
I just tried out the "Stereo with a Single Speaker" topology from Elias using a pair of the 0.4x Karlsonators and a Nautaloss II for the center channel. I have to say I am very impressed by the sound quality and stereo imaging from "one speaker". For a quick proof of concept I thought using three existing small speakers arranged next to each other will let me know if this is worth pursuing with a dedicated box. Well it is... I am thinking of a large Karlsonator with 4 Vifa's: 2 front facing and two mounted side firing, all sharing a common driver chamber so there should be lots of bass.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/full-range/257110-master-nagaoka-tetsuo-explorations-matrixed-single-stereo-speakers-2.html#post3947394
It is a really quick experiment because all you need to do is hook up the speakers like the simple diagram and connect to a class A/B amp. Do not use a class D as they do not have a "common" for return line and you will short your class D amp's outputs.
Quad TC9FD in single-box stereo matrix
A quick simulation with qnty 4 TC9FD's indicates that staying with the 0.53x height and depth but increasing width to 0.78x will produce pretty good results. Here is the performance at xmax with 2 front facing drivers and 2 side facing drivers:
Here is the polar plot with back wall 60 in away and speaker 36 in above floor (this is for all drivers connected in regular series/parallel):
A quick simulation with qnty 4 TC9FD's indicates that staying with the 0.53x height and depth but increasing width to 0.78x will produce pretty good results. Here is the performance at xmax with 2 front facing drivers and 2 side facing drivers:

Here is the polar plot with back wall 60 in away and speaker 36 in above floor (this is for all drivers connected in regular series/parallel):

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kute! - hey X - would the standard Karlsonator 8 be of any improvement over the 6 for the L.Cao F6 speaker?
also, if the Karlsonator 8 were made 2" wider, would it then work well with Beta10CX?
also, if the Karlsonator 8 were made 2" wider, would it then work well with Beta10CX?


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I'm just getting started on a pair of .40x Karlsonators. I'm making them out of 1/4" baltic birch ply. Hopefully they will live up to the high expectations I have for them!
Here is a work-in-progress shot:
Are you getting first sound yet?
Are you getting first sound yet?
Yup, I just gave one a listen last night. It was very interesting to compare their sound to the AIR320 drivers I have in a TABAQ enclosures. They definitely sounded a lot different. The Air320 has more low end output but the Vifa Karlsonator had a lot clearer mids and highs. So far I like them.
I'm working on staining and finishing them right now.
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Jessman,
Nice job - they look great! Glad you like them. If you want more bass, try the 0.53x dual Vifa.
Nice job - they look great! Glad you like them. If you want more bass, try the 0.53x dual Vifa.
he could make a 3-piece sub-sat system with a 12" MCM speaker used by the late Marshall Leach. I had the 55-1465 in a regular Karlson K12 with the vent sealed with tape and things were punchy. Inductors are so expensive these days that a bandpass box might be the better way to go for a helper sub - if using only one amplifier. Erse has decent prices on steel laminate core inductors.
MCM Audio Select 12'' Dual Voice Coil Woofer | 55-1465 (551465) | MCM Audio Select
maybe there's a Karlsonator for the 55-1465 - a little K12 is a nice size
MCM Audio Select 12'' Dual Voice Coil Woofer | 55-1465 (551465) | MCM Audio Select
maybe there's a Karlsonator for the 55-1465 - a little K12 is a nice size
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
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I'm just getting started on a pair of .40x Karlsonators. I'm making them out of 1/4" baltic birch ply. Hopefully they will live up to the high expectations I have for them!
Here is a work-in-progress shot:
I noticed from your facebook photos that you also made the FH Mk III and and would appreciate if you can relate how they compare. Thanks.
I noticed from your facebook photos that you also made the FH Mk III and and would appreciate if you can relate how they compare. Thanks.
I built the FH Mk III's for friend so I don't have them with me for a direct comparison unfortunately.
I saw all of the speakers on Jessman's FB page - very impressive. Must be one of the most prolific speaker constructors around - fantastic craftsmanship. Must be nice to be his friend and get audio goodies like car subwoofers and floor standing back loaded horns for gifts! 🙂
I noticed from your facebook photos that you also made the FH Mk III and and would appreciate if you can relate how they compare. Thanks.
It might be worth pointing out that the FH MkII is actually somewhat similar to the Karlsonator with regard to its general expansion. They are both offset positive taper TL with a final flared port section. The Karlsonator's final section has a less rapid expansion but uses a karlson slot, and is semi coaxial with the driver.
Obviously, the .4 scale karlsonator is much smaller. That in itself is a very large difference.
Another nice build thejessman! Will you be taking impedance and SPL measurements? Always good to have some more data! 😉
Another nice build thejessman! Will you be taking impedance and SPL measurements? Always good to have some more data! 😉
Yup, I can probably get impedance measurements later tonight. SPL data will take me a little longer.
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