Cool thx
Jamesh, is it still intended to make the bigger ones line sources or is this dropped?
We’re still toying with the idea. The latest digital mock-ups that I’ve seen do look to be line source.
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Ok…“toying with the idea“ at least sounds different than Paul‘s initial main goal 
I’m completely neutral about this, I just see half of what was intended put in question (which is not bad). It just proves what beef implies since the beginning: „ignore quite everything until it’s for sale on the website“ (exaggerated)
Ha, that’s exactly right. As the attentive followers have noticed, much has changed since the initial goal. From what I’ve heard, only for the better.
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The other long-held POV as an outsider and business person is, I would want to see if people Actually Buy the FR-30 before I invested anything in the rest of them.
Crazy-talk, I know…
I’m most keen on later experiments of PSA how a fully active version (with less elaborate internal amps) compares to the passive (with as usual probably little more elaborate amps). Even if honest answers might get in conflict with other business goals…or not.
I’ve two comments:
1 - a version where there are inputs direct to the drivers so that external amps/crossovers can be used would be a good idea (I call that active) - if the existing internal amp(s) for low bass and mid-bass are really good then they should be kept (or maybe optionally bypassed)
2 - I’m intrigued by line sources whereby there’s no crossover needed anywhere above bass - e.g. anywhere above, say, 100hz. For my TV sound I use two pairs of Harman Kardon Soundsticks (so a single pair is stacked (per channel) to provide a sub bass driver and eight full range 1" drivers). The drivers are obviously cheap a and cheerful but the lack of any crossover provides superb sound. I have six Goodmans Axiom 80s that my dad used - they’re 9.5" full range (a central tweeter horn) - he crossed them over very low and the sound was fantastic.
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Interesting. I am looking at a set of open baffle line source speakers for my “big system” that I am slowly putting together.
I’ve considered putting together a line source of BMR drivers - not done it though. Dan.
That is interesting technology. I am looking at a pair of these with matching subs as shown. They are available as kits only but look very promising.
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@Baldy Since you are in MI you should check these out. http://www.ids25.com/
Ken lives over in Rochester and used to have big XR290s I run and I spent some time on phone getting advice on moving and set up then visiting him. I spent a few hours listening at his place to the IDS-25. Some of the imaging and its 3D sound field still haunts me. The Hotel California off the Hell Freezes Over Album. Glenn Frey is reincarnated to Ken’s Living room with Henley, Walsh, and Felder. The speakers are that good. I have spent a lot of time perfecting my system where the XR290 is getting pretty close and took a bunch of iconoclast cables and they are on par with the his basement set up having IDS-25 less one driver each side due to ceiling height issues.
The IDS-25 set up in his larger living area is very special.
Ken’s email is in right upper corner of the web page. He is a great audiophile to talk too. He has pure passion and it shows in his system and knowledge.
They run a bit of equalization to get 20Hz to 20KHz response but have no crossovers. They will leave you a bit mesmerized. If you want info on building a pair I have Roger’s plans and the MQ107 set up instructions plus specifics on the drivers and cabinets. Eventually I plan to build a pair.
I hope there is an optional stand for these. The wood arch kills it for me. IMO it looks like cheap Ikea office chair arms!! Sorry Paul, but for me you missed the mark on looks for the base.
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Those look very interesting too. I will have the entire basement to use for the new system so speaker placement will not be an issue. I am sure I will have to do some wall treatments but there is plenty of time for all of that stuff. Thanks for the link!
They are sealed box so you can get by without a subwoofer. They won’t give you limitless SPL due to the low frequency equalization, but will hours are amazing immersion, and imaging, and coherent sound with no fatigue at normally spirited listening levels. All the owners I have discussed with have a set of big line arrays in addition to these. I find I listen to music lower Level music most of the time. Ken was running 600 watt amps I pushed them inadvertently to 600 watt peaks without the thermistors kicking in to protect the drivers.
The are definitely worth a listen and a drive to Rochester. The testimonials are in line with their performance.
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It’s been a month since last post here. Any new developments?
Everyone needs a haircut. Beyond that, it’s been pretty quiet.
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Haha yes to that! I’ve actually ordered a hair clipper that is delayed beyond UPS control. One week and counting…
They put me to sleep and last week they had a financial Guy on their Channel. Video’s are too long and the comparison’s are very confusing. Thomas & Stereo has a really good channel. Short Video’s and he gets to the point much quicker.
AEC is a very Toronto type of Channel. Where Thomas has the classic Montrealer laid back but get to the point attitude. Being from Hamilton, Ontario. Toronto is a nice place to visit, but I never wanted to live there. Montreal, I’ve never really given a chance although I’ve visited several times. Driving in that city is a nightmare where Toronto is manageable.
I’ll take Phoenix, AZ traffic over either City any day of the week. I don’t miss the Great White North at all !
Final designs are finished, we have two sets of final prototypes (one set in white, the other slate gray) with the latest drivers in the air. They should arrive next week so we can begin crossover designs. Chris has done as much as he can without the actual
cabinets and drivers to work with. Where normally me, Darren, and Chris would sit together for final voicing of the speakers, now that will have to be done independently. What a pain in the ass. Chris will give it his best shot, leave, then Darren comes in
and does his thing, leaves, then I can come in and hear what they’ve done.
Normally this process takes weeks of intensive listening and instant changes we can all agree or disagree on. Now, that process takes a whole lot more time.
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