GoodSoundClub - Romy the Cat's Audio Site

In the Forum: Horn-Loaded Speakers
In the Thread: Problems with horns: upper bass

Post Subject: On Design Pursuant To ObjectivesPosted by Dresden on: 11/21/2008

My approach of the Mid/Upper bass horn and design decisions have been pursuant to a specific acoustic performance target first, quality of construction second, and cosmetic appearance of the finished horn the third. (I believe I was clear in a previous post when I noted I was willing to 'kill my babies', should the horns fail in terms of reaching the desired acoustic performance--irregardless of how beautiful I perceive them to be.)

The design of the Mid/Upper bass horn changed dramatically (compared to when I first 'designed' in an attempt to create a more 'practical', 'size-friendly' concept), not due to any desire to produce a 'good looking' horn, but because the pursuit of an acoustic performance target demanded it be so. My rationale for putting some time and energy into the outer appearance of the horn is that I find the idea of a horn resembling remnants of industrial age factory machinery difficult to live with.

In regard to a phase plug, I clearly noted in an earlier post that I'm aware frequencies in the target range make the phase plug 'invicible' to the driver--it is not an attempt to implement something for the sake of 'design', appearance, or as a marketing ploy, but instead it is something that I have to listen to for myself (thus the reason I also noted that a flat-face extension to the horn throat will also be tested in place of the phase plug).

I won't delve into rationalizing my decision for making the complete system active or why I chose the various types of electronics--even if I had decided on some of the 'better sounding', high-priced (or worse, 'cost-is-no-object') components, it is no guarantee that the final prototype would achieve 'X times' greater performance when compared to lesser-desired components. The electronic components were chosen to produce acceptable results while keeping the overall costs affordable. (Of course, anyone volunteering to cover all of the costs [or gift] components with more desirable capabilities will be most welcomed. lol)

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