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In the Forum: Horn-Loaded Speakers
In the Thread: Barn Conversion - James' Project
Post Subject: Is it the bass or is it the idea itself?Posted by op.9 on: 2/11/2007
I've been thinking abut this question form several angles.
Firstly practical.
I thought I'd better see what low bass sounds like. And to get some idea of placement possibilities.
So I set up my LS3/5as in the (rather cold) un-converted barn. Couldn't be bothered to move my horns at the moment. The Barn is at the presently 8m x 7m. (will eventually be 10m long) and has a very light roof.
I tried the following listening tests.
subs..
stereo Open 'W' baffle with dual JBL2226 15" drivers
same JBLs in 200l rather poor sealed boxes
mono focal 12v in a knocked together TL 12 foot long (folded double)
I left the LS35a unfiltered and connected the subs with DCX2496 and DEQ2496.
I kept the volume generally low and eq'd the subs for maximum flatness down to 20hz
So, what did I learn? I wish I was more scientific about all this -
1. I was very surprised at the quality of bass from most setup positions. Big room makes for good bass. Obvious i suppose
2. no problem with standing waves or big peaks. This could be to do with the flimsy roof though.
3. Corner placement. Excellent. (with all except W baffle - no surprise). Except there were problems with 40-70hz sounding over-bloated. Wouldn't be a problem with my horns and the subs wouldn't go up anywhere near this high.
4. W baffle (placed against the wall) sounds very similar to IB. I didnt hear any serious problems. W baffle under the speakers sounded weak - despite measuring well.
5. TL was horrible - probably my fault. X-over not low enough to use mono sub - image collapsed - and made the LS£'s sound 'phasey'. More research of mono needed - after I build the stereo 50hz horns though
(6. Ls35as are not half bad - if you like music quiet!)
So I've got no worries about finding a really good NON horn bass solution in this room. Phew. This moronic test got quite close to a good result several times. (I'm increasingly tempted to collect more JBL2226 and run 6 or 8 a side in sealed box)
And then - Bud posted the Royal devices link - and the IDEA took over again. It especially interesting to see a small exit to the room and let the room do the rest.
The IDEA is very persuasive in itself.
I remember visiting http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/kapoor/ with a friend. She was convinced that these sculptures had a deep rumbling sound. And I almost agreed with her.. .
I love minim's steeple idea..but probably too many churches in my area already... But I DO have an adjoining barn/workshop and could start the horn/horns in there exiting exactly at the listening position. ..
So. I think the floor and footings will be solid. That's final. Still leaves me plenty of room for IDEAs.
BTW. Did anyone see a snail sub? Opposite of the B&W snail TL speaker.. Could look very sculptural suspended from the ceiling at an artful angle . .and convince us all of much low rumbling. I might not even connect it.
all best to all
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