Hello All-
I just wanted to offer my thoughts on the xover I built from the "Zilch Mid" schematic. First off, thanks to Zilch for his great work and design here. If there were other "pioneers" I thank you as well. :applaud:
Yes I did get everything on the original xover plate. I was a "creative squeeze" but I got 'er done, FWIW dept. I purchased everything to very near spec from here:
http://www.erseaudio.com/Products/PulseX250v
The Erse iron dore and air core EQ/XO inductors were used as was their Poly yellow Erse type caps.:deal:
They are fine folks, they shipped fast, & I was most pleased with them. I normally purchase a bit cheaper through Parts Express but they did not have the spec inductors I needed and a couple of other things. What ever works for you is fine. I wanted to build a true to spec network so I was quite finicky to Zilch's specs, particularly on the inductor insertion losses.:hyp:
The only component 'stacking" I had to do was a couple of the resistors "Goop" glued on top of the iron core inductors plastic end oieces. Any bare wires, or bare component tails, had shrink tube put over them to prevent shorting, so add small shrink tube to your list as well. Everything was "Goop" glued into place except the one tie strapped upright inductor, the iron core inductor was tap screw mountedm as was the terminal strip. I opted for new 100 watt L-Pads to eliminate any possible future problems. Be sure to De-Oxit your L-Pads. :D
I used the original internal speaker wire I pulled from 19's to wire up and jumper the networks. The internal driver wire was replaced with stranded OFC 12ga for best conductivity. ;)
My thoughts now. I thnink~ know~ the overall sound has improved. A simple A/B between the old and the new networks prove that out already, even before a good break in. What am I hearing? I am hearing a "crispness" and an extention in detail from the 811 horn in particular. I must admit {Sidebar your honor}I honestly cannot justify or truly hear the differance in "boutique" caps and what I used fit my budget and function just fine. Female vocals like Emmy Lou Harris and Diana Crawl vocal took on a very nice timbre and depth. Bass guitar seemed to have better snap to it and not quite as soft sounding. I liked the way triangles sparkled as well, they had a very clean ring and "tinkle" aspect to them. I played pink noise as well and did find a cleaner tone emitted from the new network. I tried everything at varying volume settings with predictable results. Finally I finished both networks and installed them. The results were a audible leap & improvement from the originals~ more than worth the mere $120 investment in components used! :band:
My electronics are Nakamichi PA-7, CA-7a, Oppo DVD, ST-7. I recently rebuilt my Altec Model 19's and included replacing the internal original 1.5" fiberglass batting with 1.5" bumpy foam on four walls and also glued 1.5" pillow foam all around the outside of the 811 horn bodies to prevent "ring thru". I have yet to get the drivers remagnetized or rebuilt. That is a $300 expence for another day. :yes:
I appologise got my lack of proper measuring equipment. I have used my ears for over 37 years in my hobby and have been satisfied and rewarded adequately by them. Besides- fine people like Zilch actually do all the hard realistic work of measurements, I am happy being the parasite of his progress so long as he would wish to post! it! :cheers:
My recommendation is to spend the $120+ on components and rebuild your passive metworks. The improved soinic gains and reliability will make the expense more than justified! I would much rather spend my money here than even upgrading the diaphragms! Please feel free to contact me with any questions.:applaud:
[email protected]
DC