Hello,
I'm building a pair of 3-way speakers with an active miniDSP crossover. Now I decide how to conduct the signal. There are three options, each with its advantages and disadvantages (see picture bellow).
1. I process the signal, divide it into 3-way and convert it to analog in the box right next to HTPC, then I lead a non-amplified balanced signal over a longer distance, which I amplify in the speakers.
2. I process the signal, divide it, convert it to analog and amplify it already in a box near HTPC, then I lead the already amplified analogue for a longer distance.
3. I run the digital signal through the optic cable for a longer distance, all processing and amplification takes place in the speakers.
Now my consideration:
Variant 3 seems to me the best in terms of audio quality, but then I have to use 2 miniDSP2x4 instead of one miniDSP2x8 and as I read on the forums, this is not recommended because the devices are not synchronized and phase shift may occur in case of different PEQ settings etc ...
Option 2 is the best in terms of simplicity. One box solves everything, but we push the analog amplified signal all the way.
Option 1 is the compromise that looks best to me. The longest way is a balanced signal, I amplify it in the speaker. Unfortunately, I have to conduct AC power together with the audio signal. Is there a possibility of distortion due to the close line of balanced audio and 220VAC? In my opinion, very low or none.
Which way looks best for you? (and why?)
Thank you.
I'm building a pair of 3-way speakers with an active miniDSP crossover. Now I decide how to conduct the signal. There are three options, each with its advantages and disadvantages (see picture bellow).
1. I process the signal, divide it into 3-way and convert it to analog in the box right next to HTPC, then I lead a non-amplified balanced signal over a longer distance, which I amplify in the speakers.
2. I process the signal, divide it, convert it to analog and amplify it already in a box near HTPC, then I lead the already amplified analogue for a longer distance.
3. I run the digital signal through the optic cable for a longer distance, all processing and amplification takes place in the speakers.
Now my consideration:
Variant 3 seems to me the best in terms of audio quality, but then I have to use 2 miniDSP2x4 instead of one miniDSP2x8 and as I read on the forums, this is not recommended because the devices are not synchronized and phase shift may occur in case of different PEQ settings etc ...
Option 2 is the best in terms of simplicity. One box solves everything, but we push the analog amplified signal all the way.
Option 1 is the compromise that looks best to me. The longest way is a balanced signal, I amplify it in the speaker. Unfortunately, I have to conduct AC power together with the audio signal. Is there a possibility of distortion due to the close line of balanced audio and 220VAC? In my opinion, very low or none.
Which way looks best for you? (and why?)
Thank you.
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You may use option 2, along with Kelvin feedback that essentially compensates for the cable length.
I also struggle with the idea that the final speaker will be cut on CNC out of plywood. It is a T-line where there is about 1.2 Sd at the mouth and 1/2 Sd at the output. I tested this design on a simple rectangular box made of waste wood and the result exceeded my expectations. Although the bass reflex variant provided more bass and the measurement showed a flatter curve, TL subjectively played better and the sound is more spatial, the bass are cleaner. But now I'm afraid that the "stairs", which are given by the thickness of the material, will affect the quality of the sound. The attached picture is a section of the speaker, and although it does not look like, the tunnel narrows linearly.
Does anyone have experience with this?
The volume (or area) of the line is the same as my prototype, but I don't know if the tunnel needs to be smooth.
Left-crop — ImgBB
Does anyone have experience with this?
The volume (or area) of the line is the same as my prototype, but I don't know if the tunnel needs to be smooth.
Left-crop — ImgBB
Hi, with 6 metre cabling it should not matter which topology you use. Amps might have fans and make noise, if not now maybe in the future. For this reason I'd put the equipment away from the speakers. into the closet 🙂 if there is no such danger, do what is most convenient.
Some other things to consider
1. easy access to power switches
2. easy access to the dsp so you can tune the settings at listening position
3. possible future changes in the equipment
4. line level cable is easier to hide than speaker cable
5. have fun! 🙂
Some other things to consider
1. easy access to power switches
2. easy access to the dsp so you can tune the settings at listening position
3. possible future changes in the equipment
4. line level cable is easier to hide than speaker cable
5. have fun! 🙂
Thank you tmuikka for the advice. I thought it wouldn't matter much, but now I can still choose the way before I adapt the design. And it is also true that those (at first glance) minor things, such as accessibility and modifiability, may later turn into a huge pain in the ...
Yep, often the overlooked stuff bites 🙂 You are right, if there is audio performance gains in all this the option nro3 is the best. Not sure if anyone could actually hear any difference in a double blind test so might as well optimize on the convenience aspect.
Differences could be significant if you didn't pay attention to the cabling and interconnections. Check out recent Dave Rat videos on youtube, a pro sound guy testing out the stuff, effect of long speaker cabling and coiling and what not.
Differences could be significant if you didn't pay attention to the cabling and interconnections. Check out recent Dave Rat videos on youtube, a pro sound guy testing out the stuff, effect of long speaker cabling and coiling and what not.
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