FYI: For those interested, NaO II RS update

[johnk...]

If you have visited my web site lately you have noted that I am updating the NaO II to the RS series. This is largely a cosmetic update to improve appearance but also includes an update to the woofer equalization and mods to the passive and active midrange/panel crossover for a smoother transition between mids and tweeter. The updated system allows only for the U-frame (quasi-cardioid) woofer format.

Here are a couple of pictures of the new system.

[fdieck]

Re: FYI: For those interested, NaO II RS update

I love it... but I have this feeling of Deja Vu. You know you will get mail. Tell them to look up the word hommage.

[dlr]

Re: FYI: For those interested, NaO II RS update

I love it... but I have this feeling of Deja Vu. You know you will get mail. Tell them to look up the word hommage.

Because of superficial resemblance to trend-setting older Martin-Logans? ;)

[johnk...]

Re: FYI: For those interested, NaO II RS update

Actually, aside for the obvious 'form follows function' styling, the inspiration for the simple clean lines was from the classic Acoustat X:




Always been a sucker for classic styling: Dayton Wright ELS on left, my NaO DW on right:

[Caiman]

Re: FYI: For those interested, NaO II RS update

And I thought I was the only remaining fan of the burlap/canvas/linen style grille cloth.

[fdieck]

Re: FYI: For those interested, NaO II RS update

It must be these Paul Carmody Sunflower builds by Harold I was thinking of:rolleyes:


PS Your new Nao II look great and a fan of your design approach.

[clydethecat]

Re: FYI: For those interested, NaO II RS update

And I thought I was the only remaining fan of the burlap/canvas/linen style grille cloth.

Me too!

Where can I get some?

[johnk...]

Re: FYI: For those interested, NaO II RS update

Me too!

Where can I get some?

Jo-Ann Fabrics.

[Caiman]

Re: FYI: For those interested, NaO II RS update

John, is it brown burlap that you used?

[johnk...]

Re: FYI: For those interested, NaO II RS update

John, is it brown burlap that you used?

The Burlap on the NaO DW is natural. But Jo-Ann has many colors. Here is the web selection. http://www.joann.com/burlap-many-colors/prd23682/

When I went to the retail store they had more colors like red, green, pink orange... not that I would use any of those.

The grills on the NaO II RS are black PE grill cloth.

RE the styling of the NaO II RS. The old NaO II was just a baffle mounted on the dual woofer box. I could have just added side panels but then the box would still stick out like it does in that Sunflower picture and, well, you know where else. And esthetically the box made the speaker look massive and intrusive, and the baffle braces added to the "tinker toy" look.

By eliminating the ability to close off the back of the box for optional sealed operation, I was able to modify it so the rear opening so it is approximately the same area as the total Sd of the two woofers. The top of the woofer box is thus tapered to the rear allowing the side panels to completely conceal it so it doesn't distract from the lines. An added benefit is that by making the rear opening closer to the total Sd of the woofer, the volume velocity out the rear is increased to be closer to that at the front. The result is that the damping is more effective and less stuffing is required which, in turn, improved the quality of the bass. I've also tweaked the active woofer EQ a little so the bass is again further improved. And then ther eis the reworking of the passive mid/tweeter x-o, and the active counter part (still in the works).

All in all, it is a lot more than just making it look pretty.

Each side panel is made up of 5 pieces of oak board biscuit joined, then rough cut on my band saw. Then everything was sanded smooth and the outer edges routed over with a 1/4" radius bit.

The new baffles are 2 pieces of 1/2" MDF laminated together. The back sides of the driver cutouts are also rounded over (1/2” bit).

It's been a long time since I made this much effort on wood working and I have to thank the warm winter for that as all my power saws are in the garage and I have to pull them out in the drive way to do any work. And of course, the great thing about working with oak is that it hides those little mistakes so well.


Now, I want to see if I can do the same thing to the NaO Note without messing up the polars.

[Jeff B.]

Re: FYI: For those interested, NaO II RS update

The Burlap on the NaO DW is natural. But Jo-Ann has many colors. Here is the web selection. http://www.joann.com/burlap-many-colors/prd23682/

When I went to the retail store they had more colors like red, green, pink orange... not that I would use any of those.

.

So the burlap doesn't kill the top octave? I figured it would be absorptive enough to cause some problems.

[winslow]

Re: FYI: For those interested, NaO II RS update

I would proof read the update note on your webpage.