3.0 MA Pluvia 7 Wall-Mounted sound bar

[Wiggle8]

This is a recent build that was a Christmas gift for my in-laws.

Here are the basics:

• Intended for wall-mounting
• 3.0 (Left, Center, Right) /w one full range (pluvia 7) driver per channel
• Left and right channels are ported /w 7.5 liter enclosure, center is approximately 3 liters sealed.
• Intention is for L/R to be configured for full-range signal, center channel to be run with high pass filter at 100 or 125 Hz.
• Constructed from half-inch Oak plywood with solid oak edge/frame.
• All wiring terminations are on the bottom in the center. 3 pairs of gold-plated binding posts.

Sounds really quite decent from my testing. It will not be used for loud volume or more "intense" movies so will likely be used without a subwoofer.

 

[chrisb]

Nicely done - reminds me of a similar project a few years ago using A6Ps, with a pair of separate enclosures for rear surrounds, and CSS SDX7 subs for a full 5.1 system.
Hard not to suggest that adding even a small powered woofer and full bass management via HT receiver would make a huge improvement, but if this for in-laws, that one extra remote can be a bridge too far.

 

[Octavia]

lovely piece but you'll never go wrong with a proper dialed in subwoofer, keep it under 60Hz and thank me in the morning

 

[chrisb]

I’ve been happy with the THX standard XO of 80Hz, but you’re dead right overall.
I could even say, “take two subs, and call me in the morning”, but that’s just whimsy for its own sake.

 

[Octavia]

i like a little whimsy

 

[Wiggle8]

With the listening habits I doubt they will be wanting a SW anytime soon. But if so, a little UM8 unit might be a good option for next year.

They did get a used 5.1 receiver so bass management is available.

 

[Octavia]

Just out of curiosity why did you elect to make the center channel sealed and the R and L ported? Other than frequency extension do you notice any differences in clarity, articulation, etc.

 

[Wiggle8]

My logic was that since I had limited volume I'd rather have the main stereo pair has reasonable bass extension rather than having all three with mediocre extension. As well, this way I can cross over the center speaker to the stereo pair to reduce its workload and hopefully improve clarity on the most critical speaker for overall sound quality.

I can't say I've compared or listened carefully enough to notice the effect though.

 

[Octavia]

thanks

 

[Eric]

Cool implementation! I was considering something similar a short while ago. I like the tradeoff in volume for the center vs left & right drivers, clever work.

 

[chrisb]

I’d be inclined to posit that when run through “proper” surround DSP, the differences in processing / mixing between the discrete centre and front mains would mask whatever those sonic signatures might be. I guess the quickest way to test that hypothesis would be to play a full mono signal of familiar material with the solo centre on speaker A, and the L&R on B, with levels matched. Never needed/wanted to try that out, so entirely a wild aztec guess.