| Scottmoose |
Just wanted to add my tuppence worth on the subject. I installed a pair of Dave's phase plugs into my FE167Es at the beginning of last week, and I've been listening whenever I've had chance. I'll quickly stress that Dave had no idea that I was going to write this; honest opinion only guys, and I'm impressed with what I'm hearing.
First up, I'll say that installing the things was as easy as anything I've ever done in the practical side of DIY speakers. Took 30 minutes at the outside, and I was taking it carefully. Fruits of a youth misspent making model kits perhaps, but it has its benefits. Their build, fit and finish is lovely, and they do add a certain something to the appearence of the drivers when installed.
As for their subjective effect on sound; they've brought quite a few benefits to my ears. The 167 is inherently smooth as FR drivers go, but installing these things has brought some real gains to the upper and midranges. Things sound somewhat more precise, and smoother / cleaner too in the HF. A slight ring in the upper midrange has gone completely. If there's a downside, I haven't found it. And that's with the FE167E. I have more than a suspicion that they'll do all this and more for the 166, which is a much less forgiving unit with that rising response. Either way, if you've got these drivers, then you want to seriously consider getting a set of phase plugs for them. They work. Extremely well. Anone else out there running a set of drivers with them in? I'd be interested to see if our experiences match.
Cheers
Scott |
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| markgall |
Hiya Scott,
I put the Planet10 plugs in my FE166e's which are mounted in the recommended BLH cabinets and would highly recommend the mod also. I think it greatly improved the looks and sound of this wonderful speaker. Here's a couple pics of mine pal'n round with a buddies abby's. scroll down in the link.
http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/...p?topic=29626.0
Mark |
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| Bob Brines |
I got a pair of PP's from Dave and installed them in my FT-1600 cabinets, which use the FE167E. I wanted to know if they made a difference and whether I wanted to offer the PP's as a "factory" option. Well, they do make a difference, and I probably will. I made a series of FR plots at various angles both before and after. But....
I'm waiting for one of my customers to report back on his results before I write up my report.
I'll get back on this, soon I hope.
Bob |
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| Scottmoose |
I'll look forward to your write-up, as ever Bob. I was wondering if you'd tried these things. A complete set of measurements as well? That sounds like it's going to be a very interesting read. I can't really do any measurements of my own (in Martin's ML TQWT) at the moment as my test equipment is a bit limited beyond ~500Hz, but I know that the drivers have never sounded anything like as good as this before. If you're planning on fitting them as a 'factory' option, I think that says it all really.
Mark -very nice indeed. Did you find that your 166s that sting at the top the standard drivers can have?
Best
Scott |
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| Dumbass |
I have frequently recommended phase-plugging the larger Fostex drivers. Works very nicely on my FE207E.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i...ts/0567e9db.jpg
I am not certain a standard FR curve really captures what is going on with phase plugs . . . I have a couple half-baked ideas for this not worth mentioning yet. Anybody else? |
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| Klimon |
I've got a pair that I ordered for the Beyma 8ag/n but actually didn't fit - no reply from Dave + the website still advertises the fe206 PP's to fit the Beyma's... Not a great loss as they will find their place on other drivers one day but not a good service none the less.
I'm happy about the construction + looks though, tried them on a different driver (vintage oem 12" fullrange driver) and to be honest I didn't hear any difference. I'm still a little sceptical about the phase-plug thing; many people report a smoother midrange and better highs after removing the dustcap + installing the PP's but that's exactly the result you get when simply removing the dustcap with some drivers. If you're all raving about PP's there might be something in it but my ears haven't detected it yet...
Simon |
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| planet10 |
| quote: | Originally posted by Klimon
I've got a pair that I ordered for the Beyma 8ag/n but actually didn't fit - no reply from Dave + the website still advertises the fe206 PP's to fit the Beyma's... Not a great loss as they will find their place on other drivers one day but not a good service none the less. |
I did reply... i hate that SPAM make's email unreliable. I've not actually even seen the Beyma, but a client in the Netherlands did the experiment and is using 5 in his Beymas. I have a couple other clients that have gotten them for these with no complaints.
| quote: | I did receive the 206/7 plugs from Alexander and found that they do fit directly. This is the case if_I do the cutting of the Beyma more bravely than I did the first time. I now hold the knife at a 90 degree angle, which got rid of the inner rest ring of material. And the whizzer is still attached !_The speaker_still works when linked to a sound generator so it must me allright.
Tonight I will install them in the Viech backloaded horn and let you know about the sound.
....
I think_the plugs are_a_clear improvement, mid and high are more precise, less rough then without the plugs. I had to drag myself away from listening in order to get to work more less in time this morning. _I'll try to get you pictures and make a more elaborate report about it probabbly over the weekend. And of course now I would like to order three more plugs of this size, as I will have a Viech surround system for sacd and dvd.
Please get me the same light coloured wood again as I think that looks nice with the dark paper cone. |
I do note looking at this that he had to get every last bit possible out of the way -- i had the same issue with the FE108eS.
I never got pictures of the above mentioned install.
I'm always happy to take plugs back (you'd just be out shipping -- i usually have them forwarded to somewhere close). It is also possible to sand them down to make them smaller (you will loose the black finish on yours), i do this when i have to install plugs in Coral variations of the 103A.
I will add a note to the web site saying that for the Beyma it is a tight fit.
dave |
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| TerryO |
I use a pair of the Planet 10 Phase Plugs on my Hi-Tweek Black Box 1197's and the improvement is not slight.
I might add that, prior to the phase plug install, these speakers had been measured by Dan Wiggins of Adire at the last "Puget Sound! DIY Speaker Contest" and had a Frequency Response of plus/minus 2.5 dB from 65Hz to 15kHz. They even sounded pretty good if not played too loud. I designed them for my own use, in a very small room and had opted for extention, not SPL, so that's not too surprising.
All the esoteric mods to the driver had been done, with the exception of cone damping and phase plugs.
Later that year, I had them up at Al Wooly's Speaker Fest in Canada, where I let myself be talked into trying the Phase Plugs. OK, part of the deal was that Dave himself had to do the Mod where interested parties could watch. Two thin coats of "Puzzle-Coat" and the installation of the Plugs were done in front of many witnesses. Very straightforward and uncomplicated procedure as it turns out, and they look great. From a cosmetic standpoint it could be justified even if it made absolutely no difference in the sound.
Ok, How do they sound?
Well, it transformed a great cheap speaker into a great speaker, period! I hadn't expected much of a change, as they had sounded (and measured!) pretty good already, but I was totally taken back by the significant improvement in the midrange and the treble. I haven't had them measured since the mod, and to be quite honest, I really don't care how they measure at this point. They sound fantastic. Even my wife, who really could care less, thought they sounded "pretty good".
A couple of pictures are at:
http://av123forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10817
I need to disclose that Dave is to pay me $275,000,000.00 USD for this endorsement. He may try to wiggle out of it by pretending he doesn't remember or perhaps just an outright denial, but you read it here so you know it's true!
:smash:
Best Regards,
TerryO |
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| bassrogue |
| I have the p.p. in my fostex 206 and found quite an improvment in the upper mids and highs. I'm going to buy another pair for the 206es-r (after I get some BIB cabs built):smash: |
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| planet10 |
| quote: | Originally posted by TerryO
I need to disclose that Dave is to pay me $275,000,000.00 USD for this endorsement. He may try to wiggle out of it by pretending he doesn't remember or perhaps just an outright denial, but you read it here so you know it's true! |
ROTFLOL
:) |
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| Klimon |
| quote: | | I did reply... i hate that SPAM make's email unreliable. I've not actually even seen the Beyma, but a client in the Netherlands did the experiment and is using 5 in his Beymas. I have a couple other clients that have gotten them for these with no complaints. |
Sounds fair, emails are highly unreliable sometimes. Still a weird story that my Beyma's should have a smaller voice-coil former than other Beyma's (it would surprise me if Beyma changed the design of their 8ag/n and no one knows about it)- or maybe some of the happy customers are simply mounting the PP's not on the pole-piece but on the membrane...?
Simon |
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| Scottmoose |
| More likely that Beyma changed the driver without telling anyone. Not as uncommon an occurance as people might believe. |
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| ssmith |
| I just ordered some FE126E's from Dave -- but sad to see the phase plugs and these drivers won't happen without the risk of destroying the driver... :( |
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| Scottmoose |
| Join the club. I'm looking forward to getting mine. Pity about the phase plugs, but the other tweaks Dave does should more than compensate. |
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| Bob Brines |
OK. I was waiting for one of my customers to report back on his phase plug mod, but that does'nt appear to be soon. So, here's my report:
I installed a pair of Dave's PP's in my FT-1600 speakers --
The frequency response looks like this --
Read the full Phase Plug Report
Bob |
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| peterbrorsson |
Cheers!
Just a thought from an amateur, how would it sound/measure without PP and dust cap?
I removed the dust caps on a pair of Vifa woofers a couple a years ago that solved the problem with some "shoutiness" and muddled midrange.
Regards Peter |
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| TerryO |
| quote: | Originally posted by peterbrorsson
Cheers!
Just a thought from an amateur, how would it sound/measure without PP and dust cap?
I removed the dust caps on a pair of Vifa woofers a couple a years ago that solved the problem with some "shoutiness" and muddled midrange.
Regards Peter |
Peter,
It depends on the driver in question. What works well for one driver may be the worst thing that could be done on another.
I now wish that I had Dan Wiggins measure my speakers after the phase plugs, just to have a comparison. On the Radio Shack 40-1197's it makes a definate improvement to the sound that is not subtle. I can't recommend any of the others, because I haven't heard them, but they are a quality product and are very attractive visually.
Best Regards,
TerryO |
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| JandG |
| My fe167e's in healthy BR monitors are under 100hrs & edge with shout & just to forward.. I am hoping these plugs will do the trick. I did the dust cap removal this mourning, 1st one went o.k., second one went very well. I know how to do it much better now.. Don't do it with alot of coffee in ya in the mourning!!!!!!!!! I know better, but no damage.. Now the wait...the hardest part!!!!!!!!! |
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| planet10 |
| quote: | Originally posted by peterbrorsson
Cheers!
Just a thought from an amateur, how would it sound/measure without PP and dust cap?
I removed the dust caps on a pair of Vifa woofers a couple a years ago that solved the problem with some "shoutiness" and muddled midrange.
Regards Peter |
Removing the dust cap is usually an improvement -- it changes the cavity resonance in the coice coil above the pole piece. it usually gets better when you fill the hole left behind... in the case of a woofer, wool felt works well. In a FR the harder reflective surface of a solid helps the HF as well.
dave |
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| planet10 |
| quote: | Originally posted by JandG
.. Now the wait...the hardest part!!!!!!!!! |
In the mail today...
dave |
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| maxro |
A quote from Bob's report: "The most impotent effect of the phase plugs..."
Dave, you will have to let your customers know about possible serious side-effects of these plugs.
Max |
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| Dumbass |
| quote: | Originally posted by maxro
A quote from Bob's report: "The most impotent effect of the phase plugs..."
Dave, you will have to let your customers know about possible serious side-effects of these plugs. |
Just don't cram them into your ringpiece.
I once made that mistake. |
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| ssmith |
| quote: | Originally posted by Scottmoose
Join the club. I'm looking forward to getting mine. Pity about the phase plugs, but the other tweaks Dave does should more than compensate. |
Scottmoose,
What you planning to put your FE126E's in?
I'll be trying the frugel horn... |
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| peterbrorsson |
Hi JandG!
How do they sound without dust caps?
BTW, I have same problem in the mornings. Without coffe, no life signs here.
Regards Peter |
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| peterbrorsson |
Sorry, forgot my manners. Dave and Terry, thanks for the replies.
Didn`t finish my coffe:smash:
Peter |
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| Scottmoose |
Very interesting write-up and measurements Bob. I like a warmer balance myself, so I can see why I like these things. Your description appears to coincide with my own experiences. Be interesting to see what different lengths etc would do, as you say.
I'll be putting the 126s into Frugels ultimately, but I'll be trying out a couple of other ideas first -I'm currently fooling around in MathCad to get the details finalised. Will let you know once I'm 100% happy. |
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| MJK |
| quote: | | My fe167e's in healthy BR monitors are under 100hrs & edge with shout & just to forward.. |
Are you using a BSC filter? If not then I don't think the phase plugs will completely cure your problems. They might help but won't make up for a 3 to 4 dB loose of bass output, that is what really causes a speaker to shout. |
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| JandG |
| No BSC, I don't even know what one is, I will have to do a search., ..The speaker measure's internaly @ W-7.25" D-10" T-17.5" port is 3"round x 4.5 deep in front below 167. Also a 2.75" x 3/4" brace @ 8.5" @ centered from top. Baffle is 1" thick. fe167e is not recessed, the port flare is recessed. I am new to DIY speakers but not other area's of DIY audio. I am done with all & any commercial offerings in speakers................. |
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| Scottmoose |
A BSC circuit is a small passive circuit between amplifier and speaker driver that compensates for the 3-4db loss in output below a certain frequency caused by baffle diffraction. The specific frequency at which this occurs depends on the width of the front baffle.
Typically, a BSC circuit consists of an inductor and a resistor paralleled in the + lead to the driver, sometimes with a Zobel network (a capacitor and resistor in series connected between the + and - leads) added. Not to be confused with adding series resistance, which is sometimes done for various reasons, but usually to prevent an amplifier over-damping a low Q driver. |
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| JandG |
Thank you, I actually understood that..Very helpfull ....
J & G |
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| planet10 |
Guys,
I must apologize, i missed the link to Bob's report and my post just after (now deleted) must have been a bit strange.
It is important to keep in mind that the FT-1600 incorporates a filter.
I look forward to the 2nd part of the report (hinted at in private mail from Bob) where a revisit of the filter yields some interesting results (from the plot Bob sent me i extrapolate/guess that the phase plugs and the filter tackle some of the same problems, and with phase plugs + filter some of the issues with the FE167 raw get compensated for twice).
dave |
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| Bob Brines |
The FT-1600 speakers I used do indeed have a BSC filter. It is 1.5mH || 6 ohms. The effect of this filter is to set all frequencies above 200-300 Hz down something like 4 dB. This has no effect on the phase plug modification, as can be seen in the 0deg and 10deg plots. The level of these on-axis plots are unchanged out to 13kHz or so.
There are several things I need to look at:
1. Add a zobel to the filter. This will reduce the output at the high end, particularly 5kHz and up. This should reduce sibilance like the phase plugs do, but through a different mechanism. The zobel is electrical while the phase plugs are mechanical. What difference will that make on the sound?
2. Play with the size and shape of the phase plugs. Is there an optimum configuration for phase plugs in this driver?
3. Use phase plugs or electrical filters to reduce the highs, then add a tweeter. Will this give a better overall sound? Maybe go as far as a 2nd order XO around 6kHz or so.
Lots of possibilities.
Bob |
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| JandG |
I installed Dave's plugs in my fe167e's in small BR cabs, I was waiting for my stands to be done so I could try in bedroom system, but couldn't wait. Put them in main, on very high end DIY stands. I can say this........ shout is reduced ALOT.!!!!!!! imaging is better & more real than ever, bottom is supported by a pair of active class D subs set half hazardly aroubd 100hz or so, this is wher they shine,....if you bing a good quck sub set high on these they just do every thing wonderfull, bottom is tighter with or without subs, strange........, but very audible, not more bass or slam just more REAL bass & very tight & very fast, faster than before, vocals, are less tipped & shouty....actually alot less tipped & shouty..locating these speakers now is impossible..........Ahhhhhhhhhhhh the pleasant sound of natural highs & none of the over the top compression ****!!!!!!!!!I do NOT run a BSC & feel no need, but might try it some day for the heck of it. also now much smother than before.....for the $ the plugs installed can't be beat, be carefully on the surgery of dust caps,have someone else do it if your the shakey type.........*s*. My main speakers are in the bedroom for now & just might stay there.... a very REAL possibility.. Not pimpin for Dave, don't even know the guy, just a very worth while mod on fe167e's.......
J & G |
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| chrisb |
| quote: | Originally posted by Bob Brines
The FT-1600 speakers I used do indeed have a BSC filter. It is 1.5mH || 6 ohms. The effect of this filter is to set all frequencies above 200-300 Hz down something like 4 dB. This has no effect on the phase plug modification, as can be seen in the 0deg and 10deg plots. The level of these on-axis plots are unchanged out to 13kHz or so.
There are several things I need to look at:
1. Add a zobel to the filter. This will reduce the output at the high end, particularly 5kHz and up. This should reduce sibilance like the phase plugs do, but through a different mechanism. The zobel is electrical while the phase plugs are mechanical. What difference will that make on the sound?
2. Play with the size and shape of the phase plugs. Is there an optimum configuration for phase plugs in this driver?
3. Use phase plugs or electrical filters to reduce the highs, then add a tweeter. Will this give a better overall sound? Maybe go as far as a 2nd order XO around 6kHz or so.
Lots of possibilities.
Bob |
A few questions Bob( bear in mind that that I haven't read all your listening report) ;
-what type of amp are you using for listening/measuring purposes?
-have you listened without BSC after adding the phase plugs?
- ever experimented with cone treatment?
disclosure:
I've been closely associated with Dave for the past several years, and have participated in the design process of several of the speaker enclosures posted on his site, and constructed more than a few of the prototypes shown.
While it's hard to play the DIY hobby for long without establishing some strong personal opinions, I try to keep my forum posts as objective as possible.
However, catch me at a trade show or "geekfest" after a long day and a few wobbly-pops and the guard might slip a little:smash: |
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| Bob Brines |
| quote: | Originally posted by chrisb
A few questions Bob( bear in mind that that I haven't read all your listening report) ;
-what type of amp are you using for listening/measuring purposes? |
For listening, I use a Yamaha HT receiver and a 6BX7 PP amp. For measuring, I use a Sanyo chip amp salvaged from a pair of computer speakers and a Beringer EMC8000 mic, but it really doesn't make any difference what amp I use since SoundEasy zeros out the amp FR anyway.
| quote: | | -have you listened without BSC after adding the phase plugs? |
Well, no, but as you can see from the before/after plots, the phase plugs make not difference below 2kHz, so BSC is a mute point. the top/bottom balance is going to have to be addressed with either a BSC step filter or DSP EQ regardless of whether the phas plugs ar installed or not.
| quote: | | - ever experimented with cone treatment? |
No, and I should. I suspect that the 2kHz peak that most full-rangers have might be fixable with cone doping similar to what Dave is doing with the 126/127's.
Just in case anyone missed it, my final impression of the phase plug mod to the FE167E's in my FT-1600 cabinet is that the phase plugs soften the sound, reduce sibulance and give the speakers a somewhat warm sound. I just received a personal email from one of my customers that states the same opinion. It's a good mod and I endorse the Planet-10 phase plugs.
Bob |
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| SCD |
I made the first attempt at this plug. I based it on an extension of the plug I used for the fe103. That design was arrived at by listening to various plug shapes and sizes. A bit teadious but it worked.
If someone is willing to do the testing I am will to make a few prototypes in an attempt to optimise the shape. |
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| Cal Weldon |
How come a professional forester makes such iddy biddy litlle things from wood?
What do you do with the rest of the tree? |
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| planet10 |
| quote: | Originally posted by Cal Weldon
What do you do with the rest of the tree? |
You have to see his house... |
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| TerryO |
| quote: | Originally posted by planet10
You have to see his house... |
I'd like to, in fact I'm hoping to get some pictures emailed to me from "Rocky" (the forester formerly known as SCD). We had a lengthy conversation up on the mountain of Planet 10 about remodelling and stone work.
Best Regards,
TerryO |
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| planet10 |
| officially a picture of a Scott-made wooden boat, we do see a bit of the house... |
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| Scottmoose |
| Gulp. Artistry. That's what it is. |
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| SCD |
Good Morning folks:
I guess my secret is out. I do like to make things. It seems my lot in life is to make a great variety of things, ranging from mountain bike trails to speakers to all grain beer, to wood stuff, etc.
The canoe is made with light weight fiberglass and has a Sitka Spruce and western Yew core. The house is a true timberframe with all wooden joinery, and no metal in the supporting structure ( no nails or metal brackets). It is a very old building style.
Nuff said about that, back to the topic at hand. Does anyone have the tools to measure the response effects of various plugs? If so let me know and we may be able to come up with a better design.
Thanks for the nice comments |
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| Dumbass |
| quote: | Originally posted by SCD
Does anyone have the tools to measure the response effects of various plugs? If so let me know and we may be able to come up with a better design. |
Maybe I'm talking out my arsse, but I wonder if there are things happening with phase plugs in the time domain that won't show up in a typical frequency response graph. Or maybe it's simply that the combing/interference issues that a plug ought to fix are at too fine a scale to show up.
I've a seen a few comparison plots of phase plug vs unplugged, and to me they never show a definitive improvement. However, I have heard with mine own ears an improvement with phase-plugging, so I conjecture that there is something about the standard measurements that isn't capturing what is going on. |
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| planet10 |
| quote: | Originally posted by Dumbass
Maybe I'm talking out my arsse, but I wonder if there are things happening with phase plugs in the time domain that won't show up in a typical frequency response graph. Or maybe it's simply that the combing/interference issues that a plug ought to fix are at too fine a scale to show up.
I've a seen a few comparison plots of phase plug vs unplugged, and to me they never show a definitive improvement. However, I have heard with mine own ears an improvement with phase-plugging, so I conjecture that there is something about the standard measurements that isn't capturing what is going on. |
Oh yes. 1st off FR is only 1 dimension of a multi-dimensional space that needs considering.
Also FR is a gross measure. Consider the following statement "the difference between good hifi and great hifi is 40 dB down". a FR plot tells us only what is happening at 0 dB (and with a steady state signal totally unlike music)
Blind adherance to flat FR -- despite what Floyd says -- leads to the derogatory usage of the term "Danish/Madisound school of design" because in the quest for idealized flat FR. so many of the other dimensions of speaker performance are degraded that more often than not you end up with a boring, sterile sounding speaker.
Further, this is most often accomplished using filters & complex XOs, which means you e;iminate being able to use some of the very best sounding amplifiers.
One has to beware of "if the only tool you have is a hammer, then you treat everything like a nail"
dave |
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| chrisb |
| quote: | Originally posted by planet10
Blind adherance to flat FR -- despite what Floyd says -- leads to the derogatory usage of the term "Danish/Madisound school of design" because in the quest for idealized flat FR. so many of the other dimensions of speaker performance are degraded that more often than not you end up with a boring, sterile sounding speaker.
dave |
also colloquially described as constipated* - eventually all the "material" will come out - just not necessarily as quickly as you'd like.
* there's more than a few British and East Coast US commercial mainstream products that could be thusly described - I've owned several of them myself. |
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| chrisb |
| quote: | Originally posted by SCD
Good Morning folks:
Nuff said about that, back to the topic at hand. Does anyone have the tools to measure the response effects of various plugs? If so let me know and we may be able to come up with a better design.
Thanks for the nice comments |
y'all gotta trust your ears Scottie - all else is bull$hite :hot: |
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| seanzozo |
| quote: | Originally posted by chrisb
y'all gotta trust your ears Scottie - all else is bull$hite :hot: |
Clearly the final arbiter is your ear.
I however bet that if I could see an elimination of some resonances on an impulse reponse my FE-166E would sound better, which I would expect to lead to a smoothing of the 3.7K and 5K peaks.
Scott I have almost adequate measuring gear, and could probably do the measurements. I haven't responded before because I had hoped that someone else with beetter equipment and more experience would step up.
Sean |
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| jamikl |
Has anyone tried those small polystyrene bell shapes and egg shapes that you see in craft shops. They are used for homemaking Christmass ornaments I think. With some sort of coating they might do the trick and are available in various sizes.
jamikl |
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| renfrow |
| quote: | Originally posted by jamikl
Has anyone tried those small polystyrene bell shapes and egg shapes that you see in craft shops. They are used for homemaking Christmass ornaments I think. With some sort of coating they might do the trick and are available in various sizes.
jamikl |
I've been thinking about going a similar route, carving up pieces of the blue foam board used for home insulation. It has a fine enough structure that it shouldn't need more than a thin coat of glue to seal. The benefit (I think :-) would be that they are light enough that you wouldn't need to perform any surgery on the dustcap, just carve the back to fit! Maybe start with some bluetac to attach them, and then gluing them on when you get an 'optimal' shape.
Tom. |
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| planet10 |
| quote: | Originally posted by renfrow
you wouldn't need to perform any surgery on the dustcap, just carve the back to fit! |
That would though completely bypass one of the major benefits of the phase plug which is to fill the hole left after the removal of the dustcap (removal of the dustcap is usually a beneficial mod in its own right)
dave |
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| maxro |
| quote: | Originally posted by planet10
That would though completely bypass one of the major benefits of the phase plug which is to fill the hole left after the removal of the dustcap (removal of the dustcap is usually a beneficial mod in its own right)
dave |
Not to mention increasing the driver's moving mass. |
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| Zero One |
Hi Guys, I must admit I wondered about the benefit of phase plugs, as some time back I removed the centre cap of one of my 4 inch dual cone redback drivers and put in a makeshift plug. It did not seem to help, but and this is the clincher it was an unmodded driver.
After readiing these posts I decided to try again but this time with a modded driver, which consists of PVA all over the front and back of the cones, 3 layers of tissue paper around the perimeter of the cone and olive oiled surrounds and a couple of other tweaks.
Interstingly the differnce was now stunning, much cleaner treble, better imaging......just lovely.
This got me thinking, somehow I think that PVA on the centre whizzer makes it much stiffer, so the loss of the centre cap is not such a problem and hence the phase plug does the job cause the speaker is producing better highs to start with.....so this leads me to another thought that I will look at.
The reomoval of the cap still does take away some rigidity and for tight highs the centre of the whizzer cone needs to be very rigidly mated to to the former, I think that gluing a couple of layers of tissue paper around the edge where the whizzer and former join will strengthen the joint and possibly enhace the highs a little more, the weight gain would be minscule. |
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