OB DIY Project

[Sherwood]

Has anyone any experience of this or similar?

https://www.decwareproducts.com/zms

See bottom for plans

[bumpy]

Has anyone any experience of this or similar?

https://www.decwareproducts.com/zms

See bottom for plans

I have been experimenting with DIY open baffles for about 4 years and love them, but they are not the Decware version. Do you have any specific questions?

[Sherwood]

I'm a big fan of full range drivers. In fact, I currently own a pair of Omega Alnico full range speakers which sound excellent. I have been very impressed by the various open battle speakers I've heard in the past and would really like to try a pair at home. I see that the 15" drive units used in the Decware OB speakers are currently on sale for $400 a pair and that the plans for the baffles are available for $30. Unfortunately, my poor health and severe arthritis mean that I cannot construct the baffles myself. Does anyone know of a company that's able to produce a pair of battles to a high standard, probably out of birch ply rather than hardwood?

Tx

[struth]

I'm a big fan of full range drivers. In fact, I currently own a pair of Omega Alnico full range speakers which sound excellent. I have been very impressed by the various open battle speakers I've heard in the past and would really like to try a pair at home. I see that the 15" drive units used in the Decware OB speakers are currently on sale for $400 a pair and that the plans for the baffles are available for $30. Unfortunately, my poor health and severe arthritis mean that I cannot construct the baffles myself. Does anyone know of a company that's able to produce a pair of battles to a high standard, probably out of birch ply rather than hardwood?

Tx

still got my full range alnico speakers 2 sets. not to everyone's taste but i liked them. never tried open baffles tho

[bumpy]

I'm a big fan of full range drivers. In fact, I currently own a pair of Omega Alnico full range speakers which sound excellent. I have been very impressed by the various open battle speakers I've heard in the past and would really like to try a pair at home. I see that the 15" drive units used in the Decware OB speakers are currently on sale for $400 a pair and that the plans for the baffles are available for $30. Unfortunately, my poor health and severe arthritis mean that I cannot construct the baffles myself. Does anyone know of a company that's able to produce a pair of battles to a high standard, probably out of birch ply rather than hardwood?

Tx

I have never heard the Lii Audio 15" full range drivers, but here is my 2 pence worth
1. Lii audio have a big following on the internet, fuelled a little bit by 'giving away' new drivers to established builders who funnily enough always give rave reviews.
2. Their specs for their drivers are often a work of fiction. There is a fair bit of criticism from builders, who have measured them.
3. I have tried in vain on various forums to get existing users to give listener comparisons with established full range drivers, both new and vintage - nobody has yet offered an opinion. So where they sit on the audiophile scale is as yet unestablished.
4. The term 'full range' is in the ear of the beholder. In open baffle the bass is naturally rolled off, particularly in modestly sized baffles like the Decware. Many users find the need to suppliment this driver with both a sub (not unusual with OBs) but also a tweeter
5. It is optimistic to expect a whizzer to seemlessly blend with a 15" cone. Lowther had problems with a whizzer on just 8" drivers. Some users have remarked on a drop out in the upper midrange, which they correct with advanced crossovers. Lii Audio have indeed released more sophisticated 15" drivers, I guess to help correct these anomolies.
6. You cannot buy Lii audio drivers sourced from the UK. Bare in mind you will need to add VAT and import duties to the price you see advertised from the distributer in Europe. There are also a lot of clone drivers out there claiming to be Lii Audio.

Have you thought about mounting your Omiga drivers in open baffles. If you are up to it, they can be mounted in cut down cardboard boxes to give you a taster.

Good luck, and if you are anywhere near Stansted airport you are most welcome to drop in and listen to mine.

[Sherwood]

I have never heard the Lii Audio 15" full range drivers, but here is my 2 pence worth
1. Lii audio have a big following on the internet, fuelled a little bit by 'giving away' new drivers to established builders who funnily enough always give rave reviews.
2. Their specs for their drivers are often a work of fiction. There is a fair bit of criticism from builders, who have measured them.
3. I have tried in vain on various forums to get existing users to give listener comparisons with established full range drivers, both new and vintage - nobody has yet offered an opinion. So where they sit on the audiophile scale is as yet unestablished.
4. The term 'full range' is in the ear of the beholder. In open baffle the bass is naturally rolled off, particularly in modestly sized baffles like the Decware. Many users find the need to suppliment this driver with both a sub (not unusual with OBs) but also a tweeter
5. It is optimistic to expect a whizzer to seemlessly blend with a 15" cone. Lowther had problems with a whizzer on just 8" drivers. Some users have remarked on a drop out in the upper midrange, which they correct with advanced crossovers. Lii Audio have indeed released more sophisticated 15" drivers, I guess to help correct these anomolies.
6. You cannot buy Lii audio drivers sourced from the UK. Bare in mind you will need to add VAT and import duties to the price you see advertised from the distributer in Europe. There are also a lot of clone drivers out there claiming to be Lii Audio.

Have you thought about mounting your Omiga drivers in open baffles. If you are up to it, they can be mounted in cut down cardboard boxes to give you a taster.

Good luck, and if you are anywhere near Stansted airport you are most welcome to drop in and listen to mine.

I'm familiar with the limitations of full range driver units. Yes they can be a little shouty, and yes they tend to be rolled off in the treble, often soon after 16 kilohertz. However, I accept these limitations for the coherence of a point source driver. The Lil Song drivers in question are those used by Decware In their open baffle speakers and have received positive reviews from widely respected parties.

All things considered, I am willing to take a chance on buying unheard, conditional upon being able to get the battles made at a reasonable price. My only remaining uncertainty is whether to go for a 12 inch rather than a 15 inch driver.

Thanks for the offer of a demo. Unfortunately, I live on the edge of Sherwood Forest and I am unable to drive anymore due to my health problems. C'est la vie!


BTW. Cannibalising my Omega units for the drivers is not really an option. These are US$2000 speakers and are in mint condition.


https://omegaloudspeakers.com/products/super-alnico-monitor?variant=32172390732

[bumpy]

These might be worth checking out if you have not noticed them. They are good value and a lick of paint on the front panels could enhance them considerable :)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285275381834?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D7770 08%26algo%3DPERSONAL.TOPIC%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D202207 05100511%26meid%3D33a8175f834348f4a43eaa3fca4b4643 %26pid%3D101524%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26itm%3D2852753 81834%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057%26algv%3D RecentlyViewedItemsV2%26brand%3DSpeakers&_trksid=p2380057.c101524.m146925&_trkparms=pageci%3Ae23e3541-f0c3-11ed-8f92-9a5d4c70e995%7Cparentrq%3A10054a8b1880a2197932c60f fffbcb27%7Ciid%3A1

[Sherwood]

These might be worth checking out if you have not noticed them. They are good value and a lick of paint on the front panels could enhance them considerable :)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285275381834?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D7770 08%26algo%3DPERSONAL.TOPIC%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D202207 05100511%26meid%3D33a8175f834348f4a43eaa3fca4b4643 %26pid%3D101524%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26itm%3D2852753 81834%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057%26algv%3D RecentlyViewedItemsV2%26brand%3DSpeakers&_trksid=p2380057.c101524.m146925&_trkparms=pageci%3Ae23e3541-f0c3-11ed-8f92-9a5d4c70e995%7Cparentrq%3A10054a8b1880a2197932c60f fffbcb27%7Ciid%3A1

Interesting, I've actually been looking at the website and made an enquiry by email about open baffle frames. I will post any reply I get from Randy who hosts the site. I can't think what possessed the owner to go for the blood spatter colour scheme!

http://www.caintuckaudio.com/

I like the Maple 15 Baffe

http://www.caintuckaudio.com/Lii_15.html

[Sherwood]

Any suggestions for the dimensions for an open baffle for a single full range driver of 15" diameter?
Tx.

[Sherwood]

I have been experimenting with DIY open baffles for about 4 years and love them, but they are not the Decware version. Do you have any specific questions?

Painting in photo. Vietnam?

[Sherwood]

I am pressing on with my DIY open baffle project. I am basing my design on the Decware Zen Master series https://www.decwareproducts.com/zms

I have purchased a pair of Lii Song F-15 full range drivers https://lii-audio-europe.com/product/speakers/f-15/

I have already taken delivery of two 75cm by 62cm beechwood panels of 4cm thickness which I am very pleased with.

Although I don't expect any problems with the full range driver in terms of treble response I may choose to add a super tweeter just to see what difference it makes. Can anyone suggest a reasonably priced super tweeter for me to try out. Instinctively, my preference would be for a ribbon design but open to suggestions.

Thanks

[Sherwood]

31008

One of the panels with a cardboard disc showing the approximate size and placement of the driver

[Macca]

I am pressing on with my DIY open baffle project. I am basing my design on the Decware Zen Master series https://www.decwareproducts.com/zms

I have purchased a pair of Lii Song F-15 full range drivers https://lii-audio-europe.com/product/speakers/f-15/

I have already taken delivery of two 75cm by 62cm beechwood panels of 4cm thickness which I am very pleased with.

Although I don't expect any problems with the full range driver in terms of treble response I may choose to add a super tweeter just to see what difference it makes. Can anyone suggest a reasonably priced super tweeter for me to try out. Instinctively, my preference would be for a ribbon design but open to suggestions.

Thanks



These are a reasonable price you'd pay duty though. Can't find a UK seller

https://www.ltt-versand.de/en/22757/monacor-rbt-56-hi-fi-ribbon-tweeter-10-w-4-o?msclkid=60d9b025df0d1353ee86d45980aff94b&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=UK%20%7C%20Shopping&utm_term=4574861741809550&utm_content=Ad%20group%20%231

adding a tweeter does sort of defeat your objective of wanting a point source loudspeaker though.

[Sherwood]

Hopefully I wont need this. Just preparing for the worst whilst hoping for the best. Just taken delivery of stain for the panel.

https://www.osmo.africa/products/osmo-top-oil-3033-graphite-satin-500ml

[Metlor]

Hi Geoff,
How's the project coming along ? It's possible that I have a template for the driver cut out somewhere in my shed.

I imagine you're Edwinstowe way, so could lend a hand if you wish ?

Cheers,mart.

[Sherwood]

Hi Geoff,
How's the project coming along ? It's possible that I have a template for the driver cut out somewhere in my shed.

I imagine you're Edwinstowe way, so could lend a hand if you wish ?

Cheers,mart.


Hi Martin,

good guess ... Market Warsop.

Slowly coming together. Despite efforts of DHL, the drivers have arrived and I've been breaking them in. Even without a baffle, the quality is apparent. No problems about treble roll off, even for my old ears. Have4 them on a couple of IKEA stools and dynamics and sense of openness is amazing.

Osmo top oil arrived. Decided to go with graphite stain colour (3039 Osmo ref).

Even have stencils for a celtic knot pattern to go on the bottom of the front baffle.

Been unwell the last couple of weeks so yet to start putting the bits together.

Geoff

PS. If you PM me with your contact details I will give you a call.

[Metlor]

Hi Geoff,
I worked for a firm in Clipstone, years ago with a colleague from MedenVale, it's not too far from here.

I figured I could come over with jigsaw and router if you need a hand.
I cut some slightly larger baffles (I think) for my Lii F15 drivers.

Certainly one of the most vivid sounds I've had, within their useful frequency range.
I was able to boost the low end with the eq on my RME dac, the top end roll off didn't bother me too much.

I'll send a PM and we can have a chat.

Cheers, mart.

[Metlor]

Edit.
Just found my 355mm and 386mm circle templates and my plywood baffles too.

[sailor]

A supertweeter brings openness and space to the party which seems to defy credulity.
The Monacor unit linked to only goes out to 40Khz which does not really qualify as 'super'. Try to find a tweeter that goes another octave higher to realise the full benefit of the extra information.

If possible try and borrow a pair for a taste of what they can do. Townshend makes excellent ones but very scarce on the second hand market. Seems people don't let them go easily.

[Macca]

A supertweeter brings openness and space to the party which seems to defy credulity.
The Monacor unit linked to only goes out to 40Khz which does not really qualify as 'super'. Try to find a tweeter that goes another octave higher to realise the full benefit of the extra information.

If possible try and borrow a pair for a taste of what they can do. Townshend makes excellent ones but very scarce on the second hand market. Seems people don't let them go easily.

The Townsend tweeters roll in below 12Khz that's why you can maybe hear them doing something.

[Barry]

A supertweeter brings openness and space to the party which seems to defy credulity.
The Monacor unit linked to only goes out to 40Khz which does not really qualify as 'super'. Try to find a tweeter that goes another octave higher to realise the full benefit of the extra information.

If possible try and borrow a pair for a taste of what they can do. Townshend makes excellent ones but very scarce on the second hand market. Seems people don't let them go easily.

Why don't you try them out on your pet cat? Cats can hear up to 64kHz.

[Pigmy Pony]

Why don't you try them out on your pet cat? Cats can hear up to 64kHz.

My cat once came home with a bat, which must have taken some doing. But she'd be useless at testing supertweeters - she hates my taste in music and always leaves the room.

[Sherwood]

I've been playing the F-15s without a baffle on Ikea stools to break them in. Doubt very much if I will need a super tweeter though it might be fun to try a pair.

[Macca]

I've been playing the F-15s without a baffle on Ikea stools to break them in. Doubt very much if I will need a super tweeter though it might be fun to try a pair.

you probably read this already but this bloke is using those drivers just sat on a bench. Says he doesn't even feel the need to put them in a baffle:

https://hifiauditions.wordpress.com/2022/11/27/review-full-range-lii-audio-f-15/

[Sherwood]

you probably read this already but this bloke is using those drivers just sat on a bench. Says he doesn't even feel the need to put them in a baffle:

https://hifiauditions.wordpress.com/2022/11/27/review-full-range-lii-audio-f-15/


They do sound very good naked, surprisingly so. However, they need to be in a baffle, not only to avoid wave cancellation, but also to position them correctly for optimal listening.


31063

[Metlor]

Hi Geoff, hope you're keeping well.

Any updates on the project?