Need some help with active speaker conversion

[Ktacos]

In the current passive setup it isn't, but the crossover slopes are fairly gentle. With steeper crossover slopes on the active crossover, I think the difference will be noticeable.

That's not really how xover slopes work. I mean you CAN end up controlling dispersion with them but ideally you'd just find optimal xover point for various slopes and if tuned neutral while optimizing as much as you can for dispersion, it's probably going to come out pretty much the same no matter the slope steepness.

 

[mikessi]

@gfinlays -- I'm really curious where you went with this?!

I'd try a better tweeter to cross lower. The 34mm Bliesma models are outstanding in their ability to cross low with 3mm Xmax yet have great dispersion as well.

 

[dualazmak]

Although quite belated, I just came across with this interesting thread.

I assume that my experiments and implementation of wide-3D reflective dispersion of super-tweeter sound using hard-heavy random-surface crystalline-glass on my project thread would be of your possible interest and reference;

- A new series of audio experiments on reflective wide-3D dispersion of super-tweeter sound using random-surface hard-heavy material:
Part-1_ Background, experimental settings, initial preliminary listening tests: #912
Part-2_ Comparison of catalogue specifications of metal horn super-tweeter (ST) FOSTEX T925A and YAMAHA Beryllium dome tweeter (TW) JA-0513; start of intensive listening sessions with wide-3D reflective dispersion of ST sound: #921
Part-3_ Listening evaluation of sound stage (sound image) using excellent-recording-quality lute duet tracks: #926
Part-3.1_ Listening evaluation of sound stage (sound image) using excellent-recording-quality jazz trio album: #927
Part-4_Provisional conclusion to use Case-2 reverse reflective dispersion setting in default daily music listening: #929
And,
- The latest system setup of my DSP-based multichannel multi-SP-driver multi-amplifier fully active audio rig, including updated startup/ignition sequences and shutdown sequences: as of June 26, 2024: #931

 

[gfinlays]

@gfinlays -- I'm really curious where you went with this?!

I'd try a better tweeter to cross lower. The 34mm Bliesma models are outstanding in their ability to cross low with 3mm Xmax yet have great dispersion as well.

I currently have a working 3-way speaker with a fully active crossover. Individual driver FR and phase correction with linear phase FIR filters and fully ZDP time-alignment. Sounds great to my ears, and spectacularly better than the passive xover version. There's still room for improvement though - considering tweeter/waveguide options (a recent active conversion of a desktop speaker setup including waveguided tweeters was very successful). The IACC values are very different (desktop is much, much better), so the main rig needs some more work. I lost my father just a few weeks ago, so I've had little appetite for hi-fi related stuff.

 

[mikessi]

I currently have a working 3-way speaker with a fully active crossover. Individual driver FR and phase correction with linear phase FIR filters and fully ZDP time-alignment. Sounds great to my ears, and spectacularly better than the passive xover version. There's still room for improvement though - considering tweeter/waveguide options (a recent active conversion of a desktop speaker setup including waveguided tweeters was very successful). The IACC values are very different (desktop is much, much better), so the main rig needs some more work. I lost my father just a few weeks ago, so I've had little appetite for hi-fi related stuff.

My condolences for your loss. Never easy.
Good to hear the active conversion went well. I scanned through your build photos -- that was quite the project! Was it fiberglass you applied over the plywood?

 

[gfinlays]

My condolences for your loss. Never easy.
Good to hear the active conversion went well. I scanned through your build photos -- that was quite the project! Was it fiberglass you applied over the plywood?

No, it was carbon fibre. The desktop speakers are in line for a carbon fibre/red polyester fabric skin:

 

[dualazmak]

I currently have a working 3-way speaker with a fully active crossover. Individual driver FR and phase correction with linear phase FIR filters and fully ZDP time-alignment. Sounds great to my ears, and spectacularly better than the passive xover version. There's still room for improvement though - considering tweeter/waveguide options (a recent active conversion of a desktop speaker setup including waveguided tweeters was very successful). The IACC values are very different (desktop is much, much better), so the main rig needs some more work. I lost my father just a few weeks ago, so I've had little appetite for hi-fi related stuff.

Me too send my deepest condolences to you and your family.

Very nice to know your passive to active conversion went successfully. I can well understand your favorable subjective/objective assessments since I myself have done exactly the same passive-to-active conversion you achieved; my entire exploration has been shared on my project thread (the latest system setup can be found here).