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Open Baffle Convert

I recently took my 12" audio nirvana full range drivers out of their cabinets and into open baffles with wings. I can't believe the diference in sound. So much more 3 dimensional and lifelike. I was concerned the bass would roll off but I dont find it a aproblem at all. Munting them 14 inches to center of driver off of the floor seems to be enough. I am curious how many of you have heard this design. All of the downsides I had read about never materialized. Any thoughts?
128x128veroman
swampwalker's avatar
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swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
I'm a relatively recent convert to OB speakers. Mine use a 5" field coil drivers w coax whizzer and a pair of 12" subs. Love 'em.
jdoris
852 posts
 
How far out in the room are you all placing them? The conventional wisdom that OBs require a ton of breathing room has always seemed to me a serious objection, for many of our rooms.

John
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bdp24
4,908 posts
 
Have you guys heard of the DIY OB/Dipole sub from GR Research/Rythmik? Very special!
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atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
Open baffle has rear output which allows the speaker to take advantage of the ear/brain system's abilities to find the source of the sound- in effect, the reflected sound improves the soundstage.

They can make bass too if properly set up. However it does seem that you get the best results if the output impedance of the amplifier is higher rather than lower! A tube amp that does not use negative feedback is recommended- this will put the output impedance in the right range and it will be easier for the speaker to make bass.
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