DIY Flat Panel Speaker Love

[Cahudson42]

Advice on DML panel dimensions appreciated!


I'm confused on dimensions. It seems many of this thread make 'squarish' panels - 24x24", 24x32", sometimes 12x24..

What confuses me is that the Magnepan panels, across the board, are much narrower rectangles. The single-panel MMGW, for wall mount - is 10x38". The two-way MMGi floor mount, with 2 vertical panels apparently 48" tall, have a total width of 14.5". The .7 2-way 2 panel is 54 x15". Why such a difference between Maggie's and the DMLs here?

Is it because of the 'problems' of a single point Exciter operating over such a narrow vertical panel? Or what?

Specifically, may I ask what panel size you would recommend for the following:

.. panel of 1" Formular EPS, corners 4" radiused, edges eased, glue coated.

..panel mounted in frame with compliant surround of Frost King foam, or foam tape.

..Exciter, DAEX25FHE-4 (or if you recommend, upgrade to DAEX30HESF)

..Exciter fixed mounted on crossbar

..Intended use - a simple 2 channel stereo, as a Left and Right speaker, floor mounted, flanking a 50" flat tv. Simple 'home theater' - no subwoofer, no center channel. Speech intelligibility important. Occasional classic music no-tv use.


Any suggestions in addition to dimensions always appreciated! Panel material, panel mounting (or not) , stacked separate panels for each channel, Exciter choice/mounting/positioning, multiple Exciters - or not..

Thanks for your help!
Chris

[Unbiasedsound]

Formular Coating...

After sanding the Formular faces, most seem to coat with 50/50 or 70/30 diluted white wood glue.

Much less messy and durable would be Zinsser spray shellac. Alcohol based, dries instantly, does not dissolve the panel as laquer might.

Is this as good? Any disadvantages?

Just as long as the coat is very thin and light...….thicker coats of anything will make the panels become heavier and dampen the panels reducing spl and even sound quality.

[Cahudson42]

@unbiasedsound

Ah! Always great to learn something! Thank you!

I will continue with my 'Maggie Alternative' project - with an open back. 😊

Chris

[Unbiasedsound]

Although it can be done you are going to change the sound of the DML panels.....DML panels are meant to be open baffle type since they radiate sound in a bipolarish fashion as they use the back walls to reflect sound for a open livelier sound signature.....Dr.Jose Bertagni states that it uses the reflected energy off the walls to combine with the front for increase in bass, openness with a 3d like imaging and soundstage.

Its been further concluded by Dr. Shelly Katz (who worked on the Podiums) in which he stated that conventional speakers are designed and tested in anechoic chambers for the least amount of room interactions, while the podiums are completely the opposite where they need as much room interactions as possible.

I have tried using a acoustic suspension (mdf wood) with my DML panels and it took away that 3d like magic imaging so I prefer the standard open baffle type of DML panel.

I also used XRK's foam core enclosure and although I prefer it way more then the mdf wood material it still cant compete with the open baffle 3d like sound signature that I prefer the most.

You can try it yourself and see which one you prefer as its all personal preference.

[Cahudson42]

Formular Coating...

After sanding the Formular faces, most seem to coat with 50/50 or 70/30 diluted white wood glue.

Much less messy and durable would be Zinsser spray shellac. Alcohol based, dries instantly, does not dissolve the panel as laquer might.

Is this as good? Any disadvantages?