Phase Plugs For Single Full Range Drivers

[thetubeguy1954]

I'm curious if anyone here has done a study of how the differening types of phase plugs work with single full range drivers?

Of particular interest is Decware's phase plug as it's completely different than any other type I've seen. For a white paper on how it works click on this link: http://www.decware.com/newsite/mainm...udio.htm&intro After you click on that link when the next page opens scroll down until you see DFR-8 and click on it. When the next page opens scroll down again until you see the phase plug and click on Read about the phase guide design here! below it. Finally the page that opens is their white paper on how their phase plug works differently from all other phase plugs.

I'm very interested in hearing from anyone who's tried different phase plugs and what their results were. I'd also appreciate input from anyone who's more technically orientated than I am on what they think about Decware's explanantion of how their phase plug works. TIA.

Thetubeguy1954

[sreten]

Hi,

The explanation is basically pseudotechnobabble fantasy.

The original phase plug in question was an 3/8" drive socket like :





It may work. It does not work the way it is described. It was not designed.

/sreten.

[scottw]

Here is an old link I had that might be of interest:

http://audioprogress.free.fr/



Scott

[Bluto]

I'd like to see tests as well.

You can't help but wonder if the socket didn't work better.

I do recall reading some test somewhere on someones plug and measurable improvement was shown. Maybe anything beats a dust cap.

On occasion I visit European forums . Those guys make phase plugs out of everything.

Bluto

[MisterTwister]

I think it's best to use copper tube as phase plug.
it serves as shorting ring as well. though if driver's motor is underhung I see no advantage in using copper tube.

[rjbond3rd]

Here's Bob Brines' take on the FE167E's with Planet-10 phase plugs:

http://www.geocities.com/rbrines1/Pa...ase_Plugs.html

And here's the Planet-10 page:

http://www.planet10-hifi.com/pp-info.html

I heard the speakers in question (Bob's FT-1600 MkII) and was immediate struck by how clear they sounded, which I attribute to the phase plugs (because I've heard plenty of Fostex 6-inchers and own the FE164 and FE166ES-R's). So in my newb opinion, they are an upgrade worth having.

edit: clarified that the speakers I heard were the model being tested.

[badman]

Originally posted by MisterTwister
I think it's best to use copper tube as phase plug.
it serves as shorting ring as well. though if driver's motor is underhung I see no advantage in using copper tube.

A copper sleeve through the gap on an underhung motor would help heat dissipation quite a bit, but as far as our concerns with the 'normal' purpose of shorting rings above and below the gap, rather than sleeves, you're right, they'd be of quite limited value in underhung motors.

[chrisb]

the other question relating to aftermarket or DIY/mechanic's toolbox phase plugs, is how to attach them to the pole piece.

A wooden plug ( whether lathe turned like the Planet10 models or just a chunk of round dowelling) can easily be fitted with a couple or 3 * small countersunk wood screws which will be held by the magnet pole piece. They'll still be relatively easy to align and remove if necessary, provided they're not too short or smooth to grip.

Something as massive and smooth as the sockets might be a bit more of a challenge to work with.

Copper pipe would need some form of internal plug & adhesive or magnetic attachment.

* don't try and attach with only one screw - as the direction of lines of flux at the pole piece will want tilt the plug

[woodturner-fran]

Apart from getting the diameter and general shape correct is it really only a matter of the plug being held in place by the magnet?


So if I had the capability to turn some of these, was willing to remove the dust cap thats all there is to it?


(not running down the effort in making matching plugs)

Fran

[Magura]

There is a lot more to it.......

For starters, a Log. contour, that fits the cone.


Magura