Hi Serkan,
I was pretty disappointed myself. I was considering replacing all those resistors and caps, but then started using some simulation software (XSim) and realized it made no difference at all to the sound, but minimum impedance jumped from 2.6 to 3.6 Ohms right where you need it most in the bass.
Help save the planet by taking it out. 🙂
Also, because of the amount of copper on the board, you really should use a broad solder tip, and something with a bit of power. There's an Aoyude kit for $50 or something which has the right amount of power. Also, you can buy several tips for $10 or something. Trying to desolder those with a pencil tip is really frustrating.
Best,
Erik
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Serko, I put together a nice blog post with pictures and links for you. I've been meaning to do this but had put it off. Hope you find it useful!
Random Acts of Upgrades: Focal Profile 918 The Ultimate Upgrade Guide
Best,
Erik
Dear Erik,
I read it all. I also went through previous years. I wish I had found them earlier however these blogs do not show up in google searches. Thank you for all the valuable information you have provided. Two things: 1. Would you consider posting some photos of the finished 918s so that it's easier to understand the improvements (not the crossover circuit but the finished tweeter and grill felt job) and 2.With all your expertise and knowledge in the area what is a good speaker in the market today that does not overcharge and uses descent components and with only good intentions (I agree with your comments on B&W and Golden Ear, have not listened to any others you have listed). I also live in the UK and we do not have HSU here. Have you ever tested SVS subs which are of similar origins? Is there one you would suggest?
Thank you very much for all the help.
I read it all. I also went through previous years. I wish I had found them earlier however these blogs do not show up in google searches. Thank you for all the valuable information you have provided. Two things: 1. Would you consider posting some photos of the finished 918s so that it's easier to understand the improvements (not the crossover circuit but the finished tweeter and grill felt job) and 2.With all your expertise and knowledge in the area what is a good speaker in the market today that does not overcharge and uses descent components and with only good intentions (I agree with your comments on B&W and Golden Ear, have not listened to any others you have listed). I also live in the UK and we do not have HSU here. Have you ever tested SVS subs which are of similar origins? Is there one you would suggest?
Thank you very much for all the help.
Hi Serko,
You know, it's funny how quickly our opinions can change. You were really happy with your Focals until you read my blogs.
I don't have a good picture of the felt tweeter covering but I used white felt and no one ever noticed them but me. I suggest you try it without gluing them on. 🙂 The felt behind the grill works well too, and it's invisible. 🙂
By itself, if you look at the tweeter, it looks like a cat toy, so not very attractive, but once you put the grill on and sit down, it looks fine.
Best,
Erik
Serko,
The best way to avoid the ridiculous high end prices is to build yourself. I would suggest, based on having the same speakers you did, and guessing you have a little "beryllium envy" this kit:
https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.c...a-2-way-klang-ton-kit-pair-using-illuminator/
They can be made floor standing. The single ScanSpeak woofer will blow the Focal's out of the water. The cabinet is by Lee Taylor, who made my cabinets and they are excellent.
The combination of kit parts + cabinet will set you back around $2,500 (my guess) but you'll have speakers that will blow away the GE and Focal's from top to bottom.
There are many many other ideas, and lots of helpful people and opinions here at DIY though, so feel free to look.
My reference monitors, are similar, but with Mundorf AMT tweeters and slightly less expensive woofers. Here's a pic. The cabinetwork is also by Lee, and the volume very similar to the Nada. It needs so much volume it's easy to turn into a floor standing version. I wanted bookshelves and wouldn't listen. I'm probably going to turn my own design into a commercial kit somehow. I'd like to at least get some money for new cabinets or something from the two people who build them. 🙂
Best,
Erik
The best way to avoid the ridiculous high end prices is to build yourself. I would suggest, based on having the same speakers you did, and guessing you have a little "beryllium envy" this kit:
https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.c...a-2-way-klang-ton-kit-pair-using-illuminator/
They can be made floor standing. The single ScanSpeak woofer will blow the Focal's out of the water. The cabinet is by Lee Taylor, who made my cabinets and they are excellent.
The combination of kit parts + cabinet will set you back around $2,500 (my guess) but you'll have speakers that will blow away the GE and Focal's from top to bottom.
There are many many other ideas, and lots of helpful people and opinions here at DIY though, so feel free to look.
My reference monitors, are similar, but with Mundorf AMT tweeters and slightly less expensive woofers. Here's a pic. The cabinetwork is also by Lee, and the volume very similar to the Nada. It needs so much volume it's easy to turn into a floor standing version. I wanted bookshelves and wouldn't listen. I'm probably going to turn my own design into a commercial kit somehow. I'd like to at least get some money for new cabinets or something from the two people who build them. 🙂
Best,
Erik
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Hi Serko, I've been obsessing over that blog post ever since, I have put a lot more information up there and even ran a few more simulations to improve the bass impedance even further. Let me know what you think!
Erik
Erik
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