My DIY Phase Plugs

[Raphael Shaw]

#7 - clean ALL debris out of center of driver
#8 - remove tape from gap
#9 - screw in new phase plug

#10 - Enjoy.

Now it wasn't all as easy as it looks. I ran into a few problems.
-but that why I'm doing these experiments before I get to my FE167e's.

I have not done any listening yet, but will do soon.

[planet10]

From that last picture, i'd suggest a plug that is fatter (so there is less gap) and longer (tip should reach to the top edge of the whizzer (at least))

dave

[Raphael Shaw]

Thanks Dave,
I was wondering about the dimensions.

- I was also wondering about how drilling a hole down the middle would effect the magnetic field?
I assume the pro's outweigh the con's.

[Raphael Shaw]

Originally posted by yan6
I then used a lathe to get them smooth and square.

Ryan, I really don't know what I'm talking about here, but my intuition tells me that a squared-top/sharp-edge would be a bad Idea.
-Is there a non-cosmetic reason why you made them this way?

[Magura]

Originally posted by Raphael Shaw



Ryan, I really don't know what I'm talking about here, but my intuition tells me that a squared-top/sharp-edge would be a bad Idea.
-Is there a non-cosmetic reason why you made them this way?

It can't be any worse than this http://www.decware.com/newsite/DFR8.htm


.....and a hex socket is substantially cheaper than the 200$ they want for it


Not that either will work as well as a bullet shaped, or a mushroom shaped plug.


Magura

[yan6]

For the extra work involded in making a bullet or mushroom shape phase plug or the cost of buying some, I thought I would try the socket. I had read of a few people trying this with success and knowing of the decware design, I thought this cant be too far off. After some listening I have found that most of the midrange shout is gone and the sound seems much less directional. As far as I'm concered this has done it for me!

Gio, just by ear using the blink test cd, I can hear 31.5Hz no problem, but it is not quite full volume (with respect to the other tracks). 40Hz seem to be full volume. No sub right now, I'm not sure I need one.

[amp-guy]

Originally posted by planet10
From that last picture, i'd suggest a plug that is fatter (so there is less gap) and longer (tip should reach to the top edge of the whizzer (at least))

dave

I agree mine have about the same clearance as the voice coil/pole piece. I didn't want to take the chance of metals chips getting into the gap so mine are fastened with a small amount of JB weld and positioned with shims till set up. never tried one of the mushroom shapes though.

[amp-guy]

anybody seen Steve Deckart's new phase plugs?
vac tubes? yep thats right.
http://www.decware.com/newsite/DFR6.htm
I don't know about this one, seems to me the internals would resonate badly. But hey Iam not adverse to at least try it.

[planet10]

Originally posted by yan6
For the extra work involded in making a bullet or mushroom shape phase plug or the cost of buying some, I thought I would try the socket. I had read of a few people trying this with success and knowing of the decware design, I thought this cant be too far off. After some listening I have found that most of the midrange shout is gone and the sound seems much less directional. As far as I'm concered this has done it for me!

Somewhere deep in my email, i have comments from a customer, that tried both the decware socket and my plugs. The sockets are back in his toolbox (i've not tried the socket -- getting it out after putting it in is not easy)

dave

[planet10]

Originally posted by amp-guy
anybody seen Steve Deckart's new phase plugs?
vac tubes? yep thats right.
http://www.decware.com/newsite/DFR6.htm
I don't know about this one, seems to me the internals would resonate badly. But hey Iam not adverse to at least try it.

Me too... and we did find that. The idea is not original to Deckart (IIRC, either Cal's or Chris')... see the picture published in this forum post (ie Aug 05 at the 2nd annual Vancouver Island diyFEST (#6 21 aug 09)) at least a year before he released his new plug

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/attac...amp=1125340084

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showt...940#post712940

dave