ZD5 floorstanders

[flemo]

Hi,

I have recently built a set of Zaph Audio design ZD5 floorstanders using the Madisound built xo's. Although they seem to be improving as they burn in, I have found them a tad underwhelming in the top end. They seem rolled off and lacking some sparkle.

The tweeter xo's have the standard design 5ohm RO resistor.

I'd like to make it clear that I loath bright and washed out sounding speakers, but even for me they seem to lack some top end resolution.

I was looking for feedback from others who have built or own a set of these speakers, and what their thoughts are on the performance/strengths/weaknesses of the ZD5's.

My speakers have about 80hrs on them and wondered if they still need a couple of hundred more hours to burn in, or would they be pretty close to what they should be?

I was considering changing the 5ohm RO resistor but as I am not technically minded in electronics so was looking at other options or advice.

There could be something else which I may not have considered, but I have limited experience and knowledge in DIY hi-fi.

Thanks for your help, cheers flemo.

ZD5bp1.jpg

[rabbitz]

It will do no harm to try different resistor values for R0. Try 4R7, 3R9 and even 3R3.

There could be a couple of other things that can effect your impression such as variations in the XT25 tweeter as there has been several models.... the original Vifa from Denmark, the Vifa/Peerless made in Denmark or China. A room with a lot of soft furnishings or a laid back amp can dull off the top end.

Play with the resistor and see what happens as it doesn't take much reduction in value to have an effect.

BTW, I've never heard this speaker so can't comment on how it's supposed to sound but have used an XT25 with a 18W8531.

[flemo]

Thanks for that Rabbitz.

I most likely will change the RO resistor but didn't want to reinvent the wheel if you know what I mean?

I see I inserted the wrong pic - dohh!

ZD5b3.jpg

[Nikola Krivorov]

Hi Flemo,

While I am still waiting for the boxes to complete a ZD5 for a friend I cannot help myself but tell you how beautiful your pair looks! You really put a lot of effort there!

Regarding the tweeter level - it will help getting good advice if you tell us a few details about your system and what speakers you used before.

My experience with a lot of DIY speakers is that the resistor is the most important component that determines the level but sometimes the acoustic material inside the box can play a large role in the subjective perspective of what you hear,this is probably more so with the ZD5 as the SS driver reaches quite high, the type of resistor is also important and the same value sounds quite different using Mills and MOX for example. Some people may laugh at what I am saying but at the level you are playing with the ZD5 everything matters, believe me.

As soon as I have the Zd5 here ready I will report on what I am hearing, they will be built as closed box though.

And the most important advice I can give you-please do not give up on them, you can make everything sound just as you want it, you just need to spend time with it.

BR

[flemo]

Hi BR, thanks for your thoughts.

The internal dampening is Blackhole5 mat and 30mm thick rockwool insulation. I used Cat6 cable with a single strand to the tweeters and double strand to the woofers, connected using Eichman binding posts. I spared no expense making these as I wanted (and still do) this project to succeed.

I have attached some more pics to show the inner lining.

I guess I will have to look at ordering some lower value RO resistors, though not sure what values to start with or brand.

As for the cabinets they still need to be painted. I tried numerous times to paint them myself but couldn't get it perfect. They have been rubbed back and I'm waiting for a friend of a friend to get back to me about redoing the final coats. I've only been waiting 8 weeks now.

Cheers, flemo.

ZD5BH5.jpg

ZD5front.jpg

ZD5cab4.jpg

[flemo]

Oop's forget to list my components I guess to assist with compatability and synergy.

I have Linn Sondek LP12 with Ittok II arm & Ortofon Kontrapunkt A moving coil running through an Accuphase E205 SS integrated amp rated about 85wpc. I am using a set of US Speedcable by Esoterick USA speaker cables.

That's my system - and the ZD5's!

[rabbitz]

If you are looking for some MOX resistors you can find them at Speakerbug in Australia.
Speakerbug MOX resistors

If you want to trial some quickly, just grab some 10W wire wound from Jaycar or Altronics.

[flemo]

Thanks for the info rabbitz, I guess I'll have to get cracking and order some MOX resistors.

Cheers, flemo.

[passionaudio]

Originally Posted by flemo

Hi,

I have recently built a set of Zaph Audio design ZD5 floorstanders using the Madisound built xo's. Although they seem to be improving as they burn in, I have found them a tad underwhelming in the top end. They seem rolled off and lacking some sparkle.

The tweeter xo's have the standard design 5ohm RO resistor.

I'd like to make it clear that I loath bright and washed out sounding speakers, but even for me they seem to lack some top end resolution.

I was looking for feedback from others who have built or own a set of these speakers, and what their thoughts are on the performance/strengths/weaknesses of the ZD5's.

My speakers have about 80hrs on them and wondered if they still need a couple of hundred more hours to burn in, or would they be pretty close to what they should be?

I was considering changing the 5ohm RO resistor but as I am not technically minded in electronics so was looking at other options or advice.

There could be something else which I may not have considered, but I have limited experience and knowledge in DIY hi-fi.

Thanks for your help, cheers flemo.

Attachment 163354

try diffrent caps in the crossover you never know what will happen.

[flemo]

Just thought I'd give an update regarding my issue with my ZD5's lacking sparkle and top end resolution.

I took the speakers around to passioaudio's house today and it took him about 10 seconds to ascertain it was a polarity issue! I'd canvassed this subject before and thought it was resolved, but I was wrong.

We then discovered the vocals were out of focus and maligned. We then swapped the speakers over so the tweeter was on the outside edge, which then moved the vocals dead smack in the centre of the soundstage.

We then listened to the ZD5's on what I would call a very highend tube amplifier and dac. Although the speakers sounded better after overcoming the other issues, they simply didn't fire on this system.

I was feeling pretty disappointed and pissed about it.

Anyhow when I took them home and hooked them up to my Accuphase SS amp and LP12, they were a completely different animal.

They have detail, top and bottom end resolution, weights and timbres in the midrange, and a smooth & controlled bottom end. I went from being utterly disappointed to gobsmacked!!

I know the designer stated on his website these speakers were not suited for tube amplification, but I wouldn't have dreamed it could be so dramatic in results.

I can now see why people rave over these speakers and have to admit they sound stunning in my room.

Cheers, flemo.