Magneplanars and EnABL

[Alex from Oz]

Here are some proper pics...

Cheers,

Alex

[Alex from Oz]

G'day Ed,

OK here is a 'proof of concept' EnABL treatment that is fully reversible.

Refer to the attached pic for the pattern.

No. of blocks: 76
Block size: 1" x 0.5"
Block materials: Clear contact (in case you like what you hear and wish to leave it in place).
Alternatively, 1/2" masking tape or even electrical tape.

1. Apply the pattern from top to bottom
2. Do ONE speaker only, then listen in stereo
3. Usually, the speakers will sound strangely unbalanced - this is the EnABL pattern at work.
4. EnABL the other speaker and listen in stereo.
5. The balance will be restored, but the overall sound will be different

Questions, comments?

Cheers,

Alex

[Alex from Oz]

G'day,

Here is a more advanced treatment for those willing to take their socks off.

The attached pic shows the EnABL pattern to apply around the driver aperture and baffle for a standard SMGa (ie. without the additional side pieces used by Ed.)
The sock will need to be removed to apply the patterns, then put back on.
Ideally, apply the patterns to the backside of the speaker also.

Cheers,

Alex

[Ed Holland]

Thanks, I'll think about it.

By the way, the pictures you posted are exactly what I have - no additional side pieces on my speakers, just the original wooden trim/re-enforcement. Sorry if there was some misunderstanding.

I would say it will be hard to hear the unbalanced effect you describe. Since the speakers have quite a distinct sweet spot (tall, & large area high frequency source radiation characteristic) There are subtle changes based on speaker placement. Much of my listening is quite removed from the typical listener/2 speaker triangle, but these will speakers fill the room with natural sounding music even if ones ears are not positioned perfectly for stereo.

[Alex from Oz]

G'day Ed.

I did misunderstand your set-up - mind you, I should have clarified with you rather than assuming.
In any case, the simple application I proposed still applies.

IMO, folks using ESL, Maggies and 'single driver' style speakers are usually best placed to hear the changes EnABL brings.
Familiarity with the sound of your own set-up is more important than the absolute speaker/listener positioning when it comes to hearing any changes.
Only one way to find out really...

Cheers,

Alex