It would include:
All findable/known/generated plans for heritage Karlson Ultra Fidelity series.
Plans for variants (Karlsonator, XKi, etc.) from GregB, XRK971
Subjective remarks
Any history.
Files to print.
Analysis via Akabak 3
Patent and related patent lists.
Hints oh tuning. Driver recommendations.
Any reasonable hornresp fudges to give some idea of what's happening.
Can you folks think of more or better organization? How about something - Karlson-ish which you built that turned out well?
My mail box is full (with some mail to keep) and won't have money for ~17 days to expand its capacity, so reply to this thread.
My good K-friend Moray James had a stroke in July and now back in the hospital. (there's a GoFundMe for Moray) I've got old age problems, outgo more than income (taxes and insurance) - like many and would like to gather stuff for new folks.
Fundraiser by Rachel Zhang : Support Moray to go through challenging times
THANKS,
Freddy
All findable/known/generated plans for heritage Karlson Ultra Fidelity series.
Plans for variants (Karlsonator, XKi, etc.) from GregB, XRK971
Subjective remarks
Any history.
Files to print.
Analysis via Akabak 3
Patent and related patent lists.
Hints oh tuning. Driver recommendations.
Any reasonable hornresp fudges to give some idea of what's happening.
Can you folks think of more or better organization? How about something - Karlson-ish which you built that turned out well?
My mail box is full (with some mail to keep) and won't have money for ~17 days to expand its capacity, so reply to this thread.
My good K-friend Moray James had a stroke in July and now back in the hospital. (there's a GoFundMe for Moray) I've got old age problems, outgo more than income (taxes and insurance) - like many and would like to gather stuff for new folks.
Fundraiser by Rachel Zhang : Support Moray to go through challenging times
THANKS,
Freddy
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I think this would be great Freddi. Is there a way to make some of the actual build links easy to find in a thread such as the one you are suggesting? These threads tend to get
very long; thus, making it hard to find the posts with the actual build information. If someone comes aloong after the thread has grown to several pages, it would be nice for the person to see what's involved in the build early on. And there are others like me who truly appreciate the depth of knowledge put into this project you and others have and are willing to share, bit it's somewhat above my aptitude.
I hope this comes to fruition. I've got a few drivers that might work well in one version or another.
Thanks for all your advice and sharing freddi. 🙂
Mike
very long; thus, making it hard to find the posts with the actual build information. If someone comes aloong after the thread has grown to several pages, it would be nice for the person to see what's involved in the build early on. And there are others like me who truly appreciate the depth of knowledge put into this project you and others have and are willing to share, bit it's somewhat above my aptitude.
I hope this comes to fruition. I've got a few drivers that might work well in one version or another.
Thanks for all your advice and sharing freddi. 🙂
Mike
with at least 1.5 million views total for 4 Karlson related plans, a reasonably concise source of plans, recommended drivers, and tips should be of benefit for anyone interested. By all means it should include the K-tube both asymmetric and symmetric (double mouth variety) as Karlson's "X15" was pretty much his last design to hit the market in late 1965. (There was a "K18")
When suitable fullrange or coaxial woofer/compression driver aren't available nor desired, this is a good way to build a 2-way K.
At ~4.3 cubic foot bulk, its only about cubic larger than a K12. Using a 15 inch reduces cone excursion vs a 12 inch speaker
for a given transient (such as heavy drum beat).
The Acoustic Control 115BK is an excellent alternative to X15 and the same size. A K-tube would be used on top of it as was done with the Transylvania Power Company's version. I even think there's room for the mini-klam tweeter lens as made by Alan Weiss.
When suitable fullrange or coaxial woofer/compression driver aren't available nor desired, this is a good way to build a 2-way K.
At ~4.3 cubic foot bulk, its only about cubic larger than a K12. Using a 15 inch reduces cone excursion vs a 12 inch speaker
for a given transient (such as heavy drum beat).
The Acoustic Control 115BK is an excellent alternative to X15 and the same size. A K-tube would be used on top of it as was done with the Transylvania Power Company's version. I even think there's room for the mini-klam tweeter lens as made by Alan Weiss.

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Surprised you haven't been doing this all along! Speaking of which, what became of the other one that browbeat, banned me for telling them the truth of how they worked? I 'lost' the link. 😉
GM
GM
Here is a 3d CAD model of K15 (scaled to 0.44x):
https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=874781&d=1599708111
And here is where the 1D Akabak model is described:
A Speaker that Kicks Butt in Large Spaces
https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=874781&d=1599708111
And here is where the 1D Akabak model is described:
A Speaker that Kicks Butt in Large Spaces
If Karlson info is scattered about in places like "A Speaker that Kicks Butt in Large Spaces", I can see why the compendium idea was thought of.
Here is my collection of 3D printable K-Tubes: https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/multi-way/349459-3d-printed-audio-stuff-stl-files.html#post6089315
They were fun to experiment with and they show that the k-slot has some benefits, I especially liked the dual slot tube - an updated version is here: https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/mul...tube-1-compression-drivers-7.html#post6179069
It did not make it into my main system due to lack of time for experimenting, too many unfinished projects on the list🙂
They were fun to experiment with and they show that the k-slot has some benefits, I especially liked the dual slot tube - an updated version is here: https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/mul...tube-1-compression-drivers-7.html#post6179069
It did not make it into my main system due to lack of time for experimenting, too many unfinished projects on the list🙂
I’ll add all of my K threads that I can think of here. Maybe Freddi can make an index on Post number 1 once we gather enough links.
The mini Karlsonator:
Mini Karlsonator (0.53X) with Dual TC9FD's
The XKi:
XKi - X's ab initio Karlson 6th Order Bandpass
The KaZBa:
Rockin' the KaZba Dipole (K aperture Z-baffle Dipole)
And I already mentioned the Speaker the Kicks Butt in Large Spaces above, but included here for completeness:
A Speaker that Kicks Butt in Large Spaces
I also posted my attempt at a K tube tweeter here:
Karlson's slotted pipe tweeter
The mini Karlsonator:
Mini Karlsonator (0.53X) with Dual TC9FD's
The XKi:
XKi - X's ab initio Karlson 6th Order Bandpass
The KaZBa:
Rockin' the KaZba Dipole (K aperture Z-baffle Dipole)
And I already mentioned the Speaker the Kicks Butt in Large Spaces above, but included here for completeness:
A Speaker that Kicks Butt in Large Spaces
I also posted my attempt at a K tube tweeter here:
Karlson's slotted pipe tweeter
Thx for starting this Freddi and thx also X for the steer to KaZBa.
I’ve tried OB bass before but given it away because of lack of impact and slam. Pity because it otherwise sounded right to me.
Maybe here is the answer in a modded Karlson....again.
Still very much enjoying the 0.53x Karlsonators and how well they respond to modding!
Cheers
P
I’ve tried OB bass before but given it away because of lack of impact and slam. Pity because it otherwise sounded right to me.
Maybe here is the answer in a modded Karlson....again.
Still very much enjoying the 0.53x Karlsonators and how well they respond to modding!
Cheers
P
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hey guys - what do you think the scope of a Karlson speaker "compendium" article should cover?
What would you want to see for its first part ? The 1952 and 1954 articles ? - or straight to "heritage" Karlson plans and link to related plans section ?
I have scan of a nice brochure which includes K8, K12, K15 and a K18 so assume X15 had not yet appeared.
Missing are nice condition info on the klam projector series - of course Jess Oliver's Phase III and Magna Clam take care of Karlson's AP-X and AP100 speakers.
It might get too cumbersome if a lot is packed into the thread - some could linked from separate new threads - if that doesn't violate Diyaudio policy.
What would you want to see for its first part ? The 1952 and 1954 articles ? - or straight to "heritage" Karlson plans and link to related plans section ?
I have scan of a nice brochure which includes K8, K12, K15 and a K18 so assume X15 had not yet appeared.
Missing are nice condition info on the klam projector series - of course Jess Oliver's Phase III and Magna Clam take care of Karlson's AP-X and AP100 speakers.
It might get too cumbersome if a lot is packed into the thread - some could linked from separate new threads - if that doesn't violate Diyaudio policy.
Maybe you can simply make a Table of Contents in post 1 of links to all the Karlson threads or topics you feel important. You can organize it by driver size, alignment (true K15 8th order, 6th order XKi, sealed, slot vents, rectangular vents, etc). Have section for tweeters, mid range, don’t forget the big subs. The MOAK - never got built. The other commercial sub with a K aperture outlet - can’t remember its name.
Ahh the MOAK 🙂
Forgot all about that one. The guy was about to build it but the landlord of the apartment building put the kabosh on it. I can see why too...
Ahh the MOAK 🙂
Forgot all about that one. The guy was about to build it but the landlord of the apartment building put the kabosh on it. I can see why too...
I worry that in the 20 minute time frame and the way Diyaudio seems to only allow uploads of images one time in a particular post and no manipulation of their "position", that things will get mixed up versus using an external host where a table of contents and topic vs illustrations works naturally.
The rub with an external host such as Imgur includes difficulty in linking for myself (and assume others) after a point in time and I've had trouble lately getting any of their images. Or as the case went with Photobucket and Image Shack, their policy changes and everything is deleted. (Image Shack did that to me and I had a paid account)
The "heritage" Ultra Fidelity Karlson lineup, went from what I can tell:
15K, 12K, 8K, KR5, 18K, X15.. Poppe's letter from Karlson indicates John was working with the klam design in 1961, I don't know when they went into manufacture.
K8 had the slot vent in 1955 - K12 as featured in the July 1958 issue of Popular Mechanics had it but probably had been made with slot vents from at least as far back as 1956. Those were the days of mix and match between driver and enclosure plus many manufacturers were using semi-resistive slits or arrays of holes for vents. One K12 sometime in the 1960's which appeared both built and as a kit used an array of holes in the built version and could be purchased with a blank port panel in kit form.
Here's a nice brochure I'd like to stuff into the thread besides the 1952 and 1954 Karlson articles. The 1954 article scan from American Radio History is from a very yellowed issue and has artifacts - but is all can find
A nice brochure
The 1952 article - I had to leave off a page on this upload as there's only 10 attachments at a time.
They did not upload and if did - How does one keep the title with the pictures? - - The only way I see this to work is to post a reply for each section
The rub with an external host such as Imgur includes difficulty in linking for myself (and assume others) after a point in time and I've had trouble lately getting any of their images. Or as the case went with Photobucket and Image Shack, their policy changes and everything is deleted. (Image Shack did that to me and I had a paid account)
The "heritage" Ultra Fidelity Karlson lineup, went from what I can tell:
15K, 12K, 8K, KR5, 18K, X15.. Poppe's letter from Karlson indicates John was working with the klam design in 1961, I don't know when they went into manufacture.
K8 had the slot vent in 1955 - K12 as featured in the July 1958 issue of Popular Mechanics had it but probably had been made with slot vents from at least as far back as 1956. Those were the days of mix and match between driver and enclosure plus many manufacturers were using semi-resistive slits or arrays of holes for vents. One K12 sometime in the 1960's which appeared both built and as a kit used an array of holes in the built version and could be purchased with a blank port panel in kit form.
Here's a nice brochure I'd like to stuff into the thread besides the 1952 and 1954 Karlson articles. The 1954 article scan from American Radio History is from a very yellowed issue and has artifacts - but is all can find
A nice brochure
The 1952 article - I had to leave off a page on this upload as there's only 10 attachments at a time.
They did not upload and if did - How does one keep the title with the pictures? - - The only way I see this to work is to post a reply for each section
anyhow - try two for that brochure - its too bad Cetec- Gauss with their 5181 K18 didn't have knowledge that Karlson had actually produced a K18.
Attachments
I may have to use the "title" for each reply to create a contents section, and keep in order.
The 1952 article is presentable - after removing color, etc. - I re-inserted the K15 picture from the yellowed scan to give more contrast 🙂. as mucking with contrast and brightness made that picture unusable
- that color around K15's picture is how the pages looked and made it tough to read.
Did anyone here get a screen shot of the MOAK ? - I can't remember if it had 6 woofers -? were they 15"?
The 1952 article is presentable - after removing color, etc. - I re-inserted the K15 picture from the yellowed scan to give more contrast 🙂. as mucking with contrast and brightness made that picture unusable
- that color around K15's picture is how the pages looked and made it tough to read.
Did anyone here get a screen shot of the MOAK ? - I can't remember if it had 6 woofers -? were they 15"?
Attachments
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This sounds great.
I look forward to it.
I am a noob and looking toward my first speakers thinking these are a great place to start.
I look forward to it.
I am a noob and looking toward my first speakers thinking these are a great place to start.
Freddi, I like your compendium thread, thanks for your dedication. I didn't want to comment over there and add clutter.
- Home
- Loudspeakers
- Full Range
- I'd like to start a "Karlson compendium" thread