Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

[fastbike1]

After Jay had given me his thoughts on the audible differences between the Triple Bocks and the Ruinations, I asked him if he would take a shot at a three way variation of either the Ruinations or the Levitations. The Imperial Russian Stout (aka The Imperials) is the result.

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/showthread.php?t=228119&highlight=imperial

I expect to post early construction pics during the holiday. Here is the box model results using Jeff's WBCD and the sketchup plans. I have also made a cutlist. Boxs will fit on a 4x8 piece of your choice of sheet goods.

[fastbike1]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

Here's the box model. The design is TMWW w/ Vifa DX25, Fountek FW146 (5 liter sealed) mid, and 2 Fountek FW168 woofers (39 liters). Looking at the box results, I can see why Jay is a fan of the FW168.
As mentioned in the other thread, will have a natural Black Walnut baffle. Rest of box will be 3/4 ply. Box will either be Walnut veneer or paint. Have paint idea but need to do some sample painting to see if it works. We're shooting for "Stout" coloration.

[50 watt head]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

Looking good so far!

I have a question, about how to interpret the excursion graph. It appears that Xmax is being exceeded quite a bit below 40Hz, and I've noticed similar results when I model using that spreadsheet. Is this a concern?

[Brewski]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

Looking good so far!

I have a question, about how to interpret the excursion graph. It appears that Xmax is being exceeded quite a bit below 40Hz, and I've noticed similar results when I model using that spreadsheet. Is this a concern?

It would be if you tried playing pipe organ or HT at loud levels without a sub. For most music content you're not going to hit those notes plus if you look at the previous sheets it looks like the DB level is ~106 DB at that point so you'd have to be pushing them fairly hard to see it reach that level. If you were using them for home theater or were knowingly playing music with content below 40hz at high volume levels I'd let the sub handle the content 40Hz and lower.

Take it easy
Jay

[fastbike1]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

Exactly. You will get a curve like that whenever a high pass filter (e.g. as in a plate amp) is not modeled.

It would be if you tried playing pipe organ or HT at loud levels without a sub. For most music content you're not going to hit those notes plus if you look at the previous sheets it looks like the DB level is ~106 DB at that point so you'd have to be pushing them fairly hard to see it reach that level. If you were using them for home theater or were knowingly playing music with content below 40hz at high volume levels I'd let the sub handle the content 40Hz and lower.

Take it easy
Jay

[MarkL]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

That's a 4" port? Pretty hefty. Why so large?

[fastbike1]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

Just trying to keep to velocity down and tune to Jay's design. Haven't cut the ports yet so I can take another look at a 3" port. Jay doesn't like to tune the FW168s too low.

That's a 4" port? Pretty hefty. Why so large?

[fastbike1]

Making sawdust

Early progress. Pieces cut. Working on window braces. Stll haven't found method I like (dislike jigsaw). "Jig" in photo isn't working as well as I'd like.

Should have drivers today or tomorrow so I can cut the baffle.

Will have better photos for final stages. Also contemplating paint for plywood portions, still in beer theme. Some experimenting on finish this weekend. Fortunately "cold" in Texas is the current 55F.

[jclin4]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

Are those the walnut baffles? I'm jealous of your indoor workshop and mild climate. ;)

[fastbike1]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

They are indeed walnut baffles.

The workshop is the garage. Everything is portable and can be taken down in 15 minutes. Hail is an issue for a good part of the year and can come on pretty fast.

Spent 35 years in New England and I don't miss the snowblower. However, we had 60+ days over 100F this year. I was glad I installed a small a/c in the garage. Worked surprisingly well. The thing I miss about New England is that I had a hardwood supplier 10 minutes from my house. It's a lot harder to get hardwood lumber in Texas, even when only 35 minutes from Fort Worth.

[fastbike1]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

Weekend progress. Window braces rough cut. Drivers and remaining XO parts arrived late Saturday, baffle cutouts cut Sunday. Sized for tight fit so will need some fine finishing to reach final size.

Some notes. This is the first time I've used the DX25. The flange tapers a bit wider from the top to the magnet side. If you cut your hole based on measuring the top of the flange you will need an additional 1/32 or so of sanding.

The Fountek FW168 and FW146 measure as shown on the spec with the exception that the FW146 flange is about 1 mm thicker than the drawing. It measures the same thickness as the FW168.

They are attractive and well constructed drivers. I can see why Jay likes working with them.

[Brewski]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

I'm digging the sap wood in the baffles and the contrast of the drivers against the wood color nice choice for the baffle pieces.

Take it easy
Jay

[50 watt head]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

Lookin' great so far! :D

[greywarden]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

The only thing I liked about Vegas was the availability of anything your heart desired within a few miles, but I couldn't deal with the "suicidal" heat all summer long, then dipping into the 20s during the winter. At least you just know it's going to be murderously cold outside here :D Oh and there's 1 hardwood dealer in town for 400miles and I'd have to drive 45-50miles to get to it. I've never been there, but I've called them and they don't really carry veneer :rolleyes: they had 1 sheet of Bubinga, nonetheless the last time I called them.

[johnnyrichards]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

This should be a world-class build, and don't worry about Xmax being exceeded - people always assume a full power sine wave is going to sneak into their system someday ;)