Chester Hifi Show 2018

[montesquieu]

Gosh this has all moved on a bit since I last logged in.

On the diffraction issue ... I recall once I was considering mounting my then 15in Monitor Golds from the back - utilising what I thought was the foam round the edge of the driver to 'seal' the joint (because it looks like a gasket), then reading that it was actually there to assist with diffraction effects that would otherwise be an issue with the usual large baffles they are put in.

Unfortunately a 5min google hasn't turned up the link. But it seems plausible. Certainly for all the size of the baffles on mine, they image superbly. So there's clearly more to imaging than cat coffin chic!

[Pigmy Pony]

Wouldn't the loudspeaker designs that have small(ish drivers on a tall narrow front, and large woofers on the sides not potentially provide all the required qualities? i.e. narrow front for less edge dispersion (so better imaging) combined with bass units in a wide baffle for deep bass and slam?

In theory this design should have all the qualities that everyone posting on this thread seems to want.

If I'm being a bit naïve be kind to me, I don't normally post on anything technical, due to a paucity of required grey matter

[walpurgis]

On the diffraction issue ... I recall once I was considering mounting my then 15in Monitor Golds from the back - utilising what I thought was the foam round the edge of the driver to 'seal' the joint (because it looks like a gasket), then reading that it was actually there to assist with diffraction effects that would otherwise be an issue with the usual large baffles they are put in

Dunno where you saw that Tom. The foam strips around the cone are gaskets. The Golds were back mounted in their manufacturer's cabinets and the foam sealed them in. The foam became redundant with the front mounted HPD's, but was retained as the alloy channel that holds the strips is what held the cone surrounds in place. No doubt the foam was kept to hide the screw heads.

[struth]

probably will help with diffraction tho, even if it wasnt made for purpose

[montesquieu]

Dunno where you saw that Tom. The foam strips around the cone are gaskets. The Golds were back mounted in their manufacturer's cabinets and the foam sealed them in. The foam became redundant with the front mounted HPD's, but was retained as the alloy channel that holds the strips is what held the cone surrounds in place. No doubt the foam was kept to hide the screw heads.

No I've definitely seen this discussed. And I don't believe it was about the screw heads on the HPD.

[walpurgis]

Wouldn't the loudspeaker designs that have small(ish drivers on a tall narrow front, and large woofers on the sides not potentially provide all the required qualities? i.e. narrow front for less edge dispersion (so better imaging) combined with bass units in a wide baffle for deep bass and slam?

In theory this design should have all the qualities that everyone posting on this thread seems to want.

If I'm being a bit naïve be kind to me, I don't normally post on anything technical, due to a paucity of required grey matter

There's something about having big drivers facing you. Try standing in front of some large JBL's pumping out some slamming bass, then turn them round to face backwards and try again, somehow the gut punching impact will not be there!!

[walpurgis]

No I've definitely seen this discussed. And I don't believe it was about the screw heads on the HPD.

The alloy channels and foam strips on the HPD's are identical to those on the Golds. And the foam definitely covers the screws in both. Of course the foam may have been retained so that Gold users could 'upgrade' their cabinets to HPD's. This may have been desirable for the professional Tannoy market. Those using Lockwood cabinets and others. Tannoy were selling a lot of drivers for studio use and the like back then.

[Pigmy Pony]

There's something about having big drivers facing you. Try standing in front of some large JBL's pumping out some slamming bass, then turn them round to face backwards and try again, somehow the gut punching impact will not be there!!

Of course Geoff, I'd forgotten about that, and I know what you mean, from times when I've been stood in front of a stack at a gig. When you step out of their 'firing line' that 'slam' is greatly reduced.

I seem to have heard positive mentions of JBL's a few times lately, and I remember the credits for 'The Tube' in the 80's used to include Entec/JBL, which at the time I imagined would sound pretty cool. Never heard any, but hope to one day.

[walpurgis]

I'd say, size for size Tannoys and JBL's have similar 'wallop'. Being in front of BIG Altecs being given some wellie is an impressive experience too!

[Jimbo]

Hi Jim,

No I haven't. I'm aware of them, but haven't heard them. I'd certainly listen to the Blades with an open mind, but I doubt they'd be my thing. You never know, though!

Marco.

I must admit Marco they certainly don't look conventional and give you no idea what they are going to sound like when you are presented with a small point source speaker on the front. I have spent many many hours in front of them and they are simply awesome but they should be for £25,000!