Frugel-Horn Mk3

[Bob Brines]

Slightly off topic, but....

I demo'd the attached speakers at the Lone Star Audio Fest in May The small speaker is Alpair 7 in a 36" transmission line, the large speaker is Tang Band W8-1772 in a 45L BR. Both have F3 in the 40's. Both produce outstanding bass in the Embassy Suites room. Those who prefer jazz and girl-and-a-guitar generally chose the A7. Those who prefer rock generally chose the TB. Why? The A7 is a bit more lively and has better presence. The TB has more oomph in the upper bass. I prefer the A7 for baroque and classical (in the strict sense).

The A7's are now flanking my wide-screen where they replaced Fostex FE166En's in a 40" MLTL. The receiver crosses them to a sub at 120Hz. The A7's are hands down a better, more balanced sound than the 166's. The receiver XO works great for movies with the internal EQ set to EQ the room as flat as possible. For music, I generally run the receiver direct (2-channel, no possessing) and EQ from my computer.

Bob

[Scottmoose]

Lovely work as always Bob. Finish on those looks first rate. I like the combination of the full-length grill & the veneered sides too.

[chrisb]

Originally Posted by Bob Brines

Slightly off topic, but....

I demo'd the attached speakers at the Lone Star Audio Fest in May The small speaker is Alpair 7 in a 36" transmission line, the large speaker is Tang Band W8-1772 in a 45L BR. Both have F3 in the 40's. Both produce outstanding bass in the Embassy Suites room. Those who prefer jazz and girl-and-a-guitar generally chose the A7. Those who prefer rock generally chose the TB. Why? The A7 is a bit more lively and has better presence. The TB has more oomph in the upper bass. I prefer the A7 for baroque and classical (in the strict sense).

The A7's are now flanking my wide-screen where they replaced Fostex FE166En's in a 40" MLTL. The receiver crosses them to a sub at 120Hz. The A7's are hands down a better, more balanced sound than the 166's. The receiver XO works great for movies with the internal EQ set to EQ the room as flat as possible. For music, I generally run the receiver direct (2-channel, no possessing) and EQ from my computer.

Bob

Bob; I found pretty much the same thing when switching from FE167E/FE127E combo to Alpair 7 for the front row 3 (IIRC crossed many 10Hz lower to the LFE channel) . The forward presentation that I don't find at all obtrusive on most music can definitely be a bit overbearing on HT in my smallish (320sq ft) room.




How much computer EQ do you find they want for music only?.

[planet10]

For those interested in deep bass and a bit of kick & a set of frugel-Horns, do keep in mind the optional deflector. Besides providing a slight improvement in bass extention & finese (the choke point in this design makes the gains much smaller than the original), it provides the ideal opportunity for a pair of powered stealth woofers. I'd suggest XO 60-100 Hz with a 1st order PLLXO on the FH3.

dave

[Bob Brines]

Originally Posted by chrisb

How much computer EQ do you find they want for music only?.

I did an RTA with the mic at my head position, then EQ'd it flat to ~900Hz. Then I took a few dB's off of the 1-2kHZ peak, but this has to be done very carefully or all of the magic (presence) is lost. Finally, I took 5dB's off 10-15kHz. That top edge bothers me.

I am contemplating another profile with a 5dB notch 6-7kHz to soften sibilance. This would be for pop voice only. I wouldn't want that for instrumentals.

I did try a completely flat EQ and it sounded horrible. Flat, lifeless. THIS is the sound that I heard from most every setup at LSAF, including some very expensive speakers. All of these builders/vendors are so shot with a ruler flat FR that they don't realize that that is not what our ears hear. We full-rangers get this peaked, lively response by default since so many (is that better Dave?) of the drivers we use are peaked in the presence range.

Bob

[THORNSPAWN]

If anyone wants to watch a set being CNC machined I took a couple of vids
YouTube - ‪Frugel Horn MK3 flat pack CNC‬‏
YouTube - ‪Frugel Horn MK3 baffles CNC‬‏

[kec]

Originally Posted by THORNSPAWN

If anyone wants to watch a set being CNC machined I took a couple of vids

Nice!

What are the "L" angle pieces for?

[THORNSPAWN]

There was spare space on the board so rather than waste I made them. I had planned to use them as part of the packaging to protect the corners but don't really need them, I suppose they would make good bracing in subs and larger boxes.

[Ultralight]

Bob,

May I ask why you crossed over your A7 at 120hz? Why not lower - say 80 hz - since your A7 can easily go below that?

Thanks,
UL

[Bob Brines]

Originally Posted by Ultralight

Bob,

May I ask why you crossed over your A7 at 120hz? Why not lower - say 80 hz - since your A7 can easily go below that?

Thanks,
UL

I chose the XO for the best in-room response. There was a null that filled best with the higher XO. Besides, once the A7 is crossed well above the max excursion point, it can be played crazy loud with little distortion.

Bob