on Sale - $55/pr (drivers & XO)

[Herman Trivilino]

Re: $75 ntn's

I have never seen the crossover components displayed like that. Not sure if my wife would dig it, but I think that is REALLY cool

Thanks. I've gotten a few comments on them, all positive. Of course, when I was building them and my wife spotted that feature, all I got was the eye-roll.

I don't think I'd want them in my living room either, but they definitely look like they belong where they are now.

[PWR RYD]

Re: $75 ntn's

Several months ago, shortly after the original installation that I documented here in this thread, I changed the way I've got these mounted. I wanted them angled inward towards the listeners. They do sound great and faithfully reproduce the audio demonstrations I'm "showing" to the class. They faithfully produce the audio tracks of the AV recodings. And, oh yeah, they're good for listening to music, too. (Especially when the students aren't around and I've got the whole place to myself).

I couldn't get a wide enough shot to show both speakers in the same photo, but hopefully you get the idea.

I've had a few comments on the sound quality, and even a few more on the appearance, especially the window that allows viewing of the crossover circuit elements. That feature was a lot more work, but I'm glad I added it.

As an aside, I've recently had some major reassignments in the administrative portions of my job duties. After a lot of anxiety, what's emerged especially clearly is this one belief. I want to spend a lot of time in this particular room teaching physics. I'll enjoy the challenges of the other administrative duties, and of course the money that comes with all of it, but it's this room and what happens in it that keeps the fire lit. And these speakers just add a very plaeasant layer on top of that.

I have to say my thanks to the designers of these speakers (Lou C for the Piccolatta's and Chris Roemer for the ntn's) but also to all the other contributers here on this forum who have provided me so much help in the way of knowledge, skills, discussions, tricks, and tips. I could never have done it without you guys and this forum provided by PE.

I have never seen the crossover components displayed like that. Not sure if my wife would dig it, but I think that is REALLY cool

[cooper]

Re: on Sale - $55/pr (drivers & XO)

So, I FINALLY finished my N-t-N's.

Photos forthcoming, but in the meantime -

They took the form of a mini floor-stander. External dim's: 40"h, 6" w (front) 4" w (rear) 10" d. 3/4" stock, all around. Sides are kerfed and curved, 10 degrees of curvature. Internal volume, net, approx. .625'.

Crossover in a separate bottom compartment, with this portion of the rear baffle removable.

2" x 6" port, to the rear. Fb approx. 40hz.

Initial impressions:

This could be considered a full range system for two channel music listening in a small or medium size room. No sub required. Strong output to below 40hz, as advertised. The 105's can really move. No way do they sound like 4" drivers. They play deep, tight, and loud enough for me.

The 105's are not, however, a one trick pony. They easily come up to cross to the ND 20's.

I would describe the overall sound as very well balanced, neutral to a touch on the warm side of neutral. The detail is there, but no etch or glare.

Center image is rock solid, and on well recorded material they do "disappear".

My B&W's are now in the garage, and probably soon to be on Craig'slist.

The drivers were purchased a while ago, when the 105's were $12, and the ND20's were $5. That's $58 dollars in drivers. Maybe $100 for x-over parts, binding posts, ports, and damping.

Even at the current price for these drivers,this is a stunning design, and an easy build for a high SQ/high WAF design.

Chris- Thanks!!

[Herman Trivilino]

Re: $75 ntn's

Several months ago, shortly after the original installation that I documented here in this thread, I changed the way I've got these mounted. I wanted them angled inward towards the listeners. They do sound great and faithfully reproduce the audio demonstrations I'm "showing" to the class. They faithfully produce the audio tracks of the AV recodings. And, oh yeah, they're good for listening to music, too. (Especially when the students aren't around and I've got the whole place to myself).

I couldn't get a wide enough shot to show both speakers in the same photo, but hopefully you get the idea.

I've had a few comments on the sound quality, and even a few more on the appearance, especially the window that allows viewing of the crossover circuit elements. That feature was a lot more work, but I'm glad I added it.

As an aside, I've recently had some major reassignments in the administrative portions of my job duties. After a lot of anxiety, what's emerged especially clearly is this one belief. I want to spend a lot of time in this particular room teaching physics. I'll enjoy the challenges of the other administrative duties, and of course the money that comes with all of it, but it's this room and what happens in it that keeps the fire lit. And these speakers just add a very plaeasant layer on top of that.

I have to say my thanks to the designers of these speakers (Lou C for the Piccolatta's and Chris Roemer for the ntn's) but also to all the other contributers here on this forum who have provided me so much help in the way of knowledge, skills, discussions, tricks, and tips. I could never have done it without you guys and this forum provided by PE.

[cliffburge]

Re: on Sale - $55/pr (drivers & XO)

I just thought I would post an update on my work with this project. I made a center channel ntn that would fit between my tv and fireplace.....(see pic)

I spent some time listening to this center channel and made some adjustments. First I flipped it over so the tweeter is on the bottom, seating position is lower than the speaker and it sounded better this way. Second I took some BSC out of it by replacing the 2.0mh coil with a 1.0mh(I think that is the value..) I did not pad the tweeter up any, I do not know if it needs it for center channel duties.....

I have squirted it with flat black real quick so it does not stick out like a sore thumb, but I do have a plan for finish. The TV border is shiny black. I am going to emulate this by cutting a piece of clear plexi the size of the baffle and painting the back black, then I am going to glue it on the baffle. Hopefully it does not end up all wavy....I will post with results when I get this done...



Cliff

[Herman Trivilino]

Re: on Sale - $55/pr (drivers & XO)

Cons: Break in for the tweeters scared me when it just got so bright and had a pop sound at normal level a few times while playing them (during break in).

I never heard the pop. And I wouldn't describe them as bright so much as I would harsh. I was scared, too. Thought I had screwed up the crossover circuitry. I noticed the same thing with the Overnight's.

[XtremeRevolution]

Re: on Sale - $55/pr (drivers & XO)

The NTN's are on my desk and are 33 inches from my ear. I'm going big as i want the punch and just love these drivers. I will fit as big as possible on my desk, I'm not going to get some small dinky drivers. :D

Plus, I got my sub crossed low so it only vibrates and impossible to localize and my speakers play everything else.

Setup: Xonar DX-Digital out- Onkyo HT-RC-260. I got a A2-300 (dampened and stuffed with poly inside it).

I know what you mean by punch. I used Don Radick's Aurbacs (TM NS6 paper cones) for computer speakers for a while and while playing games like Modern Warfare 2, those sniper shots really hit you in the chest like recoil.

[nick650]

Re: on Sale - $55/pr (drivers & XO)

The NTN's are on my desk and are 33 inches from my ear. I'm going big as i want the punch and just love these drivers. I will fit as big as possible on my desk, I'm not going to get some small dinky drivers. :D

Plus, I got my sub crossed low so it only vibrates and impossible to localize and my speakers play everything else.

Setup: Xonar DX-Digital out- Onkyo HT-RC-260. I got a A2-300 (dampened and stuffed with poly inside it).

[fastbike1]

Re: on Sale - $55/pr (drivers & XO)

Aviatrix is a little much for a desktop don't you think? Not so sure it works for near field work. Take a look at LouC's Piccolata or Paul Carmody's Speedster.

http://speakers.lonesaguaro.com/speakers/TB4V/Piccolata.html

https://sites.google.com/site/undefinition/speedster

[nick650]

Re: on Sale - $55/pr (drivers & XO)

Review: Initial start they sounded good. Tweeter is bright. After a few hours the tweeters get SUPER bright! Don't be alarmed, after this brightness for an hour or so they go down to an even level. After this even level, you basically have broken in the speakers and won't get much better. I have bin playing music for another 4 hours on it and haven't noticed any changes.

Note: For the MTM ported version, set your high pass filter for the speakers at 40 Hz for the best low end and loudness. Sub should be at 40 Hz (is for me) and integrates FLAWLESSLY.

Overall: Speakers are AMAZING for the money, the punch you get from them has amazed EVERYONE that has heard them. Clarity is spot on even if you crank them.

Cons: Break in for the tweeters scared me when it just got so bright and had a pop sound at normal level a few times while playing them (during break in). You will be wanting more since you know how amazing they are.

Want more? This is my next step since I want more punch and clarity!

I plan to upgrade to the Aviatrix (http://speakerdesignworks.com/AviaTrix_1.html ) ported on my desk. They not only have a 3dB more sensitivity for the woofers, they have a $50 VERY linear tweeter that is crossed at 1k and that will play all those vocals and high notes so you get the best clarity from the best driver.

Thank you all for your help and patience. I still need to paint them but that will come later as I just want to enjoy them for now :D

[Steve Henry]

Re: on Sale - $55/pr (drivers & XO)

If it's no trouble could some post a picture or diagram of the TM version updated crossover? I'm looking for the best parts placement/orientation.

Here you go....

[kat2905]

Re: on Sale - $55/pr (drivers & XO)

If it's no trouble could some post a picture or diagram of the TM version updated crossover? I'm looking for the best parts placement/orientation.

[Gracias]

Re: on Sale - $55/pr (drivers & XO)

Steve has it right. Nobody wants to spend time and materials on a design that doesn't sing. If Mary Black doesn't sound like the diva that I think she is, it's just a waste of time.

Chris did the hard work for me and and I enjoy putting lipstick on it. For me, SQ trumps cosmetics and having both need not break the bank thanks to some very generous and talented people on this forum.

Now what to build next...

Mark-

[Steve Henry]

Re: on Sale - $55/pr (drivers & XO)

Mine are painted MDF, with a textured finish, at that!

Steve's, Mike's and Gracias' are examples of fine craftsmanship. And on a budget build! Amazing. In the right decor, I can see Mike's as superb accent pieces. Over the top, really.

Thanks for the compliment. I know veneer is probably out of the question on a budget build like this, but I scored the Walnut from Rockler when they switched sizes in their inventory & blew out the old at $12 for a 24 X 24 piece. I bought the last 2 Walnuts & with my 20% off coupon, I got out for $20. Having not tried Walnut veneer before, this project seemed perfect. If I screwed up, it wasn't a high dollar design. But thanks to Chris' design, the SQ definitely warrants a nice cabinet.

[Herman Trivilino]

Re: on Sale - $55/pr (drivers & XO)

Steve's ARE nice (just think, MINE are just particle board w/3/8" roundovers painted with flat white Lucite), but right now my favorite is a toss-up between yours and Tim's.

Chris

Mine are painted MDF, with a textured finish, at that!

Steve's, Mike's and Gracias' are examples of fine craftsmanship. And on a budget build! Amazing. In the right decor, I can see Mike's as superb accent pieces. Over the top, really.