Hi,
distortion is inherent to every speaker, with good ESLs still far better than dynamic speakers. The type of construction of the ESL doesn´t play a important role, as long as cerain rules are obeyed.
Let the ESL only work in a frequency range where he can shine
Distortions rise as soon as the membrane has to move considerably. This is the case below ~200Hz. Curved ESLs are a bit more prone to low freq-distortion than planar types. Above ~200Hz both methods work with equal low distortion. Keep in mind too, that a certain amount of distortion (sometimes even the most!) may come from the audio-trannies especially at elevated volumes.
Have an eye on the dimensions and materials You choose. Every ESL panel suffers more or less from standing waves. You can see that in the freq-response, the distortion measures and the CSD-plots. One reason is that most panels have their membrane glued to some stiff and hard spacer material. This is a good condition for standing waves to be generated.....strongly varying mechanical impedance --> strong reflexion --> high reflected amplitude --> strong standing wave. You will find this effect for the horizontal dimensions and for the vertical dimensions. Since curved stators feature only mechanical tension of the membrane in vertical direction (but with a high value) they rather show just one frequency of a standing wave, while flat panels with tension in both directions show two frequencies.
jauu
Calvin
distortion is inherent to every speaker, with good ESLs still far better than dynamic speakers. The type of construction of the ESL doesn´t play a important role, as long as cerain rules are obeyed.
Let the ESL only work in a frequency range where he can shine
Distortions rise as soon as the membrane has to move considerably. This is the case below ~200Hz. Curved ESLs are a bit more prone to low freq-distortion than planar types. Above ~200Hz both methods work with equal low distortion. Keep in mind too, that a certain amount of distortion (sometimes even the most!) may come from the audio-trannies especially at elevated volumes.
Have an eye on the dimensions and materials You choose. Every ESL panel suffers more or less from standing waves. You can see that in the freq-response, the distortion measures and the CSD-plots. One reason is that most panels have their membrane glued to some stiff and hard spacer material. This is a good condition for standing waves to be generated.....strongly varying mechanical impedance --> strong reflexion --> high reflected amplitude --> strong standing wave. You will find this effect for the horizontal dimensions and for the vertical dimensions. Since curved stators feature only mechanical tension of the membrane in vertical direction (but with a high value) they rather show just one frequency of a standing wave, while flat panels with tension in both directions show two frequencies.
jauu
Calvin
rick57 said:
Rick,
try this link to a on line article by my friend Sheldon Stokes: http://www.quadesl.com/diy_esl1.html
-Tom
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