MiniByzy (Mini Byzantium) Build Thread

[Pete Schumacher]

Re: MiniByzy (Mini Byzantium) Build Thread

Finally! We got the veneered cabinets done. Looking good too.

As Ed said in a recent email . . . It was a good build.

I'll post response plots soon for the current XO and RS28F implementation. I still want to evaluate the RS28A, because it really sounded nice in Chicago.

What's up next? Maybe a two-way using Ed's waveguide baffle and the RS225?

[Face]

Re: MiniByzy (Mini Byzantium) Build Thread

Pretty!

[Wolf]

Re: MiniByzy (Mini Byzantium) Build Thread

I'm pretty sure I've seen magnesium tweeters. The SEAS W-model woofers are Magnesium-coned.

Seas T29 'Magnum'. I recall seeing at least one other model, and I can't think of it currently.

Later,
Wolf

[Jim Holtz]

Re: MiniByzy (Mini Byzantium) Build Thread

Those are gorgeous Pete! :eek:

I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to hear them.

Jim

[jcpahman77]

Re: MiniByzy (Mini Byzantium) Build Thread

The level of craftsmanship on all sides of these cabinets is incredibly impressive. I can't help but think though, that will all the work in the finishing that there has to be a way to 'hide' those mounting screws on the front baffle. It just seems a bit like owning a Lamborghini and driving it to Monte Carlo on a donut spare tire.

Please understand, I don't mean that to sound as negative as it likely does. It's just those cabinets are so stunning, and then there are bolts on the face that just seem so... out of place. I guess I just don't have the words to articulate it right now.

[Pete Schumacher]

Re: MiniByzy (Mini Byzantium) Build Thread

The level of craftsmanship on all sides of these cabinets is incredibly impressive. I can't help but think though, that will all the work in the finishing that there has to be a way to 'hide' those mounting screws on the front baffle. It just seems a bit like owning a Lamborghini and driving it to Monte Carlo on a donut spare tire.

Please understand, I don't mean that to sound as negative as it likely does. It's just those cabinets are so stunning, and then there are bolts on the face that just seem so... out of place. I guess I just don't have the words to articulate it right now.

With the drivers mounted behind the front baffle, there's almost no way out of having something there to hold it on, either from the front, or back. We thought about some kind of mechanism that would grab the baffle and pull it tight against the enclosure, but anything else is just too complicated. We could try something like making the bottom removable, and attach the outer baffle from the inside of the enclosure, but that would entail a rethink of the whole assembly since the base is integral to creating the upper part of the enclosure.

But you did just give me an idea that I'll have to pass along to Ed . . .

[Pete Schumacher]

Re: MiniByzy (Mini Byzantium) Build Thread

Those are gorgeous Pete! :eek:

I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to hear them.

Jim

I'll bring a set to Iowa next year.

And perhaps a "high end" version in the same cabinet using some exotic drivers.

[greywarden]

Re: MiniByzy (Mini Byzantium) Build Thread

Can you put some spaces in between those pictures? lol, it's impossible to read even on my 1600px wide screen, lol

[Pete Schumacher]

Re: MiniByzy (Mini Byzantium) Build Thread

Can you put some spaces in between those pictures? lol, it's impossible to read even on my 1600px wide screen, lol

fixed . . . ;)

[jcpahman77]

Re: MiniByzy (Mini Byzantium) Build Thread

With the drivers mounted behind the front baffle, there's almost no way out of having something there to hold it on, either from the front, or back. We thought about some kind of mechanism that would grab the baffle and pull it tight against the enclosure, but anything else is just too complicated. We could try something like making the bottom removable, and attach the outer baffle from the inside of the enclosure, but that would entail a rethink of the whole assembly since the base is integral to creating the upper part of the enclosure.

But you did just give me an idea that I'll have to pass along to Ed . . .

I'm aware of the construction and the limitations inherent in the design employed here. Ordinarily I won't 'criticize' someone's product without offering some sort of input as to how to 'correct' it. I'm having a hard time talking negatively about these at all because they do look so stunning, but I figured those that made the cabinets are so far above my level in woodworking, perhaps suggesting something could be done would be enough. It seems a bit like it may have worked if you have an idea to pass along to Ed. These still get an 10 out of 10 as far as I'm concerned.

[Pete Schumacher]

Re: MiniByzy (Mini Byzantium) Build Thread

These still get an 10 out of 10 as far as I'm concerned.

Well, let's just see if we can't make it go to eleven . . . :D

[REM.Audio]

Re: MiniByzy (Mini Byzantium) Build Thread

After appreciating them in person,10 of 10 is a fair assessment,Imho.

[OlderMongrel]

Re: MiniByzy (Mini Byzantium) Build Thread

Finally! We got the veneered cabinets done. Looking good too.

As Ed said in a recent email . . . It was a good build.

I'll post response plots soon for the current XO and RS28F implementation. I still want to evaluate the RS28A, because it really sounded nice in Chicago.

What's up next? Maybe a two-way using Ed's waveguide baffle and the RS225?

Beautiful, Pete. A nice looking speaker should sound about 10% better than an ugly one. In this case you might be approaching the theoretical limit of 25%. :D

It looks like the outer perimeter of the waveguide is slightly truncated at the bottom (adjoins the woofer cutout) and also upper right and upper left (cab edge), or is it just the photos? Even if it is, maybe it does not matter because you are into the outer portion that matches the baffle to the waveguide proper, and because any truncation is so slight?

John

[jcpahman77]

Re: MiniByzy (Mini Byzantium) Build Thread

Beautiful, Pete. A nice looking speaker should sound about 10% better than an ugly one. In this case you might be approaching the theoretical limit of 25%. :D
John

Like putting that Flowmaster sticker on my car gives me 5 more horsepower? lol

[Pete Schumacher]

Re: MiniByzy (Mini Byzantium) Build Thread

Beautiful, Pete. A nice looking speaker should sound about 10% better than an ugly one. In this case you might be approaching the theoretical limit of 25%. :D

It looks like the outer perimeter of the waveguide is slightly truncated at the bottom (adjoins the woofer cutout) and also upper right and upper left (cab edge), or is it just the photos? Even if it is, maybe it does not matter because you are into the outer portion that matches the baffle to the waveguide proper, and because any truncation is so slight?

John

Thanks! I'm sure Ed will be quite pleased to read your assessment of his cabinetry and his painter's finish.

You're very observant about the waveguide being truncated. It's at the very outer edges, leaving at least 90% of the waveguide still operating to control the tweeter directivity. From the measurements we got, it is only slightly changed from the full waveguide on a 2'x4' baffle. And baffle diffraction effects are hugely reduced if not eliminated in the tweeter passband. That diffraction control, and the totally dead cabinet made by Ed, may have helped with what some observed as a rather large sound stage. Ryan (---k---) experiencing a feeling of actually being in a hall. When you can do that with point source monitors, you're doing something right. The OB guys say that's their proprietary territory . . . . :p

Since the above baffle was fashioned by Ed, we made a couple modifications to his waveguide milling jig resulting in an even more uniform guide than what you see pictured above. The baffles that showed up in Chicago were "almost" perfect, but having been painted white, were a little more forgiving of showing off what few imperfections were left. There just wasn't time to take care of the last 2% of the finish. Ed's getting that done this week.

I hope he can start making a few baffles for the gang soon. It doesn't take much extra elbow grease to take his milled MDF and make a very nice WG baffle.