Eventually the four channels (four drivers) go back to the BSS unit via balanced cables.
Eventually the four channels (four drivers) go back to the BSS unit via balanced cables.
Out.
Here's a little tour of the front of the BSS unit: left, center, right.
Out.
The red lights are on for 5 and 6, indicating they're muted, since we're only doing a four-way here.
On the display you can see the initial crossover points displayed. It looks pretty, but the final product was quite a bit different. Grumpy may want to show the final, but since we're not doing this for real, there's no point in showing it here. It's too misleading. We were just learning and testing. The key is the darn thing works, and it works pretty well.
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The software is Windows based, but Grumpy has it on his MacBook Pro running in Parallels. It worked well. There are a number of screens, but we spent the most time here. I looked, he touched. All in all it's a cool tool, and it's a free download. Of course, you need the BSS hardware for it to actually work on anything, so it's free but worthless unless you spent a few $$$$ on hardware that can use it.
Out.
The results were better than expected given the crude nature of the experiment. Grumpy posted in the BSS-366T thread here:
http://www.audioheritage.org/vbullet...l=1#post309019
His results are below, and the PS1400/PT800 graphs are below that. Now, to get the PT250 upright, with drivers properly mounted, wiring in place, openings sealed, proper amps engaged, and in a worthy environment, and we'll do this thing for real. We'll see how hard the combined PS1400/PT800 is to beat.
EDIT: Okay, you'll have to turn your head or your monitor.
Out.
One thing that electronics don't measure is the effect of the time-aligned baffle on the human ear. Something that the PS series lacks. This will fall into one of those "hard to define" somethings that you hear but can't explain. Looking forward to more progress on this worthy project.
Apparently frequently I am neither.Originally Posted by Titanium Dome
Audiophiles and perfectionists make sure that power cords and speaker wire and interconnects don't lie on top of each other and get all mixed together. Obviously, we're unconcerned.
It's a lot of work, and they fight me every inch of the way. As long as I can get the ends right, I'm not too concerned about the middles. Maybe after I retire I'll have time to be that AR.
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My guess is: pretty damn hard. But this pair might look better doing itWe'll see how hard the combined PS1400/PT800 is to beat.
In my limited experience measuring speakers, measuring the time delay
isn't so difficult, it's -interpreting- the measurement and doing something
useful with the data. Nice thing with a unit like the BSS is that it is possible
to "easily" experiment and get a feel for what sounds and measures "better".
(noting that I am not defining "easily" or "better" by intention)
We did -not- have time to fool with the "auto alignment" feature of the
unit, but that might be an interesting start regarding any attempt at
time-aligning drivers mounted on a fixed plane... something that
isn't easily or casually done, particularly in the analog domain.
(soapbox warning)
I would like to comment that using a complicated setup of two $3K DSP boxes
(originally) and multiple (8) amp channels to drive a 4-way mash-up of older cabs
and newer drivers of JBL design isn't a particularly cost effective route, or a path I'd
personally recommend that anyone follow or attempt to duplicate. Pretty much ever.
Nor is this project an attempt to naively demonstrate how "simple" it is to throw quality
drivers together, "fix" things digitally, and blow away what is already a well integrated
and very fine sounding system... to think so would be an extreme disservice to the
team that poured their labor and experience into such a system as well as their
achieving a reasonable value/quality price point... a difficult challenge indeed.
That said, it -is- fun to experiment and to demonstrate one's own element of handiwork,
especially when it appears not to have been a failure
allow for fairly rapid experimentation cycles... and also -allows- for a great amount of
undirected, naive, unadvised tweaking (i.e., one can spend the time to adjust for a
ruler flat response at one mic location... and find that the system sounds like sh*t).
So... no substitution for an education prior to flexing such power.
(soapbox spiel over )
Frankly, I'd be delighted if the end result sounded as good as the PT800/1400 combo...
anything beyond that would be icing on the cake.
Very interesting project. Please keep us updated on the progress.
My guess is that it will sound better IF we don't screw it up. Certain elements of the process have the potential for improvement due to better available resources at our disposal. Certainly the top two drivers are better, and the midbass driver has great synergy with them. The better electronics, dedicated quad amping, and balanced connectors all have the potential for making improvements, subtle though they may be. Plus, the old cabinet will definitely dress them up better.My guess is: pretty damn hard. But this pair might look better doing it
Frankly, I'd be delighted if the end result sounded as good as the PT800/1400 combo...
anything beyond that would be icing on the cake.
Or at least I can dream that the time and $$ spent will produce something worth the effort.
Out.
Make no mistake, I'm expecting icing
I like that BSS FDS 366 T OMNIDRIVE price is a bit steep. I like the front layout readout displays.
Thanks goodness I've got grumpy to interpret it. It's all Greek (or Chinese) to me. We may get a run at the PT250 this upcoming weekend if I can get some time off from the ol' boss.
Out.
I thought you WERE the boss.
Living in the Land of the Sun
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