Just a quick update on my Franken-towers.
Thanks to X's great tips, I was able to make some changes and get them sounding pretty good, but nothing special. I was ready to move on to my next project (Bloodhounds), and was considering dismantling them and recovering the drivers for some future experiment. I decided to wait a couple days, and I'm sure glad I did!
I had ordered one of those cheap eBay stereo amps (this one), just to use for quick setups and testing of speakers, and it arrived yesterday. I hooked it all up and tried it out. Wow, what a difference! This speaker sounds so much better being driven off this little pocket amp than from my Onkyo HT receiver. Can't imagine why.
Anyway, later that day, I was speaking to an elderly friend who is having trouble hearing his TV. Hmm...I have a solution for that! I took over the amp and speaker, and stuck it in the corner beside their TV console. It sounds amazing! The rear-firing driver reflects the sound off the back wall and comes out the left side, sounding almost like stereo. They are super happy, and so am I, because this hunk of junk is being used by people I love. 😀
I guess I need to order another amp, though... 😉
Bottom line, thanks so much X for your advice in helping me get this system up and running in a useful way!
Thanks to X's great tips, I was able to make some changes and get them sounding pretty good, but nothing special. I was ready to move on to my next project (Bloodhounds), and was considering dismantling them and recovering the drivers for some future experiment. I decided to wait a couple days, and I'm sure glad I did!
I had ordered one of those cheap eBay stereo amps (this one), just to use for quick setups and testing of speakers, and it arrived yesterday. I hooked it all up and tried it out. Wow, what a difference! This speaker sounds so much better being driven off this little pocket amp than from my Onkyo HT receiver. Can't imagine why.
Anyway, later that day, I was speaking to an elderly friend who is having trouble hearing his TV. Hmm...I have a solution for that! I took over the amp and speaker, and stuck it in the corner beside their TV console. It sounds amazing! The rear-firing driver reflects the sound off the back wall and comes out the left side, sounding almost like stereo. They are super happy, and so am I, because this hunk of junk is being used by people I love. 😀
I guess I need to order another amp, though... 😉
Bottom line, thanks so much X for your advice in helping me get this system up and running in a useful way!
Attachments
Ummm...maybe? 😛
Was I supposed to hook the drivers up separately? I thought you said wire them in parallel? This of course would have been just one of a pair, had I built two, but it was just a test to see if I could make it work, and it ended up finding a home.
Yes, I'm running it off only one channel of the amp, if that's what you mean. Is that wrong? Should I bridge it somehow?
I really feel like I'm learning a new language here... 😱
I notice that there is no mention of the BSC components for these speakers. Am I missing something or is BSC not used for this enclosure?
George
George
Are you talking to me George?
If you read up about 10-12 posts, you'll see that X suggested that I either build a BSC, or change the configuration of the drivers to eliminate the need for one. I chose the latter, since I didn't have the parts for the BSC. The result was the dipole speaker in the images I posted. Does that answer your question, or were you referring to a different design? If so, please quote which message you're asking about so we won't be confused. 🙂
If you read up about 10-12 posts, you'll see that X suggested that I either build a BSC, or change the configuration of the drivers to eliminate the need for one. I chose the latter, since I didn't have the parts for the BSC. The result was the dipole speaker in the images I posted. Does that answer your question, or were you referring to a different design? If so, please quote which message you're asking about so we won't be confused. 🙂
Sorry if I am confusing you and other readers. I need to be more specific. I am referring to the need for BSC for the Karlsonator 0.4x foamboard, score and fold technique design, designed by xrk971. Should have posted this in the MINI Karlsonator (0.53X) ..... thread,
George
George
Last edited:
Now I don't mean to be too picky here but...
EPS is Expanded polystyrene, aka 'bead board' or 'popcorn'
XPS is Extruded polystyrene aka roofmate.
X has shown us a link to XPS.
What Cindra shows looks a lot like EPS.
Thanks for the clarification Cal!
Do you think there would be a functional difference for enclosure building?
Do you think there would be a functional difference for enclosure building?
Yes, bead board is fragile. XPS is tough stuff. Bead board will flex much more. Extruded is a much better product for speakers.
Good info, thanks. So something like this, then?
Would say, 1" thick be good? They have it in 1/2", 1", and 2" thicknesses.
I also see this product, which seems potentially interesting for our uses...thoughts?
Would say, 1" thick be good? They have it in 1/2", 1", and 2" thicknesses.
I also see this product, which seems potentially interesting for our uses...thoughts?
The first link. If it is R5 for 1", does not absorb water, and is type IV, then yes it is XPS, the right stuff.
Edit: I just noticed it says XPS in the link. 🙂
Edit: I just noticed it says XPS in the link. 🙂
Cool, so 1" is a good thickness for XPS?
What about that other stuff? Anyone heard of it before?
They list it as "Faced Fiberboard Foam Board Insulation with Sound Barrier" and mention it having "sound absorbing" properties.
Seems right up our alley. 😉
What about that other stuff? Anyone heard of it before?
They list it as "Faced Fiberboard Foam Board Insulation with Sound Barrier" and mention it having "sound absorbing" properties.
Seems right up our alley. 😉
The ad is contradictory. It says fibreboard and it also say foam board. Reading the description, I am thinking this is regular fibreboard so no, it is nothing close to what you want for speakers. Fibreboard is used as a barrier over heat sensitive insulation in roofing, among other things, and has no redeeming qualities when it comes to speakers other than perhaps lining the inside of the box.
Ya, that's good. You didn't need to buy the pre-scored stuff though, the plain would have been fine. Did you buy it in 2x4 boards and how much was each board?
I notice the stuff I found at Lowe's (this) also comes in 0.56" thickness. Would that be suitable, or do I need the 1" version? I'm thinking the ~1/2" would be nice since most of the plans I've seen are dimensioned for 1/2" material, so no (or minimal) adjustments would be required to make it out of foam board, assuming it would work otherwise.
I bought it for some insulation around house and i bought too much. Boards are 600*1250*20 mm and price is around 2,5 USD per board.
I used 2 boards for front and back glued together but inner boards smaller so i can have dado for side panels. Very light but quite strong. Bolts are holding driver firmly
I used 2 boards for front and back glued together but inner boards smaller so i can have dado for side panels. Very light but quite strong. Bolts are holding driver firmly
Dependent on the size of the panels. The larger the piece the thicker it has to be. What size are they?
That's a good idea.