Audio Nirvana build

[4krow]

Actually, this is my fourth pair that I have owned/sold. For the price, they are pretty hard to beat, and since they are full range drivers, that makes me curious as to how well they might perform. I will say that their lower models are not something that I would be so interested in, but the Alnico magnet drivers are quite good. Even though the magnet structure looks impressive, it is the other design characteristics that I like. David Dicks, who is the owner doesn't fool around with the latest fad in audio, whatever that may be. He is competent designer who has set out his goals and has achieved them. That's enough for me. Maybe the same reason that I like the products here as well. You get a basic kit that covers what it needs to, and if you so choose, upgrading/experimenting is up to you. Of course there are the worthwhile upgrades offered by BH.

 

[aragorn723]

Audio nirvana sounds like the Grado of speakers.  Sounds like we both think the same thing with going for a higher quality product than looks or small size.  My system sounds good now, but the idea of a SET amp like the stereomour seems really nice, but would require getting new speakers (the current ones are 92db sensitivity).  Blumensteins look nice, but I look the bigger speakers better, since they are easier to blend with a sub, and sound better.  Which speakers of theirs have you tried? 

Dave

 

[4krow]

I have tried 4 different models, all except one are 8" drivers. In the 8" models I have used the 8" 'Super' which is around $150 a pair. They sounded surprisingly good, money not being a factor here. I made a set for my boss from parts and pieces that I had around the shop. He is a real cheapskate, so my budget was a total of $200. Had it not been for the free stuff, I wouldn't have made it. A couple of years ago, I damaged my very expensive 8" drivers from Decware (FRX drivers are $600 ea.), and had to have something to replace them with in the meantime. I chose the 8" Alnico model for $500 a pr. and was again, quite impressed with the performance. I used a 'GIZMO' from Decware in conjunction with the drivers to tame the sound until the drivers broke in. They were harsh to my ears. The Gizmo is a transformer device developed just for drivers with a midrange shout. Works really good, but adjusting it takes some time. Recently, I bought a set of co-axial 8" drivers from AN for my garage system which I will start on when this project is done. The cool thing about them is that you can adjust the treble output by interchanging a capacitor, but less than what the manufacturer indicates(you don't want too much overlap or gap).  Lastly, are the 12" drivers that I am working with here. As mentioned before, I was more curious than anything to hear such a large sized driver. I am anxious to finish the project, but my back doesn't like these mammoths very much, so it is slowing me down. It's just really hard to give an accurate account of any of these drivers since in each case, since I only heard them for a short time. I will say however that set  made for my former boss were just wonderful. 

 

[aragorn723]

By the way, how do you make the nice round holes/recesses?  With a router?

Dave

 

[4krow]

Yes, basically with a router, but these drivers are not round. It makes routing a bit trickier, so first you have to scribe lines, and then make edge guide to cut them straight. The rest is done with a circle guide. Slow and smooth, that's how you go.
  BTW, David the designer of these drivers has recommended a different driver for my listening room. It is a 10" Alnico type, and I am interested in trying it.

 

[4krow]

  Guys, I am pretty good at shipping, but have not ever had to ship something of this size and weight. I will be making crates of some sort. Any idea about do's and don'ts?

 

[aragorn723]

Crates sound good.  As long as the speakers aren't able to move inside (put enough packing material to close any voids), and have some kind of protection for the finish on the outside, there shouldn't be any issue.  Maybe someone else can answer about the speaker itself, any issues with the voice coil bouncing around or something like that?

Dave

 

[4krow]

One thing that crossed my mind was to install handles on the sides of each crate. This encourages workers to keep the product upright.

 

[Grainger49]

I would start with a cardboard box that is a little too big.  Cut it down to fit snugly.  Then use Styrofoam all around that box to make it wedged into the crate.

 

[randy@matrixq.com]

I spent 18 years with an LTL trucking company.  Crates are good but add a lot of weight.  Double boxing is a great way to go.  Just imagine you are sending an egg to China.  Same deal.

 

[4krow]

Thanks guys for the valuable input. After thinking it over, I am going to sell the drivers outright, and keep the cabinets for a very near to do project. Shipping costs will scare my present customer away. These drivers are unreleased products at the moment, but David Dicks advised to sell them and get his top model with an ALNICO magnet. It will raise the price(by $600), but I am actually thinking of using them and having two sets of speakers. One set for rock, one set for the rest.

 

[4krow]

I will put this topic to bed by saying that I have worked with these speakers long enough now to say that a certain recipe must be applied to get the desired results from these drivers. In short, tube amplification is to used, and on top of that, the 'Gizmo' device that connects in series with the driver as well. This device a basically a transformer that is designed to absorb a portion of the frequency spectrum that many find offensive from single driver speakers. That is sometimes called 'shout'. This transformer has an adjustable secondary which is responsible for the amount of absorption applied. Too much however, robs the amp of a little power, and dulls the sound. Too little of course, will not have enough of the desired effect in the first place. All in all, I find these drivers best suited for music that demands bass and impact. You can guess the genre.
Having used a D amp with them added insult to injury, and will be avoided in the future.