DIY amp and such build gallery

[Fitz]

I'll let someone else take that one.

[Dusty Chalk]

I'll pass as well, I think that's one of those that we can all agree has a built-in snicker-trigger.

Originally Posted by swt61

Marc is exceptional at conveying his ideas.

Mostly he has just given me measurements and a project scope.

No Blueprints or drawings thus far, and none needed. He really has a way of wording his ideas, and coming down to my level to convey them.

Pfff. That won't do, won't do at all...for what I'm thinking of, not meant to be a criticism of the way you two went about things.

[swt61]

Well it worked well for us, but yeah with some of my customers that wouldn't work at all.

I do have a pretty good grasp of the construction side of things, but the electronics side is best left to the pros.

[luvdunhill]

Originally Posted by Dusty Chalk

I'll pass as well, I think that's one of those that we can all agree has a built-in snicker-trigger.Pfff. That won't do, won't do at all...for what I'm thinking of, not meant to be a criticism of the way you two went about things.

Dusty:

I have another speaker design that I've been working on for 3 years. Main problem with generating plans is they take me so long. Many builders what things like cut lists to take on a job. After doing baffle diffraction simulations, crossover designs, and all the various stages finally generating CAD drawings is just enough to make me want to quit... I find myself just wanting to pick new drivers and start simulating again and skip the mundane building stage

This is a huge project that Steve is helping with. At last count I have a total of 8 12awg copper foil inductors, 16 heatsinked resistors, and around 30 capacitors.

Spritzer:

Actually, it was the dome mid that got me interested in this project. It just begs for a first-order crossover, which was enough to push me over the edge and build them.

[Dusty Chalk]

I'm not sure I entirely understood that -- the CAD drawings were the last straw, or finally getting to the CAD drawings was when you finally started enjoying what you were doing?

If so, what CAD package are you using? Mine's going to take a good three years as well, not because of the crossover, but just because it's so complicated, physically (multidriver, polydirectional speaker).

[luvdunhill]

Originally Posted by Dusty Chalk

I'm not sure I entirely understood that -- the CAD drawings were the last straw, or finally getting to the CAD drawings was when you finally started enjoying what you were doing?

If so, what CAD package are you using? Mine's going to take a good three years as well, not because of the crossover, but just because it's so complicated, physically (multidriver, polydirectional speaker).

I mean after spending so much time measuring the drivers, modeling the baffle, modeling crossovers, building a box, and iterating through this process, getting things like cut lists together for a builder is irritating. Plus, I don't really have the necessary CAD skills.

If you're going to be spending a lot of money on this project (> $5k), and have a very complex enclosure, I'd drop the cash for a LEAP license. It's well worth the money.

I use Alibre CAD for drawings.

[spritzer]

Originally Posted by luvdunhill

Actually, it was the dome mid that got me interested in this project. It just begs for a first-order crossover, which was enough to push me over the edge and build them.

It's a shame that these don't see more use. Truly terrific drive units

[luvdunhill]

Originally Posted by spritzer

It's a shame that these don't see more use. Truly terrific drive units

Spritzer:

have you ever heard the Raidho FFT tweeter? It's used by Eben:

http://www.eben.dk/eben/index.htm

datasheet (though many claim that these are flawed measurements):

http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/download/Raidu_planar.pdf

[spritzer]

Originally Posted by luvdunhill

Spritzer:

have you ever heard the Raidho FFT tweeter? It's used by Eben:

http://www.eben.dk/eben/index.htm

datasheet (though many claim that these are flawed measurements):

http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/download/Raidu_planar.pdf

I haven't heard that one. The measurements are very impressive and it would be fun to strap a pair of them to the head... With such a light diaphragm a very special midrange unit would be need to keep up with it.

[luvdunhill]

Originally Posted by spritzer

I haven't heard that one. The measurements are very impressive and it would be fun to strap a pair of them to the head... With such a light diaphragm a very special midrange unit would be need to keep up with it.

yeah, they look very nice. They run around $600 pair. I would use a Audiotechnology C-Quenze driver with it.

[spritzer]

Originally Posted by luvdunhill

yeah, they look very nice. They run around $600 pair. I would use a Audiotechnology C-Quenze driver with it.

Damn Danish... the kings of markup... Have you ever seen a ribbon midrange for sale anywhere as I've been looking with some strange planar hybrid in mind. I could always gut a Maggie but then I could also just make my own ELS drivers for a lot less.

I just looked up the Eben speakers and there are some on the 'gon. Not cheap but certainly not expensive. I've been looking at some mini monitors for use as TV speakers but 4k$ is a bit much for that role...

[luvdunhill]

Originally Posted by spritzer

Damn Danish... the kings of markup...

ain't that true. I absolutely love all Danish drivers though

here are a few links:

http://www.alconsaudio.com/site/technology.html
http://www.eminent-tech.com/lft10/carspeaker.html
http://www.dynasonic.gr
http://www.bgcorp.com/1Pages/OEMdrivers.html
http://www.monsoonpower.com/index_hometh.htm
http://www.eben.dk
www.slsloudspeakers.com

and some specific models:

Infinity EMIM and EMIT
Fostex FT7-RP
Visaton HF range
Aurum Cantus G1, G2, G2si, G3, G3si (interesting to note that replacement ribbons are sold for < $10, maybe DIY options there)
Eton ER-4
Fountek NeoCd models and NeoPro
LCY various models
Mundorf AMT models
RAAL 70-10, 140-15D

I'm sure I have missed some

[spritzer]

The Danish make great drive units but they know how to charge for stuff.

Thanks a lot for that list. Some of those drivers could work really well with a simple, thick MDF baffle. I think it is time to do some more research...

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by spritzer

Have you ever seen a ribbon midrange for sale anywhere as I've been looking with some strange planar hybrid in mind. I could always gut a Maggie but then I could also just make my own ELS drivers for a lot less.

I've got an old pair of maggie's (I think they are the 1.6). I love the detail, but would like to see a bit more on the bass. I don't like the idea of a traditional subwoofer and thought, that a larger panel could help solve the problem. I never thought of building something until I just read your comment. I'd love to see how this is done.

[spritzer]

Originally Posted by Kerry

I've got an old pair of maggie's (I think they are the 1.6). I love the detail, but would like to see a bit more on the bass. I don't like the idea of a traditional subwoofer and thought, that a larger panel could help solve the problem. I never thought of building something until I just read your comment. I'd love to see how this is done.

A larger panel will help as well as building a stronger frame for the drivers. A larger panel will have more area and can thus create a longer wavelength i.e. deeper bass. By putting the drivers in a stiffer enclosure more of the acoustical energy can be dissipated away from the driver so it won't cause distortion.

It's also worth to note that Maggie uses two different kind of drivers, ribbon and magneto planar. A ribbon is just a metal or metalized ribbon, very thin, suspended between magnets and when current runs through the ribbon it moves. The other kind uses a mylar or kapton film with a circuit printed on it that acts as a voicecoil with magnets on either side. This is the same driver concept used in orthodynamic headphones and the small SFI tweeter I have here.

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by spritzer

... Have you ever seen a ribbon midrange for sale anywhere as I've been looking with some strange planar hybrid in mind.

Thanks. I've got a few projects in front of this (polish on my electrostatic headphone amp, and a nice DAC). If you do move forward with your planar project please post on how it goes.

[spritzer]

Originally Posted by Kerry

Thanks. I've got a few projects in front of this (polish on my electrostatic headphone amp, and a nice DAC). If you do move forward with your planar project please post on how it goes.

I will do. There are also quite a few other projects in front of this one but I might finish a DIY ortho headphone soon if I manage to find a good foster phone.

[luvdunhill]

Papa seeez:

"I have switched F4 production over to Elna "silk" capacitors,
as being the best electrolytics that we have measured and
listened to."

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showt...55#post1472055

[spritzer]

It's a shame they don't come in any large sizes... We need a great 10000uF/550v cap...

[Smeggy]

pft. Luddites and their meaningless measurements. Do measurements ever listen to music? Can measurements ever capture the soul of a recording?
I didn't think so.

Nelson should get out of the amp game before those making amps without such arcane restrictions and silly notions of what makes a good amp start to ridicule him behind his back.




:P