The new Poor Plumber's Pluto, a novel DIY project

[carlspeak]

Some of you may be familiar with Siegfried Linkwitz's web site and his Pluto loudspeaker system.
http://www.linkwitzlab.com/Pluto/specs.htm

The Pluto design has garnered quite a following with many having built or bought his design outright. A user/builder forum also exists.

I've taken a few of his ideas (namely the drivers) and developed a TL design with powered sub to fill in the low end that can be built for about 10% of what his sells for assembled.

http://www.linkwitzlab.com/pluto-wa_2.htm

Attached is a picture of the PPP pair. PM me for details, more pics and test data. Some of the test data shows direct comparisons between SL's published Pluto data and the PPP. You'll be surprised how similar the PPP data is to his! Also, his data is copyrighted and so the reason for the PM.

If you're interested in building your own PPP, contact me.

If you're wondering who I am, visit http://www.classicloudspeakerservices.com/

[depthsounder]

Re: The new Poor Plumber's Pluto, a novel DIY project

Thanks for sharing this! I will unfortunately never know how they sound because I have to say it, those are some ugly speakers! :D

-David

[marscoast]

Re: The new Poor Plumber's Pluto, a novel DIY project

That tired old metaphor certainly applies - thinking outside the box.

[spasticteapot]

Re: The new Poor Plumber's Pluto, a novel DIY project

Wouldn't it just be easier to build a set of speakers with the originals' general design and a passive crossover?

[jbruner]

Re: The new Poor Plumber's Pluto, a novel DIY project

Interesting.

Is the x-o passive?

Why did you choose to fire the woofer forward?

How much stuffing did you use?

[Deward Hastings]

Re: The new Poor Plumber's Pluto, a novel DIY project

Why would one build a second rate (and bu*t ugly) imitation when one can build the real thing? And if you're not stealing something why the "PM" secrecy?

There's no law against designing a loudspeaker (and crossover) using readily available retail market drivers. Nor is there anything "secret" about active crossover topologies . . . every circuit used in PLUTO is freely available on the linkwitzlab site, as is the complete circuit description for the crossover/amp boards. Or the desired response can be created using a DCX2496 and "store bought" amps. One could probably come close with a "passive" crossover, though with some (significant) loss of quality.

But why ? ? ?

[carlspeak]

Re: The new Poor Plumber's Pluto, a novel DIY project

That tired old metaphor certainly applies - thinking outside the box.

Yes, that's true and it was done on purpose. The main reason being eliminating all the baffle board hassles - the biggest being BB diffraction issues. In the process one gives up (all speakers are compromises) 2 pi bass response and thus the need for the powered sub.

[carlspeak]

Re: The new Poor Plumber's Pluto, a novel DIY project

Wouldn't it just be easier to build a set of speakers with the originals' general design and a passive crossover?

Probably not. Which is why SL spent many hours desigining his electronic xover to address the response anomalies of these drivers.
I have to admit I spent many hours tweaking my passive xovers to get these babies to sing!

[carlspeak]

Re: The new Poor Plumber's Pluto, a novel DIY project

Interesting.

Is the x-o passive?

Why did you choose to fire the woofer forward?

How much stuffing did you use?

1) Yes, but complex to address the driver's inherent response anomalies.
2) The bigger questions is, why did SL choose to fire his bass/mid upward at the tweeter? He never answeres that question on his web site.
3) Acousta-stuff about 3/4 the length of the pipe

[carlspeak]

Re: The new Poor Plumber's Pluto, a novel DIY project

Why would one build a second rate (and bu*t ugly) imitation when one can build the real thing? And if you're not stealing something why the "PM" secrecy?

There's no law against designing a loudspeaker (and crossover) using readily available retail market drivers. Nor is there anything "secret" about active crossover topologies . . . every circuit used in PLUTO is freely available on the linkwitzlab site, as is the complete circuit description for the crossover/amp boards. Or the desired response can be created using a DCX2496 and "store bought" amps. One could probably come close with a "passive" crossover, though with some (significant) loss of quality.

But why ? ? ?

This is a fun hobby for most of us. I thought I'd try and see how close I could come to his results with a more conventional driver placment configuration coupled with TL.
BTW, these things sound great.
For those handy with sourcing parts and soldering, here's a quick link to SL's Pluto 'supplies' page http://linkwitzlab.com/Pluto/supplies.htm. Knock yourselves out.

For those interested in an easier-to-build PPP with it's inherent 'conversatioin piece' looks, contact me.....

[mikejennens]

Re: The new Poor Plumber's Pluto, a novel DIY project

I like the idea of something besides a monkey coffin for a speaker. Don't get me wrong, I have, and enjoy, several pairs of monkey coffins. I just think it's great to see innovative ideas and outside-the-lines thinking.
Cool stiff!
Mike

[john trials]

Re: The new Poor Plumber's Pluto, a novel DIY project

You have got to bring these to the next New England DIY speaker gathering!!!!!!!

[carlspeak]

Re: The new Poor Plumber's Pluto, a novel DIY project

You have got to bring these to the next New England DIY speaker gathering!!!!!!!

When? Where?

As it happens, my PPP's will be auditioned at a Connecticut Audio Society meeting this weekend. I'm expecting some laughs, but that's okay. That's part of the fun hobby.

Those who live close by are welcome to come and give a listen. PM me for directions to my home.

[dlr]

Re: The new Poor Plumber's Pluto, a novel DIY project

When? Where?

That will in all likelihood be in October, date not yet determined. It will be at my place, always done as an informal gathering, no competitions. I'm sure we'd all like the opportunity to hear this.

I will eventually post queries about the date (always a Saturday) as October approaches. I try to coordinate between my wife's schedule and regulars who attend.

There's info here.

dlr

[mintos]

Re: The new Poor Plumber's Pluto, a novel DIY project

1) Y
2) The bigger questions is, why did SL choose to fire his bass/mid upward at the tweeter? He never answeres that question on his web site.

I thought the whole point of the pluto is to make it semi-omni, thus the upward woofer.