Manzanita Ultra Open Baffle

The Manzanita Ultra is a beloved DIY open‑baffle loudspeaker design from John Busch of Manzanita Audio Solutions. Inspired by decades of OB development, the Ultra takes the simplicity of the original Manzanita and scales it up—bigger baffle, bigger woofer, deeper bass, and an even more spacious soundstage. Busch spent years refining the design before offering it commercially, and the DIY version has become a favorite project among open‑baffle enthusiasts. At its heart, the Ultra uses a Vifa TC9 full‑range driver paired with a GRS 15-inch woofer, blended through a simple but carefully tuned passive crossover. This combination delivers surprisingly deep bass, open midrange, and a natural, “disappearing” presentation that open‑baffle systems are known for.