Project Showcase... what does it take?

[ckmoore]

It seems that there is a disparity between the very good, proven, quality designs that are being built by multiple people, and talked about at length here in the forums, and the designs in the showcase.
No Statements? Overnight Sensations? Sophomores? The list could go on...

It seems like the showcase is designed to help people choose designs to build themselves, but a lot of them are not mainstream, or very odd designs that would appeal to a low percentage of people.

I will admit I haven't read the vast majority of threads, so if I am way off, I apologize.


What say you?

[jerryanderson]

True, some designs would appeal to a small percentage, but many are good projects that would appeal to many. Some are on the expensive side, some on the budget side and some are in between! If you want to build your own, let the creative juices flow or stay with something basic. It is your choice!

[djg]

The showcase could be much better.

[john trials]

The tweeters for the Statements cannot be purchased at PE. That's probably why they aren't in there.

[MSaturn]

I agree, it should be revamped. Some of the design goals and process are less than thorough. It'd be nice to see distortion or FR graphs go along with all the write-up, but alas ...

I understand, however, not wishing to undermine a product you're selling. See the massive delcine in popularity of the YAG-20 over at madisound when Zaph posted his honest measurement and assessment of it.

[Pete Schumacher ®]

The showcase could be much better.

That's why the forum is here. getting stuff into the showcase involves more than some are willing to do. Posting projects here is quicker and far more responsive to things like DOTD and buyout. It's the same for projects using more mainstream lines. But if you're willing to document and ship your project to PE, they'd be happy to consider it for the showcase.

What might be needed is another section for project links, just the final design to start the thread and below that a place for comments. As it is now, you can search for existing projects in the forum using driver model numbers for search criteria and come across the threads of interest. Or you can always start a new thread and get the creative juices flowing again.

That's one of the main reasons we're here!!! New projects!!!

[Paul Carmody]

It seems to me that PE hasn't really been using the Project Showcase much at all the past 2-3 years. Maybe it wasn't working well enough as a selling tool, and their efforts were better used elsewhere on the site (?)

[johnnyrichards]

It seems to me that PE hasn't really been using the Project Showcase much at all the past 2-3 years. Maybe it wasn't working well enough as a selling tool, and their efforts were better used elsewhere on the site (?)

I get that impression as well. In addition, I think that getting into the showcase involves exclusive use of PE products (obviously), and anymore a design that is completely high end (Hoss), and/or totally unusual (Wolfs included design) or one that can be done in an afternoon with off the shelf stuff (that Hi-Vi 5 channel system). The standard 5" - 7" + dome tweeter basically need not apply. Unless your last name is Dickason or D'Appolito.

[brianpowers27]

It seems that there is a disparity between the very good, proven, quality designs that are being built by multiple people, and talked about at length here in the forums, and the designs in the showcase.
No Statements? Overnight Sensations? Sophomores? The list could go on...

...


What say you?

Top of mind exposure from the person calling the shots. It is my impression that those who make personal contact with the decision maker have a better chance.

[turn2]

... But if you're willing to document and ship your project to PE, they'd be happy to consider it for the showcase.

Good point. I believe anyone can submit a design for the Project Showcase.

http://www.parts-express.com/project...terproject.cfm

While not all (or even a majority) of the projects that cross this forum use 100% PE parts, some do. I don't think there's any doubt the showcase could use some freshening up.

[arlis_1957@yahoo.com]

Good point. I believe anyone can submit a design for the Project Showcase.

http://www.parts-express.com/project...terproject.cfm

While not all (or even a majority) of the projects that cross this forum use 100% PE parts, some do. I don't think there's any doubt the showcase could use some freshening up.

yeah, with a new picture of curt. i think he got taller

[zach_t]

I would like to see a little more detail in the project showcase myself. When is the speaker on the this year's cover going to be in there?

[Andy_G]

It seems to me that PE hasn't really been using the Project Showcase much at all the past 2-3 years. Maybe it wasn't working well enough as a selling tool, and their efforts were better used elsewhere on the site (?)

Darren K used to do a lot of the choosing about what went onto showcase, and was responsible for its upkeep, (it may even have been his baby) !!
..... and he is no longer with PE.

[Wolf]

See the massive delcine in popularity of the YAG-20 over at madisound when Zaph posted his honest measurement and assessment of it.

But IMO- it is honestly very unappreciated for what it can do, and how it can sound. Distortion my backside- and they are competent units when used wisely. Are they as nice as some others? Maybe so-but maybe not.
Later,
Wolf

[Wolf]

FWIW, it will be used again in the near future. You don't have to have all-PE stuff to enter, as they're looking more for means of applying PE products in a 'general fashion' at this stage.

Ed's project will come in due time...
Later,
Wolf

[MSaturn]

That's one thing I can actually say I don't need to hear - if Krutke uses that kind of invective (worst tweeter I've ever tested), he means it, and he's a trustworthy figure whose process and science are excellent.

If listening to a tweeter with that distortion profile is enjoyable? I'm quitting the hobby. There's a line somewhere. I suppose it could be used above 4Khz, but man, there are simply other much better planar - and non-planar - drivers out there. Like the HiVis you talk about, no doubt.

[rogoll]

It seems to me that PE hasn't really been using the Project Showcase much at all the past 2-3 years. Maybe it wasn't working well enough as a selling tool, and their efforts were better used elsewhere on the site (?)

I've noticed that they've started "rotating" the project that's displayed on the home page, as opposed to only showing the last one submitted. So I think they're trying to "revive" it somewhat. It's obviously got a marketing slant to it...there's at least one design on there that I know the majority on this board would not have posted...it was even discussed briefly. But hey, it was a novice designer, and it fit the sales flyer that was running at the time.

[rogoll]

I've noticed that they've started "rotating" the project that's displayed on the home page, as opposed to only showing the last one submitted. So I think they're trying to "revive" it somewhat. It's obviously got a marketing slant to it...there's at least one design on there that I know the majority on this board would not have posted...it was even discussed briefly. But hey, it was a novice designer, and it fit the sales flyer that was running at the time.

BTW, I bought a bunch of drivers from that manufacturer when I was first getting started, and unless I can unload, um, I mean sell them to someone else, I'll probably use them in some low-end build.

[benchtester]

At times, I have been frustrated when reviewing project threads, because it is hard to tell if the element (crossover, port, whatever) is the final design or just an intermediate iteration. Also, it can take some searching to first find the thread and if it is long, it may take a while to read (not to mention sidetracks and thread-jacking).

HtGuide does have a separate section where completed projects can go and perhaps is a good model. http://www.htguide.com/forum/forumdisplay.php4?f=39
I am not sure if it is used much, but it does get the job done. BTW it has some Statement threads.

I think one of the reasons ZaphAudio is so popular is that the projects are concise and presented well (unlike most project threads).

Personally, I feel the blogs here are underutilized. I have blogged my project comments (admittedly pretty meager to date), since I think it is the easiest way to reference my project information to others. I view it myself occasionally; it is often the most convenient way to pull up my graphs. I wish the blogs had a view counter. I have not received any comments and I suspect the only ones who have looked at my blog are those who I have directed there.

[djg]

The showcase has several projects with discontinued drivers. Why not at least put them in an archive section?