The Kairos and Continuum Three-Way Loudspeakers

[Jeff B.]

I have been asked many times about making a three way version of the Kairos and the Continuum. I know several have done so with powered woofers, however, there’s a lot that can be said for a properly designed three-way when it comes to smoothness, low distortion, and proper tonal balance, as well as having the simplicity of a passive design driven by your own amplifier.

Not only have I developed an "official" woofer module (actually two) that can be used to convert the Kairos and Continuum into three-way loudspeakers, I have made it so that it can be used to the do the same for a large number of other similar stand mounted two-ways.

How this works is all explained in this paper that you can download in pdf format:

https://app.box.com/s/a4bqr447s7ox7v9kt7r9tjui0h7yqkrv

Since Meniscus will be the supplier of these parts and soon to be kits, I will try to maintain a discussion thread on their forum for discussion and questions regarding the design.
The thread is located here:

http://www.diyspeakerforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=509

Enjoy,
Jeff B.

[killa]

Re: The Kairos and Continuum Three-Way Loudspeakers

Wow! I already have the perfect boxes as long as the sdx will fit the cutout. I had built some active three ways with the ac130f1 and have just recently swapped in the rs28a and continuum crossover. I was using active xo for the low end with some peerless sls 10in woofers in a little under 2cuft. I think I will swap in the sdx as I really would like a true 3way.

How much affect does a 12in baffle have on the continuum? It seemed to measure pretty flat in mine in a quick on axis, in room response?

[Jeff B.]

Re: The Kairos and Continuum Three-Way Loudspeakers

Wow! I already have the perfect boxes as long as the sdx will fit the cutout. I had built some active three ways with the ac130f1 and have just recently swapped in the rs28a and continuum crossover. I was using active xo for the low end with some peerless sls 10in woofers in a little under 2cuft. I think I will swap in the sdx as I really would like a true 3way.

How much affect does a 12in baffle have on the continuum? It seemed to measure pretty flat in mine in a quick on axis, in room response?

The Continuum has a(n intentional) dip in the response at around 350 Hz, a wider baffle will tend to flatten that response out some. In this case I doubt it will be much of an issue. If you build it, you must post pictures.

[killa]

Re: The Kairos and Continuum Three-Way Loudspeakers

Well it is actually already built minus the sdx 10.I will be sure to post pics as I have just finished ordering parts :D Thanks Jeff! (not sure whether that is sarcastic or happy lol) You are quite the enabler :D.

Also for anyone wanting to do this there is a certain place selling 10uf surplus caps (starts with Ma) that you can parallel together for those big cap values. $40 plus shipping for 100 poly caps :eek:.

[sorue]

Re: The Kairos and Continuum Three-Way Loudspeakers

Thank you so much for your hard work, Jeff! Trust you're healing well. May the Lord keep, strengthen and preserve you!

I can't wait for the kits to come up on meniscus. My wallet is ready :D

[stook1]

Re: The Kairos and Continuum Three-Way Loudspeakers

Jeff, Really interesting read! Thanks a lot for all of your work. I know it's a long-shot but any chance of a Corian or Bamboo solution from DIY Sound Group?

[kendomusic]

Re: The Kairos and Continuum Three-Way Loudspeakers

Jeff,
Does the polarity on the TM need to be flipped if the connections are in a bi-amped configuration?

[Jeff B.]

Re: The Kairos and Continuum Three-Way Loudspeakers

Jeff,
Does the polarity on the TM need to be flipped if the connections are in a bi-amped configuration?

If you are using this passive crossover it does.

[Jeff B.]

Re: The Kairos and Continuum Three-Way Loudspeakers

Jeff, Really interesting read! Thanks a lot for all of your work. I know it's a long-shot but any chance of a Corian or Bamboo solution from DIY Sound Group?

We've had no discussion on it, this was a project with Meniscus. I am sure it would be OK with everyone if Erich decided to make cabinets though. I think Corian bass units would be really expensive....

[woodsart]

Re: The Kairos and Continuum Three-Way Loudspeakers

Jeff, I mentioned this on the Meniscus forum and I will say it again....A BIG THANK YOU for your time and effort. Of course we did not bug you! :rolleyes:

And I join others in this exciting project. I am so fortunate that I can play with the Kairos and soon to be finished Continuum.

BTW the 5.1 Quarks and Paul's Voxel sub (thanks Paul), does make a killer theater with the Yamaha Aventege receiver. I am still shocked...who needs big speakers! Hahaha :D

Robert

[Mike220]

Re: The Kairos and Continuum Three-Way Loudspeakers

Oh boy, i planned to buy a pair of the 10" sb drivers to run active looks like i better order soon before they are backordered. Checked out the 12" but it wants a much larger ported enclosure.

[speedle]

Re: The Kairos and Continuum Three-Way Loudspeakers

This is great Jeff, thanks! I may have to hold off on painting the Kairos to incorporate this instead.

[IBM5150]

Re: The Kairos and Continuum Three-Way Loudspeakers

Jeff:
That is great, so glad to read your excellent write-up on it. I've wanted to do something similar but don't have the expertise or knowledge to do so. Would it be possible to use an L-pad to adjust the woofer to match different bookshelf speakers? It would be nice to swap speakers then just adjust either by ear or with the Imm-6 and AudioTool app.

Thanks for your hard work and dedication to the hobby.

Eric

Eric

[Jeff B.]

Re: The Kairos and Continuum Three-Way Loudspeakers

Jeff:
That is great, so glad to read your excellent write-up on it. I've wanted to do something similar but don't have the expertise or knowledge to do so. Would it be possible to use an L-pad to adjust the woofer to match different bookshelf speakers? It would be nice to swap speakers then just adjust either by ear or with the Imm-6 and AudioTool app.

Thanks for your hard work and dedication to the hobby.

Eric

Eric

No. Never use an L pad on a woofer. It will significantly change the electrical damping (Qes) with terrible results.

[IBM5150]

Re: The Kairos and Continuum Three-Way Loudspeakers

No. Never use an L pad on a woofer. It will significantly change the electrical damping (Qes) with terrible results.

OK - clears that up, thanks Jeff!

Eric