So after adding all the extra drivers and listening as was for a good line while…
I got around to measuring / analysing the best possible X/Os 1st order only on the HF compression driver (90 degree phase shift) and combination and no X/Os only PEQ filters mix on the MF and LF.
I’d also been reading up and found some more info about the Danley XOs.
This led me to realise I had been crossing the Vitavox S2s in a little bit too high.
I went all the way from a 4uF cap to 11uF to lower the XO point.
These are 15ohm drivers, so you can do the maths:)
This meant that the bridge between MF and HF was more natural and required a different time delay than before.
I also re-evaluated the MF to LF PEQs and timing and found improvements could be made.
Got the best (so far), phase plots.
I’ve achieved with the Vitavox S2s in the mix.
Still not as smooth as the BMS4550 best I had, but I much prefer the S2 sound over the 4550!
They are still work in progress, as I will fiddle again and refine, but the difference is
.
.
.
Like have a different pair of speakers or at least having upgraded from a lesser model to the deluxe!
The difference is that big!
I can only describe it as an improvement in depth perception and stereo image of the central object (usually vocals).
The speaker hardware sort of disappears, it’s just the music.
Dynamics and tonal balance are tweakable via SPL and PEQ values, this goes beyond that…
Had @dom here on Saturday and @coco here today for a listen.
Very interesting as they were the first ‘audiophille’ visitors to hear these compact black monsters.
Dom got to hear the BMS4550 compression drivers Vs the Vitavox S2s.
Pete helped me set up REW and we played with some PEQs that changed / improved the phase plot further and the difference in presentation was noticeable.
Both got to play lots of own tracks - so easy with a Qobuz login to mConnect…
There’s more mileage in improving these yet… REW and Vituixcad learning for me!
Will be following Dom’s exploits on his thread with interest.
Popped to Steve’s yesterday to have a listen as I’ve been interested in a pair of these for a long long time, but it’s not really been possible to hear any.
TL;DR: These sounded absolutely phenomenal and I need a pair!
Hard to characterise as they are incredibly even across the range and don’t really highlight any particular range or characteristics. We played all sorts through them and they basically just played the music. There’s no sense in any particular range being accentuated.
Vs traditional multi-way horns, they’re much more coherent and there’s no sense of individual drivers. You don’t really get that “horn” sound, they remind me of a really good pair of headphones, very intimate and detailed but do the horn thing of zero stress when the volume is turned up.
They’re also relatively compact for what they are and you could get away with a small sub below the main horn, albeit you’d lose some of the performance of the tapped horns.
So, go figure, looks I need to build a pair as well!
I’ve been pondering a speaker set up for when I’ve converted the outbuilding into a kitchen/ bar - these look very promising either mounted on the mezzanine or suspended from the rafters. Will be watching this very closely.
@SteadySteve how much would you estimate to budget for a build of a stereo pair?
If DIY woodworking then the drivers I use would be
4 X kappa 12A = ~£600
8 X Celestion 5" sealed back = ~£240.
Danley used unobtainium Misco 5" sealed back drivers in the SH50s, 6 X 4" in the SH60, bit he does use the Celestion 5" in other multi multi driver horns he builds.
Then if you don’t have something tasty compression driver wise
a pair of Eminence 314x-8s would be excellent. The CD needs to get down to 1000Hz and up high enough.
The S2s do it for me, the Eminence would go higher on spec.
They are supposed to sound really good. I’ve not heard them though…
~ 2 x £402
Then wood - I used chipboard (cheap as chips) but it works.
Pete was surprised there’s 0 cabinet sound.
Okay I sheeted the horn back with 1.5mm bitumen sheet and strategically the inside of the back box.
I might paint the insides a different colour at some point…
Then you need a couple of Speakon sockets and plugs,
Bit of wire, 6 long bolts for the enclosure to horn fitting (also doubles as bracing.
Screws, glue, filler, paint…
Had a good listen to a variety of these today - in an outdoor PA setting they were quite focused / directional in comparison to a more traditional array but the speed and clarity in the sweetish spot was excellent
Could you hear the differences between the different dispersion angled horns.
Suppose they were in different applications to provide sound where needed?
I think that vertical one you pictured has the patented compression driver combiner.
Yes
“The PG-J94 consists of 6 x 12” long excursion woofers, 8 x 6.5” mid frequency drivers and 4 x 1.4” high frequency drivers. These multiple drivers run through a specially designed combiner to produce a full range sound with a 90° x 40° coverage pattern that is unrivalled for large venues and outdoor events.”
When you need that 150+dB😂 combine the drivers and up the SPL.
Apparently they don’t suffer from breezes blowing the separate usual multi array sound sources all over the shop.
There’s a revolution is building
How long before the audiofool world cottons on to the design?
Don’t think I’ll get the Peerless Tymphany drivers in time for system demo day at a large hall I’m doing soon.
I will be taking the S2s installed, and the BMS4550 along incase, or if someone wants to hear them.
In the meantime I’m testing the spare Najda, making up speaker cables, as I don’t want to use the ones in the room, they are all tidy installed.
Ditto with phono cables.
The Najda I plan to take has switch mode power as opposed to my usual unit’s linear.
It also has the stock OP amps.
I’m used to Burson upgrades.
If I hear significant differences, I’ll just have to unplumb the main one🙄
Need to think about tall speaker PA stands for the SH50s.
Ideally they are high enough to clearly see the ears of the back row.
At 55kgs each there are only a few heavy duty types suitable.
Will probably use tables that are there though.
Also got to finish the 30Hz tapped horn sub and I’m making a pair of speakers grilles for the SH50s.
