How good can D.I.Y speakers really get? - Enter Mr Al Newall

[Giant Haystacks]

(this whole tread is about open baffle) ,sorry aib , i was just trying to contribute my experiences with diy speakers, as i did not read all posts in depth and was going by the heading( how good can diy speakers really get)
well on the open baffle subject, i dont think 15 inch drivers are best open baffle as when you wind them up the cone is to hard to control , so that is my one opinion -haystacks

[evozero]

Hi All,
I had a few good listening sessions recently, and got a friend to sit and listen while I adjusted the output from the SS amp. We got to approximately the same level where we both thought the bass should be. Al, did you manage to try the Arcam SS amp with them?
Interested to see if you could draw any conclusions.
I am praying its not my amps that need replacing, Having lost my job funds are gong to be very tight.
Cheers
Ian

[evozero]

Hi All,
Just thought i would revive this old thread with an update, Just in case you had the same drivers and wanted to play.
I was running the AN8's and Beta 15's as Al had them for a good while, although i couldn't get the bass response without sticking with the sand amp.
That is still the case, but i have used a H frame for the Beta and small round baffle for the AN's. this was inspired by the GR research speakers, and had a lot of helpful input from the designer, Danny. Check Audio circle for more.
The H frame helped the Bass out a lot and the small open baffle helped the Dipole effect.
But they need to be at least 3ft from the rear wall to get the deep 3D imaging, my wife hates this!
So i leave them up against the wall when not in use, a compromise.
Let me know what you think.
Pics

[John]

One of my friends uses casters to ovecome this issue and does not appear to have any sound issues because of this. Might be worth a try you can always remove if you do not like
I tend to agree about the diploe effect increasing if using a open back. For me one of the big differences is how better the mid bass is due to this.
By the way nice work

[John]

(this whole tread is about open baffle) ,sorry aib , i was just trying to contribute my experiences with diy speakers, as i did not read all posts in depth and was going by the heading( how good can diy speakers really get)
well on the open baffle subject, i dont think 15 inch drivers are best open baffle as when you wind them up the cone is to hard to control , so that is my one opinion -haystacks

I think you need to hear good 15" baffles
The scale and control is awesome. None of other speakers I had come anywhere close

[Ali Tait]

Very nice Ian!