Nothing obvious about it I wasn't aware. (of course I know about DSP in general, and have a passing knowledge of the use of active DSP in some speakers).
I'll be reading up on it. I might have to get.
But as a an update: I hate you bastages for being right about these speakers. While I won't say I love them, I have grown to really like them. I'm still running the 'faux' BSC but no ongoing tweaking EQ anymore, no constant tweaking the settings on the sub. I can listen to streaming at somewhat low bit rate without wincing.
Now a wince factor is just enough to tickle my ears/brain. Think Joan Osbourne's strident style of singing on St Teresa
I wish I could change the subject line. In some forums it's customary to put [solved] in a subject line once the question has been answered or the problem solved.
I've got a thread open about miniDSP
Last edited:
+1 miniDSP and a pair of TPA3116's was a paradigm shift for what I can do and how I go about it in diy speakers. For $120 total, I am able to select any XO curve or position, apply arbitrary parametric EQ'ing, BSC, notch, shelves, etc. And to do it in real time with an easy to use interface has been very nice. miniDSP and active bi-amping has made FAST truly fast, and easy.
Just building one set of passive XO's with the cost of big coils, caps, resistors will cost you almost as much as a $80 miniDSP. It is great for prototyping what slope and XO freq you want to use in a passive XO.
Once you use it, you will wonder how you ever got along without it.
Here is a thread showing how I applied miniDSP for a low cost FAST system: http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/full-range/249984-cheap-fast-ob-literally.html
Last edited:
I want one and most likely a kit. I just have to sort out the features. Mmmmm, parametric EQ and on all sources. Swoons a little bit.
+ shipping + a box (digital device needs a metal box) + plug-ins + any other accessories. And that is for the low rez model.
dave
The plugin is +$10, I don't use a box, it is held in place on a foam core board with little dabs of hot melt 🙂 Shipping depends on where you live, US is $20 so circa $110 total. The 2x4 model is fine for most purposes - I measured it vs a straight feed from source to amp and saw no additional distortion or artifacts introduced. The $300 2x8 gives more features and the nanoDIGI and separate DAC's will sound better. For initial playing around with FAST and diy proof of concept, you won't find a better way to spend $110.
Shown here is the miniDSP with two Ybdz 2.0 TPA3116D2 amps (vertically integrated - Left & Right on separate boards). Amps are $13 ea (shipping included) from Aliexpress.
Shown here is the miniDSP with two Ybdz 2.0 TPA3116D2 amps (vertically integrated - Left & Right on separate boards). Amps are $13 ea (shipping included) from Aliexpress.
Last edited:
re miniDSP - I'm not a shill for the product, just wanted to introduce ezas in case he truly wasn't aware of it;
youknowyou:
While they are rare enough, I'd nominate the Mark Audio MAOP7 as a single driver that might qualify as something that in simple to execute enclosures can approach the performance (neutrality, detail, transparency, etc) of many commercial 2-ways in the $3 - 4 K price range.
Let's not start a bragging war of comparing our curriculum vitae / or assessment skills - I've heard more than a few mid to very high end commercial speakers myself over the past 45yrs, and if I was ever again in the market to buy, the decapos would certainly be on my short list - along with certain models of Sonus Fabre
Of course, as this is the DIY and full range forum ( as in build it yourself) , I'm unapologetically inclined to believe that I'm not 100% wasting my time.
youknowyou:
While they are rare enough, I'd nominate the Mark Audio MAOP7 as a single driver that might qualify as something that in simple to execute enclosures can approach the performance (neutrality, detail, transparency, etc) of many commercial 2-ways in the $3 - 4 K price range.
Let's not start a bragging war of comparing our curriculum vitae / or assessment skills - I've heard more than a few mid to very high end commercial speakers myself over the past 45yrs, and if I was ever again in the market to buy, the decapos would certainly be on my short list - along with certain models of Sonus Fabre
Of course, as this is the DIY and full range forum ( as in build it yourself) , I'm unapologetically inclined to believe that I'm not 100% wasting my time.
Last edited:
It will be spewing out large amounts of RF that will invade the system affecting sonics.
dave
Haven't noticed it to be a problem. The switching freq in the 3116 is 400kHz (selectable to be up to 1.2MHz) so above hearing range, the miniDSP sometimes operates at 44kHz and that may be something but no worse than any other digital device like an mp3 player or CD player.
I know this wasn't particularly aimed at me, but I'll mention that this, and this is a DIY Audio cliche, this is my new hobby and within my VERY meager budget, i've decided to spend what I need to enjoy this. I had to give up building electric guitars and have been casting about for something to replace it.
I started with a concept of what if I built the best system I could for $1,000. Later revised to $500. I had no idea how much 'hi-fi' I could get for that amount, not having shopped for hi-fi in 20+ years. The word satisfied doesn't quite cover it.
The (dedicated to speakers) workbench is almost done. The 5 /12" circular saw is sitting in it's box. New block plane awaits tuning. A true miters saw box, meaning not a plastic one, is on the list to shop for. A measurement mic is in my shopping cart to order, etc. I'm as happy as a puppy with two peters over my new hobby.
Speaking of spending money, Dave did you get my Email?
Says more about the rez of your system/acuity of your hearing more than anything wrt the RF issue.
dave
ezas - to follow your simile - if you're fortunate, the honeymoon will last for more than a few weeks, but don't be surprised at a few cases of performance anxiety - analysis paralysis along the way - it happens to all of us eventually
the sooner you stop caring what other people think / post about your projects, you more you'll be able to enjoy your journey towards audio nirvana / satori - pick your favorite cultural / spiritual reference for "at peace with the inner and outer"
the sooner you stop caring what other people think / post about your projects, you more you'll be able to enjoy your journey towards audio nirvana / satori - pick your favorite cultural / spiritual reference for "at peace with the inner and outer"
There is some serious IMHO in this statement.😱
Yes, the DAC's in the minDSP are not the best. I use the nanoDIGI which is SPDIF in/out so that I use external DAC's. You need to tread lightly, though, when you imply that only vinyl through tubes can produce a good outcome. Them's fight'n words, y'all! But if you are interested in why my opinion, take it to a PM. Let's not rehash it here.
Bob
No hurry just wanted to make sure you got it.🙂
I've got the Lance speakers to finish before I start looking at 4" drivers.
Yeah tell me about. I sweated those those uFonkens like nobody's business. The Lances are probably going to get covered with a faux heat shrink carbon fiber. Very few people see my speakers anyway, and those who do would applaud me being less of a perfectionist and enjoying life a little more.
They say that the life of a seeker is not an easy life.
Work bench is done except for drawers and a few 'tweaks' like leveling it, flattening the top and building bridge to put a work light on.
But the NanoDigi does have a DAC?
DAC is something I still need to solve since I'm moving to the TPA3116 amp, which does not have a built in DAC like the topping. For the time being I'll take the line out from the computer.
Some discussions never die. For a topical firestorm start a iPhone vs Android thread somewhere.
You mean like that this is my next project after the Lance's? And that I'm going to use Poplar? 😱
The nanoDIGI does not have DAC's. It is 2x8 channels - 1 SPDIF in, 4SPDIF out. You can use cheap DAC's to start with, but IMO, you need to spend in excess $100 each to assure decent output. Async comversion is important.
Bob
Bob
In case anyone might need a nice easy to make sub that sounds great, look at the push-pull band pass design I made out of 1 in thick XPS foam and a couple of TB 5 in sub drivers. I am using them with my Vifa TC9FD DCR's right now with a TPA3116D2 2.1 amp and the whole setup integrates very well with some serious bass punch. The sub is described here:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/subwoofers/258433-light-air-slot-loaded-band-pass-sub.html
I mention this sub because the FF85Wk is similar in size and usage compared with the TC9FD.
I'm going to have to revisit this since a new sub is also in the works. And I already have one of the TB 5's and my soon to be purchased sliding miter saw will make quick work of building it.
Or i'm up for foam. There are low temp shrink films that would make quick work of dressing up. MonoKote, Solartex, etc.
Mmmmmm Faux carbon fiber: http://www.hangar-9.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HANU910
Last edited:
Initial amp impressions (finally)
This morning I lowered everything to lowest common denominator, analog output from the computer. Disabled EQ and turned off sub.
Disclaimer: Most of my listeing has been through a dac with sub. So some of my impressions might be skewed a bit because of that.
Definitely better lower mids which was a problem for me up to this point. The lower range of women sounds better and much better chest/diagram from men.
Acoustic guitar, not better not worse, just different, but sounds good.
Rounder bass when it's on the recording.
In my notes it says mixed feelings on piano.
Female voices might not sound as good to me.
Room acoustics are almost overblown, I probably just need to get used to them.
On bonnie raitt can't make you love me I could clearly tell drummer was playing with brushes
I have in my notes separation better but softer in a good way. More musical I guess.
Light cymbal work (ride) sounds really good.
I hear 'something' which I'm going to chalk up to these being a full range drivers (forward, etc)
Just a quick check, Tin Pan Alley with some sub WAS AWESOME! Low Toms Toms are CANNONS!
Up next: Duct Seal on driver, Zig glue on surround, stuffing in Sub, a DAC, and try the BSC. At the risk of sounding cliche for the cost of about $400 -$500 it's everything I was I was hoping for in a desktop system! Blown away by what you can get today for that kind of coin.
Absolutely top song was Tin Pan Alley (Roughest Place in Town) Stevie Ray Vaughn.
And in general anything off of Motels - All Four One
And Mariah Carey - Can't Let it go was good.
Volume level(s) used were about the same. And while I wasn't listening for it, it does keep it together better as it gets loud (Dave).
Again this all without the faux BSC correction, no EQ and no Sub.
But good call on an 'upgrade' for these speakers.
To every one of you MoFo's who helped a BIG thanks. - I came in complaining about the help I got in the past but I couldn't have asked for more this time around!!!
This morning I lowered everything to lowest common denominator, analog output from the computer. Disabled EQ and turned off sub.
Disclaimer: Most of my listeing has been through a dac with sub. So some of my impressions might be skewed a bit because of that.
Definitely better lower mids which was a problem for me up to this point. The lower range of women sounds better and much better chest/diagram from men.
Acoustic guitar, not better not worse, just different, but sounds good.
Rounder bass when it's on the recording.
In my notes it says mixed feelings on piano.
Female voices might not sound as good to me.
Room acoustics are almost overblown, I probably just need to get used to them.
On bonnie raitt can't make you love me I could clearly tell drummer was playing with brushes
I have in my notes separation better but softer in a good way. More musical I guess.
Light cymbal work (ride) sounds really good.
I hear 'something' which I'm going to chalk up to these being a full range drivers (forward, etc)
Just a quick check, Tin Pan Alley with some sub WAS AWESOME! Low Toms Toms are CANNONS!
Up next: Duct Seal on driver, Zig glue on surround, stuffing in Sub, a DAC, and try the BSC. At the risk of sounding cliche for the cost of about $400 -$500 it's everything I was I was hoping for in a desktop system! Blown away by what you can get today for that kind of coin.
Absolutely top song was Tin Pan Alley (Roughest Place in Town) Stevie Ray Vaughn.
And in general anything off of Motels - All Four One
And Mariah Carey - Can't Let it go was good.
Volume level(s) used were about the same. And while I wasn't listening for it, it does keep it together better as it gets loud (Dave).
Again this all without the faux BSC correction, no EQ and no Sub.
But good call on an 'upgrade' for these speakers.
To every one of you MoFo's who helped a BIG thanks. - I came in complaining about the help I got in the past but I couldn't have asked for more this time around!!!
Last edited: