Vintage HiFi Audio Forum

General Banter => Welcome Wagon => Topic started by: jazzman53 on January 01, 2016, 01:25:06 PM

Title: Hi From Savannah
Post by: jazzman53 on January 01, 2016, 01:25:06 PM
Hi all,

I'm an old guy from Savannah, GA.  I have mostly Carver gear and I build ESL speakers.  Some of you may even know me from the Carversite or the Carver Audio Forum. 

Looking forward to chatting with you!

Charlie (a.k.a. Jazzman)

Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: MacGeek on January 01, 2016, 01:28:12 PM
Welcome Jazzman.  Got any pics of your speaker builds?
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: jazzman53 on January 01, 2016, 01:49:06 PM
Welcome Jazzman.  Got any pics of your speaker builds?

Hi MacGeek,
My websitecontains many photos and an extensive how-toe guide to building ESL's:

http://jazzman-esl-page.blogspot.com/ (http://jazzman-esl-page.blogspot.com/)   
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: geoffr on January 01, 2016, 02:26:12 PM
Greetings! Is Mrs. Wilkes' still there? I ate there many times over the years, but have not been down recently.
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: Sir Thrift-a-Lot on January 01, 2016, 02:38:24 PM
Impressive site.   Due to family considerations, I could never have a pair of ESLs, but it is fun to live vicariously through your terrific pictures.
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: jazzman53 on January 01, 2016, 04:15:45 PM
Greetings! Is Mrs. Wilkes' still there? I ate there many times over the years, but have not been down recently.

yes, last time I checked Mrs Wilkes' is still open; although I've never eaten there myself (don't get downtown that much)
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: OldiesButGoodies on January 01, 2016, 08:52:41 PM
Very cool web site.   Do your design best Martin Logan's in the end?
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: jazzman53 on January 01, 2016, 11:12:35 PM
Very cool web site.   Do your design best Martin Logan's in the end?

I have not heard the latest ML models, let alone in the same room.  That said, and based on my recall of the older ML Summits, I would say that my speakers best the ML's older ML Summits in almost every respect: Imaging, blending between the woofers and stat panels, overall slam and treble response.  But then, my speakers are less compromised in many respects, as no consideration was given to sales or profit.

I attribute better bass blending to the choice of a low-inductance woofer coupled to a lower Q transmission line.  And flat panels give more focused imaging and greater slam than curved panels.  Also, my panels use lighter 6-micron (vs 12-micron) diaphragms, which yeilds somewhat better treble response.  Additionally, my speakers are bi-amped with active digital crossovers-- not cheap but superior to single-amped passive setups.           

What I can't do and ML can is design passive crossovers that work well enough to allow building non-bi amp'd hybrid ESL's that sound good.  It's horrendously difficult to build a balanced hybrid ESL with passive components.  And this you must be able to do if you wish to build ESL's cheaply enough to sell at a profit.     

   




 
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: papabearjew on January 02, 2016, 12:50:34 AM
Welcome and nice website?  I gotta know... What perfume does Diana Krall wear?
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: Kingman on January 02, 2016, 07:09:26 AM
Well hello Charlie! Glad you finally got here. He also has some very interesting woofers. They may be in the pics on his link.
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: bearjew on January 02, 2016, 07:14:12 AM
Welcome to the club!
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: scorpio333 on January 02, 2016, 09:52:35 AM
Very impressive speakers, nicely done. While I love seeing DIY projects, I did NOT need to see "build a speaker on the kitchen table"!  >:D That got wheels spinning in my head. Maybe someday, I have a feeling if I did a build like that there could be two dead curious cats in the house, the intervention would soon follow.
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: bearjew on January 02, 2016, 10:19:23 AM
Very impressive speakers, nicely done. While I love seeing DIY projects, I did NOT need to see "build a speaker on the kitchen table"!  >:D That got wheels spinning in my head. Maybe someday, I have a feeling if I did a build like that there could be two dead curious cats in the house, the intervention would soon follow.

My wife hates when I look at DIY stuff.  I recently asked her if I could make a 7 foot tall subwoofer...  You can probably guess what the response was.
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: scorpio333 on January 02, 2016, 10:46:13 AM
Very impressive speakers, nicely done. While I love seeing DIY projects, I did NOT need to see "build a speaker on the kitchen table"!  >:D That got wheels spinning in my head. Maybe someday, I have a feeling if I did a build like that there could be two dead curious cats in the house, the intervention would soon follow.

My wife hates when I look at DIY stuff.  I recently asked her if I could make a 7 foot tall subwoofer...  You can probably guess what the response was.

Is she strong enough to move a 7' sub? If so, you're screwed. If not, turn it up and you're good to go!
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: OldiesButGoodies on January 02, 2016, 12:31:05 PM
"What I can't do and ML can is design passive crossovers that work well enough to allow building non-bi amp'd hybrid ESL's that sound good.  It's horrendously difficult to build a balanced hybrid ESL with passive components.  And this you must be able to do if you wish to build ESL's cheaply enough to sell at a profit."

Jazzman - I would imagine designing that could be hellaciously complicated. On the other hand biamping does give the listener a bit more flexibility tailoring the sound to their taste.   Do you find you lose resolution or add noise by going through the Behringer? In theory it is doing everything at 96/24 so that there should not be anything detectable, but what about noise from the inexpensive op amps in the active?   
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: bearjew on January 02, 2016, 01:12:29 PM
Very impressive speakers, nicely done. While I love seeing DIY projects, I did NOT need to see "build a speaker on the kitchen table"!  >:D That got wheels spinning in my head. Maybe someday, I have a feeling if I did a build like that there could be two dead curious cats in the house, the intervention would soon follow.

My wife hates when I look at DIY stuff.  I recently asked her if I could make a 7 foot tall subwoofer...  You can probably guess what the response was.

Is she strong enough to move a 7' sub? If so, you're screwed. If not, turn it up and you're good to go!

Touche, but I think she'll notice me trying to sneak it into the house, so it might get stuck sitting outside haha.
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: jazzman53 on January 02, 2016, 05:19:08 PM
"What I can't do and ML can is design passive crossovers that work well enough to allow building non-bi amp'd hybrid ESL's that sound good.  It's horrendously difficult to build a balanced hybrid ESL with passive components.  And this you must be able to do if you wish to build ESL's cheaply enough to sell at a profit."

Jazzman - I would imagine designing that could be hellaciously complicated. On the other hand biamping does give the listener a bit more flexibility tailoring the sound to their taste.   Do you find you lose resolution or add noise by going through the Behringer? In theory it is doing everything at 96/24 so that there should not be anything detectable, but what about noise from the inexpensive op amps in the active?

OBG-  My only beef with the DCX is its outdated computer interface, which would allow remote adjustments from a laptop computer in lieu of using its front panel controls-- but the interface requires a serial port and most laptop manufacturers quit using serial ports years ago.

Aside from the computer interface, I find the DCX to be incredibly resolving and dead quiet.  I originally used an active analog crossover until a conversation with Roger Sanders convinced me to buy the DCX.  The DCX offers much more flexibility and features, and at a very nice price to boot.

Even if I knew how to design a passive crossovers for an ESL, I would use one in my personal speakers.           
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: OldiesButGoodies on January 02, 2016, 08:03:39 PM
"Even if I knew how to design a passive crossovers for an ESL, I would use one in my personal speakers."

I assume you meant to insert a "not" after "I".   :(|)

It is encouraging to hear positive feedback on the Behringer hardware.  I am a fan of some of their equipment, but most audiophiles frown upon anything made by Behringer.   

Thanks for the great site and the inspiring story on how you were motivated to learn how to build these.  Very cool.

OBG
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: bearjew on January 02, 2016, 08:12:50 PM
"Even if I knew how to design a passive crossovers for an ESL, I would use one in my personal speakers."

I assume you meant to insert a "not" after "I".   :(|)

It is encouraging to hear positive feedback on the Behringer hardware.  I am a fan of some of their equipment, but most audiophiles frown upon anything made by Behringer.   

Thanks for the great site and the inspiring story on how you were motivated to learn how to build these.  Very cool.

OBG

I think he meant he'd still use the DCX...

As for behringer... from a musician's standpoint, Behringer is utter garbage when it comes to guitar amps, mixers, and... well, pretty much anything in my experience.  I do have one of their cheap-o compressor/limiter combos though that I used to use for watching TV when I was living with my brother and sister-in-law so I could watch movies late at night without waking them up.  Can't say much for quality, since I intentionally bought it to make all of the sound the same volume and quiet, but it does what it's product description says.
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: OldiesButGoodies on January 02, 2016, 08:29:18 PM
"Even if I knew how to design a passive crossovers for an ESL, I would use one in my personal speakers."

I assume you meant to insert a "not" after "I".   :(|)

It is encouraging to hear positive feedback on the Behringer hardware.  I am a fan of some of their equipment, but most audiophiles frown upon anything made by Behringer.   

Thanks for the great site and the inspiring story on how you were motivated to learn how to build these.  Very cool.

OBG

I think he meant he'd still use the DCX...

As for behringer... from a musician's standpoint, Behringer is utter garbage when it comes to guitar amps, mixers, and... well, pretty much anything in my experience.  I do have one of their cheap-o compressor/limiter combos though that I used to use for watching TV when I was living with my brother and sister-in-law so I could watch movies late at night without waking them up.  Can't say much for quality, since I intentionally bought it to make all of the sound the same volume and quiet, but it does what it's product description says.

...and there we go, the local rep of the 'I-hate-Behringer' union weighed in.


BJ - understood, you have had multiple bad experiences with the B folks.  Just propose we leave some space out there for the possibility that some of the eq they make may be ok.   Like the active x-overs.   8)
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: bearjew on January 02, 2016, 08:49:06 PM
"Even if I knew how to design a passive crossovers for an ESL, I would use one in my personal speakers."

I assume you meant to insert a "not" after "I".   :(|)

It is encouraging to hear positive feedback on the Behringer hardware.  I am a fan of some of their equipment, but most audiophiles frown upon anything made by Behringer.   

Thanks for the great site and the inspiring story on how you were motivated to learn how to build these.  Very cool.

OBG

I think he meant he'd still use the DCX...

As for behringer... from a musician's standpoint, Behringer is utter garbage when it comes to guitar amps, mixers, and... well, pretty much anything in my experience.  I do have one of their cheap-o compressor/limiter combos though that I used to use for watching TV when I was living with my brother and sister-in-law so I could watch movies late at night without waking them up.  Can't say much for quality, since I intentionally bought it to make all of the sound the same volume and quiet, but it does what it's product description says.

...and there we go, the local rep of the 'I-hate-Behringer' union weighed in.


BJ - understood, you have had multiple bad experiences with the B folks.  Just propose we leave some space out there for the possibility that some of the eq they make may be ok.   Like the active x-overs.   8)

Which is why I specified "from a musician's standpoint".  I won't knock anything I haven't heard (except Bose, because once you heard one, you heard them all), but Behringer's musician gear is... poop.
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: jazzman53 on January 02, 2016, 08:50:43 PM
"Even if I knew how to design a passive crossovers for an ESL, I would use one in my personal speakers."

I assume you meant to insert a "not" after "I".   :(|)

It is encouraging to hear positive feedback on the Behringer hardware.  I am a fan of some of their equipment, but most audiophiles frown upon anything made by Behringer.   

Thanks for the great site and the inspiring story on how you were motivated to learn how to build these.  Very cool.

OBG

I think he meant he'd still use the DCX...



Yes, I meant to say that I would not use passive crossovers in my personal speakers ever again.  And I do like the DCX and think it's a lot of value for the money. 

One objective of my website was to post a really inexpensive  ESL design that would be affordable for almost anyone to build.  I think I suceeded with the panels and power supplies but the active crossover and bi-amping requirement pushed the cost out of reach for some folks.

Although I would NEVER use passive crossover myself, I would like to design one to work with a hybrid ESL so that I could then post a minimal cost ESL option on my website.

All of the crossover design calculators that I've seen are useless for ESL's because they rely on the drivers having a relatively stable impedance.  Whereas, and ESL panel is a big capacitor with an impedance drops drastically with increasing frequency--- going from several tens of Ohms at mid bass frequencies to less than 1 Ohm at the top treble octave.
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: jazzman53 on January 02, 2016, 09:05:41 PM
I would add about the Behringer DCX:

Although it's advertised as a pro unit, most other pro gear I've seen, unlike the Behringer, is relatively expensive and built like a tank to take a lot of abuse.  I'm thinking the DBX may actually be better suited to home mid-fi applications.   It does sound quite good though, to my ears.







Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: Sir Thrift-a-Lot on January 02, 2016, 09:49:02 PM

It is encouraging to hear positive feedback on the Behringer hardware.  I am a fan of some of their equipment, but most audiophiles frown upon anything made by Behringer.   


"Most audiophiles" would trip over themselves to buy a Behringer unit if it was rebadged Marantz or Lexicon.   It has happened repeatedly.   The fact is that all made in China electronics come from the same few factories and they have more in common than they don't.   At least Behringer prices their stuff accordingly.
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: jazzman53 on January 03, 2016, 07:41:21 AM
Impressive site.   Due to family considerations, I could never have a pair of ESLs, but it is fun to live vicariously through your terrific pictures.

Thank you Sir,
The only reason I haven't moved in with my GF is that she won't have my speakers in her living room... with the black grills on they look like the obelisks from 2001 Space Odysee   

They also zap flying insects and anything else that makes a conduction path between the stators.
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: Sir Thrift-a-Lot on January 03, 2016, 08:55:56 AM

They also zap flying insects and anything else that makes a conduction path between the stators.

Dual purpose.   I love it!
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: OldiesButGoodies on January 03, 2016, 10:01:58 AM
Impressive site.   Due to family considerations, I could never have a pair of ESLs, but it is fun to live vicariously through your terrific pictures.

Thank you Sir,
The only reason I haven't moved in with my GF is that she won't have my speakers in her living room... with the black grills on they look like the obelisks from 2001 Space Odysee   

They also zap flying insects and anything else that makes a conduction path between the stators.


DO NOT repeat DO NOT move in with her - yet.  You must absolutely agree on this issue before making any such escalation of the relationship.  Our hobby is a lifelong obsession - trying to live with someone that does not recognize that is a really bad move (it will not get better, the love will slowly wither and turn into woofer-argument hell).  She may even  talk you into getting one of those absurdly expensive Bose systems that sound like Bose. Get her commitment in writing,  like a pre-nup,  that your partner,  "________ agrees to live with your speaker size and aesthetic choices,  in sickness and in health, until death do you apart"   Have it notarized (the UPS store will do that for 15 bucks, and you will give the notary a laugh) and framed,  make one copy for each listening room.   Add a word about subwoofers in there, and a clause that permits at least 7 real speakers (not in-walls) in the home theater area if you have one.  Then move in with her and get ready to walk with her to the wall where the contract document is on display every time an argument about WAF pops up (of course,  have several copies in reserve at a safe location -  she will occasionally destroy the copy on display and claim it was stolen by eccentric crooks).   

Just some advice from experience.

 :)

OBG
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: RuralTom on January 03, 2016, 03:04:22 PM
Make her move in with you, problem solved!  Worked for me at least....
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: bearjew on January 03, 2016, 03:35:18 PM
She'll get used to it.  She just doesn't realize it yet.  Then one day, you won't turn it on, and the TV will be playing through the crappy built-in speakers, and she'll realize what the fuss is all about.  At least I assume... I have yet to experience wife acceptance :P  Come to think of it, she still doesn't even know what my new amps look like since they're still in the boxes.
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: RuralTom on January 03, 2016, 03:43:58 PM
Where'd those lil Carvers go off to, BJ?
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: OldiesButGoodies on January 03, 2016, 03:45:29 PM
She'll get used to it.  She just doesn't realize it yet.  Then one day, you won't turn it on, and the TV will be playing through the crappy built-in speakers, and she'll realize what the fuss is all about.  At least I assume... I have yet to experience wife acceptance :P  Come to think of it, she still doesn't even know what my new amps look like since they're still in the boxes.

Oy vey - wait until she sees the two new microwave ovens that do not make popcorn.

(http://www.audioparts.ch/upload/img/big2/f249ac442bca0d2b1d4d28ee56751e87.JPG?artID=1408)

(http://i.imgur.com/OI8CTZr.jpg)
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: bearjew on January 03, 2016, 04:01:32 PM
Where'd those lil Carvers go off to, BJ?

I haven't owned a Carver amp in like 2 years?
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: OldiesButGoodies on January 03, 2016, 05:04:06 PM
Where'd those lil Carvers go off to, BJ?

I haven't owned a Carver amp in like 2 years?

Last pair of amps BJ owned were Emotiva XPA-2s,  I think.  He is going back to non-linear amplification.  May the force be with him.
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: RuralTom on January 03, 2016, 05:48:16 PM
I thought he had a little pair of Carver speakers he was using?  I saw he was listing the McIntoshes again as his speakers du jour...
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: papabearjew on January 03, 2016, 06:32:23 PM
BJ had emotiva XP1 monoblocks. He had a couple Carver CRM-2 on loan since he sold his Carver ALS III + speakers. He's still waiting for his surprise speakers
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: jazzman53 on January 03, 2016, 08:56:23 PM
Impressive site.   Due to family considerations, I could never have a pair of ESLs, but it is fun to live vicariously through your terrific pictures.

Thank you Sir,
The only reason I haven't moved in with my GF is that she won't have my speakers in her living room... with the black grills on they look like the obelisks from 2001 Space Odysee   

They also zap flying insects and anything else that makes a conduction path between the stators.


DO NOT repeat DO NOT move in with her - yet.  You must absolutely agree on this issue before making any such escalation of the relationship.  Our hobby is a lifelong obsession - trying to live with someone that does not recognize that is a really bad move (it will not get better, the love will slowly wither and turn into woofer-argument hell).  She may even  talk you into getting one of those absurdly expensive Bose systems that sound like Bose. Get her commitment in writing,  like a pre-nup,  that your partner,  "________ agrees to live with your speaker size and aesthetic choices,  in sickness and in health, until death do you apart"   Have it notarized (the UPS store will do that for 15 bucks, and you will give the notary a laugh) and framed,  make one copy for each listening room.   Add a word about subwoofers in there, and a clause that permits at least 7 real speakers (not in-walls) in the home theater area if you have one.  Then move in with her and get ready to walk with her to the wall where the contract document is on display every time an argument about WAF pops up (of course,  have several copies in reserve at a safe location -  she will occasionally destroy the copy on display and claim it was stolen by eccentric crooks).   

Just some advice from experience.

 :)

OBG

I will certainly heed your advice, Mr. OBG.   In fact, I had my GF read your post today in the hope that she might realize the gravity of the situation, visa-vi our relationship.  And in fact, some weeks ago I initiated a plan bring her around by gifting to her a vintage hi-fi system of her very own---  consisting of a pair of the diminutive yet huge sounding 2015 CarverFest speakers, a Carver CT-7 preamp, Carver TFM-42 power amp, and a powered 12" sub built with my own hands.

However, my plan may have backfired:  After hearing how good  the tiny CarverFest speakers sound my GF (a.k.a. China Doll) seems no more inclined to allow my big stats in her living room, even though she concedes that they are the finest speakers she's ever heard.   

Obviously my attempt to decipher the female non-Boolean logic has failed completely. 
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: Sir Thrift-a-Lot on January 03, 2016, 09:19:46 PM
(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d11/markshan/man-one-switch-woman-many-switches_zpsk3owz7gf.jpg) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/markshan/media/man-one-switch-woman-many-switches_zpsk3owz7gf.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: OldiesButGoodies on January 03, 2016, 09:24:58 PM
My wife started that way but has grown to appreciate the benefits of partnering with someone obsessed with this hobby,  namely:

1. I spend most of my time safely tucked away in my music room - no temptation to womanize or go do drugs, etc.

2. She gets a great a home theater experience when she wants to watch a movie.

3.  I make money on trading equipment 70% of the time

Hope you can convince her!

OBG
Title: Re: Hi From Savannah
Post by: Sir Thrift-a-Lot on January 03, 2016, 09:44:08 PM
We think alike, Pepe.   I told my wife that most mid life crises involve a Harley and a blonde.   Mine is relatively tame.