabinet specifications:
NC7_MAOP_WNT (Solid Walnut)
Walnut is a dense and hard wood with minimal warping, known for its ability to richly reproduce hall tone and indirect sound.
Ideal for music where spatial expression and beautiful resonance are important.
NC7_MAOP_MW (Hard Maple / Walnut Combination)
The baffle features hard maple, which has a fast transmission speed and provides sharp attack and clear imaging.
Combining walnut on the sides balances strong contours with gentle spatial presence. Finished with matte urethane, it harmonizes well with modern Scandinavian furniture.
The Nature Collection series is characterized by carefully selected solid wood skillfully processed by artisans to create a beautiful finish that feels like a single piece of wood. The craftsmanship is so impressive that it takes your breath away the moment you unpack it.

The “Silent, Silk-like Smoothness” Created by MAOP (Micro-Arc Oxidation Process)

The MAOP treatment is a unique process developed by MarkAudio that oxidizes aluminum-magnesium alloy cones under a high voltage of 700V for an extended period, creating a fine crystalline structure.
The “fine surface resonances” that traditional metal cones tend to have are effectively dampened by this crystalline layer, achieving natural decay characteristics similar to those of pulp cones.
As a result, MAOP drivers exhibit their characteristic “extremely flat frequency response,” a “sense of quiet,” and “silk-like smoothness,” reproducing everything from delicate ambience to energetic attacks with natural expression.

High-efficiency, high-resolution midrange with rectangular copper wire voice coil

The voice coil uses rectangular (flat) copper wire, which is about 30% more efficient than round wire.
This suppresses eddy currents in the midrange and increases surface area by reducing the number of folded sections, greatly contributing to the transparency, resolution, and detail of the MAOP7_v2.
The 4.5mm long-stroke structure combined with a 100μm ultra-thin alloy cone produces low-distortion, high-purity low frequencies and delicate, vivid mid-to-high frequencies.

Oval Bass-Reflex Port – Combining the smoothness of sealed design with the brightness of bass reflex

Aiming for “the best of both worlds,” the MAOP speaker uses an oval bass-reflex port made by layering solid materials, combining the bright and lively sound of a bass-reflex design with the smooth low-end extension of a sealed design.
It suppresses excessive peaks, achieving smooth, natural low frequencies.

Difference from NC11 – Clear differentiation in sound directionality

While the NC11 excels at capturing the grand spatial expression of hall recordings and large ensembles, the NC7_MAOP specializes in delicate nuances and densely detailed midrange reproduction.
It is ideal for listeners who prioritize detailed expression in string instruments, chamber music, vocals, and similar sources.
MarkAudio speakers are designed so that “not only the position directly in front but also positions to the side enjoy good sound,” offering practicality that is not apparent from specifications alone.

Transparency Through MAOP Unit and Point Source

• The first thing I noticed when playing the MAOP unit was how surprisingly quiet the background was.
  The noise floor is extremely low, and even subtle sounds like the decay of reverb or the fading of instruments naturally emerge. It has a clarity as if you were listening in a room with crystal-clear air. Additionally, the pinpoint imaging unique to a point source stands out.
  
• The 70mm small-diameter ideal point source combined with the high resolution of the MAOP unit makes the sound image feel incredibly clear. Vocals and instruments seem to appear right in front of you, and I was captivated by their three-dimensionality and realism.
  

Contribution of the Enclosure Design

• The NC7 enclosure creates an open soundstage that you wouldn't expect from a small speaker. The sound doesn’t feel trapped inside the box but naturally spreads into the space, making you forget the speaker’s size. The soundstage doesn't feel narrow; rather, it feels light and expansive.
  
• Its high midrange fidelity is also appealing, providing a clear and natural tone that remains pleasant throughout.
  Despite its high resolution, it isn’t piercing to the ears, making it fatigue-free even when listening up close for long periods. I felt it’s a speaker you can confidently use in a small, near-field listening environment.