Finalist speakers, Tower version. Advice needed concerning TL vs Ported

[Jesse055]

I believe that was Curt. He also likes TL's.

Jim

Hi Jim, thanks for all your contributions to DIY and your willingness to share your taste. I have built the Statement monitors and love them. My only regret with them was that I didn't make them a Tower by adding a concealed compartment below the woofer and so they sit on top of some Klipsch Quartets. Funny thing is I swapped in the NE 123 Mid and took out the Tang Mid before you announced the statement II. I didn't change the mid crossover, but since I noticed an improvement I just left the crossover alone. Think its worth the trouble to redo the Mid crossover?

Also, what is the best way to accurately cut those Mid Tunnels so they are near perfect?? How much difference are you hearing with cylinder PVC mid tunnels vs the Square MDF tunnels?

One day I may build those Bordeaux speakers. If I can scrap up the change for those accutons, lol.

[Jim Holtz]

thanks Paul. I was leaning towards your design. My prototype(pictured above) does seem to have amazing bass that has texture and deep bass from that RS 225. Would you happen to know who designed the tapered TL on Curt's website? Just curious

I believe that was Curt. He also likes TL's.

Jim

[Jesse055]

I designed the ML-TL for the RS225 in the Finalist back in 2014. I'm attaching the cabinet drawing (for just the TL part) and the predicted anechoic system bass response (red line) from the TL modeling. An ML-TL with the same line volume will usually have an f3 several Hz lower than an equivalent tapered TL, while the tapered TL will usually have a significantly lower air velocity in its terminus than that in the port of an ML-TL for the same SPL output.
Paul

thanks Paul. I was leaning towards your design. My prototype(pictured above) does seem to have amazing bass that has texture and deep bass from that RS 225. Would you happen to know who designed the tapered TL on Curt's website? Just curious

[Paul K.]

I designed the ML-TL for the RS225 in the Finalist back in 2014. I'm attaching the cabinet drawing (for just the TL part) and the predicted anechoic system bass response (red line) from the TL modeling. An ML-TL with the same line volume will usually have an f3 several Hz lower than an equivalent tapered TL, while the tapered TL will usually have a significantly lower air velocity in its terminus than that in the port of an ML-TL for the same SPL output.
Paul

[Jesse055]

Here was the experimental sub.

[Jesse055]

[Jesse055]

I doubt anyone has heard all variants. I would build the MLTL without hesitation though - I've gone through a million cabinet designs for the rs225 and the MLTL Paul designed is a really elegant one.

I think in this hobby you have a responsibility to yourself to experiment with things you might not otherwise get a chance to hear. This is a good chance for you to hear a well designed TL system, along with a semi-open back midrange.

Thanks for your input. I agree with experimenting. About a year ago I did do a tapered TL sub enclosure for the RS225 and it does seem like I like that bass sound. But it was two folds so 3 compartments so it’s just too bulky to fit as a finalist base

[Jesse055]

Do you plan on using a subwoofer with this system? Is this mostly for music or movies?

it will be used for the tv and music but I just want the best bass possible from a musical perspective. I can always hook up a sub for movies but I just want deep, yet accurate, and textured bass as the 225 will deliver.

[civit]

I doubt anyone has heard all variants. I would build the MLTL without hesitation though - I've gone through a million cabinet designs for the rs225 and the MLTL Paul designed is a really elegant one.

I think in this hobby you have a responsibility to yourself to experiment with things you might not otherwise get a chance to hear. This is a good chance for you to hear a well designed TL system, along with a semi-open back midrange.

[kenrhodes]

Do you plan on using a subwoofer with this system? Is this mostly for music or movies?

[Jesse055]

I have the drivers for about 18 months but have procrastinated the project(yes I even have the Dayton RS28F tweeters that have been discontinued). What I am debating is whether to go transmission line or ported. If the decision is to go TL then I noticed that I then have two choices for the TL. 1. The tapered TL on the Speakerdesignworks website, or 2. The non tapered ML-TL designed by Paul K.

Anyone heard or have any experience on the TL's vs the regular ported Finalist? Anyone have opinions on the two different TL versions?

Please help me decide and subjective opinions are welcome so don't hold back