BB, re your #17; this is when 80g and an air powered RO or belt sander can come to the rescue. Either that or fill the space with bondo filler.
I know this, how?
I know this, how?
Well, they're ready for paint.
I'm going with white but I'm putting a bold colour on the back panel. I've seen someone do orange which looked great but I'll go with a different colour.
Close up pic of the damaged repaired corner which I'm hoping won't be noticeable.
Looking forward to completing these now and having a listen.
I'm going with white but I'm putting a bold colour on the back panel. I've seen someone do orange which looked great but I'll go with a different colour.
Close up pic of the damaged repaired corner which I'm hoping won't be noticeable.
Looking forward to completing these now and having a listen.
I think you’re gonna need more and higher density filler / primer seal coat before ready for paint; and definitely consider a satin or low gloss finish to avoid telegraphing of flaws/plywood edge grain.
Hi Chris.
I'm not really looking for a factory finish. I'm ok with "looks good from 6ft away"
I'm using a primer / paint all in one formula that I've used before. You can paint it on almost anything. It's a satin finish.
I’m really looking forward to seeing them painted, and to hearing your impressions of your listening to them when completed and the drivers are broken in. I know it may be a bit so I’ll enjoy the process.
I built FHXL’s early this year with CHN110’s. Had high-ish hopes of a cabinet grade build using quality ply and locally sawn maple for the faces. I couldn’t contain my enthusiasm and rushed the build. Made a couple little errors that I can see but no-one else seems to notice. They sound phenomenal driven by Pass ACA monoblocks. A little tube preamp provides some mild tone control. I don’t regret rushing the build as I’m not a perfectionist and just enjoy the sound they create. I joke that I used the “Wabi-Sabi” method of planned imperfections.
I have to admit that I’m already thinking of another build, though not for any reason other than the build itself. I can imagine being perfectly happy with my arraignment for quite some time.
Thanks for posting your build and sharing your space!
I built FHXL’s early this year with CHN110’s. Had high-ish hopes of a cabinet grade build using quality ply and locally sawn maple for the faces. I couldn’t contain my enthusiasm and rushed the build. Made a couple little errors that I can see but no-one else seems to notice. They sound phenomenal driven by Pass ACA monoblocks. A little tube preamp provides some mild tone control. I don’t regret rushing the build as I’m not a perfectionist and just enjoy the sound they create. I joke that I used the “Wabi-Sabi” method of planned imperfections.
I have to admit that I’m already thinking of another build, though not for any reason other than the build itself. I can imagine being perfectly happy with my arraignment for quite some time.
Thanks for posting your build and sharing your space!
Attachments
Good Job @Borats Baby ! 😎 😎 😎
I'm still planning to do the same, but with the larger MarkAudio ALPAIR 12P or MA-200... Still hesitating between the two models.
T
I'm still planning to do the same, but with the larger MarkAudio ALPAIR 12P or MA-200... Still hesitating between the two models.
T
@soarsimon
I'm impressed and inspired to get moving with my projects which, oddly enough, mirror what you've done. Over the past few years my aspirations have slowly changed from simply repairing my old 1980's gear to building pretty much what you have: FH-XLs powered by ACA redux balanced monoblocks but with a BA2018 balanced preamp and a Pearl 3.
I'd decided to face the enclosures with hardwood too -- to cover the edges of the plywood and facilitate thumbnail roundovers. I was going to ask the lumber yard to split a 2" piece to get a matched grain appearance... though I like your choice too. I was able to snag Alpair 10.3s which I hope to Enabl at some point.
Thanks so much for sharing!
I'm impressed and inspired to get moving with my projects which, oddly enough, mirror what you've done. Over the past few years my aspirations have slowly changed from simply repairing my old 1980's gear to building pretty much what you have: FH-XLs powered by ACA redux balanced monoblocks but with a BA2018 balanced preamp and a Pearl 3.
I'd decided to face the enclosures with hardwood too -- to cover the edges of the plywood and facilitate thumbnail roundovers. I was going to ask the lumber yard to split a 2" piece to get a matched grain appearance... though I like your choice too. I was able to snag Alpair 10.3s which I hope to Enabl at some point.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Well they're finished.
I can't place them in the usual spot because the bloody Xmas tree is now taking over. This means they're closer together than I'm used to, but gotta say, they are sounding good.
Are they any better than my current Pensil 10P's? Hmmm.
Not exactly. They obviously need more time to bed in. I've had the drivers running in the bedroom system daily for about 3 weeks at low volume while I've been building these cabs. Now they're in the fhxl's I'll turn the wick up a little.
They both sound very similar at the moment.
Anyway, some pics,
I can't place them in the usual spot because the bloody Xmas tree is now taking over. This means they're closer together than I'm used to, but gotta say, they are sounding good.
Are they any better than my current Pensil 10P's? Hmmm.
Not exactly. They obviously need more time to bed in. I've had the drivers running in the bedroom system daily for about 3 weeks at low volume while I've been building these cabs. Now they're in the fhxl's I'll turn the wick up a little.
They both sound very similar at the moment.
Anyway, some pics,
Very nice! I love the modern/minimalist result. As for sound, I noticed improvement in mine even a month after they were finished. I spent about a day breaking them in before installation so they were definitely not fully bedded in at install but even several weeks later they seemed to be more full. Less forward, not as bright. Could be my neophyte ears but…
Good luck with the run-in and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Good luck with the run-in and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Even after being fully bedded in, I’d be surprised if there weren’t some noticeable differences between the MAOPs and the 10Ps, regardless of which enclosures were in use.
Isn’t that a problem we all wish we had to deal with.
The finished job certainly looks good enough from here.😉
I just zoomed in on the picture of paint can. I recently refinished a used crib for my son with a chalk paint; my first time with that product, and I was rather surprised at the coverage and fill with two coats. My only question moving forward would be durability, but unless you’re using them as plant stands, I’m guessing they’d be far less subjected to wear. Teething babies can chew through some pretty tough surfaces - and your shoulder. 😵
Isn’t that a problem we all wish we had to deal with.
The finished job certainly looks good enough from here.😉
I just zoomed in on the picture of paint can. I recently refinished a used crib for my son with a chalk paint; my first time with that product, and I was rather surprised at the coverage and fill with two coats. My only question moving forward would be durability, but unless you’re using them as plant stands, I’m guessing they’d be far less subjected to wear. Teething babies can chew through some pretty tough surfaces - and your shoulder. 😵
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Another pic because I've fitted some feet to the speakers. The maop's are still running in but sound great.
Do you have a large room?
Only asking as I'm genuinely surprised at the amount of good solid bass I'm getting from these drivers. My room is fairly small I guess but I would imagine they would fill a bigger room.
I'm used to JBL L110's by the way, I'm not unfamiliar with bass 🤣
No, @Borats Baby : like you, I have a small Auditorium - dedicated to audio :
According to @planet10 and @Scottmoose, the convenient format for the Alpair 12P or the MA-200 would be the Joan Frugel Horn, which I think is the largest design of the Frugel Horn series, so certainly able to provide deep bass extension, like yours.
T
Given one is metal, the other paper, and they are voiced differently it would be very surprising if they sounded the same :^)
dave
Not the same, but similar.
I am of course, comparing both to what I've been listening to for the last 15 yrs, which were large vintage jbl's and lots of Sony ES power.
The maop's are definitely getting better as they break in more, as you'd expect really. Each listening sesh I hear improvement.
I can't wait until I can really turn up the wick, but I'm afraid when the time comes I'll be too scared 🤣
These Mark Audio drivers seem very fragile. Again, I'm comparing them to my old jbl's.
Rik
Dave,
It's only just occurred to me here and forgive my ignorance, but..
Any idea what the cone material is (to begin with) on the maop drivers? I can't actually find anything other than the chemical process of changing it..