Has anybody built this to spec (not clones) per Linkwitz, and what are your impressions?
P.S. - off spec - can it be done with passive XO (original drivers) and a single 2-channel amp?
P.S. - off spec - can it be done with passive XO (original drivers) and a single 2-channel amp?
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I think most of SL's recent work has been predicated on the flexibility and relatively low cost of DSP for all filter / EQ functions. Having recently built a pair of both series and parallel outboard passive networks for a "simple 2-way MTM" with a very low XO point of 300Hz, it's not hard to get spendy enough that a simple minidsp or similar and calibrated mike can start looking very affordable. And the cost of class D or chip amp projects has dropped to the point of being less costly than the drivers for many 2-way speakers, or maybe even the chassis in which the amp is installed.
As part of the same experiment mentioned above, I recently built a 4 channel amp ( SURE TK2050) with selectable passive line level XO for less than $200 - including some sub-contracted help with the buffer and filter stages, and "free" recycled steel chassis from an old Bogen PA amp.
Due to the low XO point selected, the cost of all parts for the two passive XO designs was well more than the 4 channel amp, and fixed to the one point.
For approx $300 USD, one could buy something like a minidsp 2x4HD and calibrated mike to take in room measurements for freeware like REW - the flexibility and ease of use of such a combination would be very hard to ignore.
The system was 2@ Alpair 12PW and 1 Alpair 7.3 per side - total cost before taxes and shipping on stock drivers would be $710 USD.
As part of the same experiment mentioned above, I recently built a 4 channel amp ( SURE TK2050) with selectable passive line level XO for less than $200 - including some sub-contracted help with the buffer and filter stages, and "free" recycled steel chassis from an old Bogen PA amp.
Due to the low XO point selected, the cost of all parts for the two passive XO designs was well more than the 4 channel amp, and fixed to the one point.
For approx $300 USD, one could buy something like a minidsp 2x4HD and calibrated mike to take in room measurements for freeware like REW - the flexibility and ease of use of such a combination would be very hard to ignore.
The system was 2@ Alpair 12PW and 1 Alpair 7.3 per side - total cost before taxes and shipping on stock drivers would be $710 USD.
We have a whole forum full of LXmini owners if you'd like to query them. The LXmini, in just a short time, has surpassed all of SL's previous DIY designs in sales. There are quite a few hundred systems in use worldwide.
Dave.
Dave.
Hi,
This page :
https://sites.google.com/site/cdenneler/home/lxc
Contains as much information as your going to get
without buying S.L.'s plans for the LX-mini.
I'd say its doable passive, though forget about the 9KHz dip.
rgds, sreten.
This page :
https://sites.google.com/site/cdenneler/home/lxc
Contains as much information as your going to get
without buying S.L.'s plans for the LX-mini.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
I'd say its doable passive, though forget about the 9KHz dip.
rgds, sreten.
That's surprising - to my ears the LXmini has some faults and I don't find it easy to listen to. I recall liking the Pluto better, although it has more significant limitations in terms of output.
The LX521 is a real gem, though. Quote Awesome IMHO.
Well, surprise or not, those are the facts regarding number of users/builders. 🙂
I have quite a bit of listening experience with both the Pluto and LXmini. I prefer the later.
Regardless, there are plenty of systems in use and it's not impossible to arrange a listening session with an LXmini owner if someone is curious before buying the parts/pieces/plans.
I would suggest listening to a proper version (vice a clone) built according to the plans though. I've seen some clones that I thought were well considered, but I've seen a few others that I thought were horribly butchered by fellas who had no clue regarding the concept or implementation.
Cheers,
Dave.
I have quite a bit of listening experience with both the Pluto and LXmini. I prefer the later.
Regardless, there are plenty of systems in use and it's not impossible to arrange a listening session with an LXmini owner if someone is curious before buying the parts/pieces/plans.
I would suggest listening to a proper version (vice a clone) built according to the plans though. I've seen some clones that I thought were well considered, but I've seen a few others that I thought were horribly butchered by fellas who had no clue regarding the concept or implementation.
Cheers,
Dave.
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While we're here, can it be built with a larger woofer? 7"-8"? I'm sure XO would need mods but I have Usher 8945Ps that i would hate to toss, and might provide more SPL, bass etc. Seems like there should be some flexibility with woofs when you're using a 4" wide range and crossing it low.
And - does the woof have to be in a pipe? If the proper volume is used would conventional cabinets work, or are we back to cabinet resonance/boxy sound issues that pipes don't have (at least not the same kind)?
And - does the woof have to be in a pipe? If the proper volume is used would conventional cabinets work, or are we back to cabinet resonance/boxy sound issues that pipes don't have (at least not the same kind)?
I have them. They won me over after I added a subwoofer under 60Hz. it helps that the sub can be well integrated in that particular listening space. they sound better when played louder. they are a good example of what a dispersion pattern should be like but lack the radiating surface and the possibility to use lower wattage amps (of better quality), which is my main beef with them. as a value proposal to an average user they are a tremendous deal.
I suggest you first build the original as intended and then take time to experiment with your alternate configurations.
I suggest you first build the original as intended and then take time to experiment with your alternate configurations.
Running a google search for "LXmini user group" finds the forum: OPLUG.
I love my LXmini speakers. I drive them with four channels of my Modulus-86 amp. The sound stage is to die for.
The omni bass does have its limitations. Dipole bass would be nice. As a previous poster pointed out, the LX521.4 fixes that (at a steep cost riser).
SL charges about $100 for the plans. That's honestly dirt cheap. Please keep DIY guys like him going by buying the plans.
Tom
Spend a few hours /days on SL's site its there under tab for OPLUG forum (Orion, Pluto, LX user group)
edit- y'all beat me to punch on the forum link, but I think the advice to fully submerge yourself on SL's site is still worthy
Tom - Calgary is closer / cheaper trip than San Francisco, so there may yet be a road trip in my future
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