AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Open Baffle Speakers => Topic started by: Texas42 on 11 Jul 2012, 01:12 pm

Title: Ok, I have Emerald Physics 2.3s; now what?
Post by: Texas42 on 11 Jul 2012, 01:12 pm
As subject line implies, I recently obtained a pair of Emerald Physics 2.3s.  The stock Behringer settings that came with the DCX 2496 sound horrible in my listening room so I tweaked the settings by ear and now have probably the best sound I've ever had in my rather odd shaped room.  I have to think though that my created settings are far from optimum for these open baffle speakers and I would like to get them working at their best.  Does anyone know the correct crossover points between the woofer and coax unit for these or some basic settings I should start from? (the stock ones with the behringer were extremely bass heavy and lacking imaging).   My speakers are 4' from the back wall; the left speaker is 3-4 feet from a side wall and the right speaker is probably 16 feet from it's side wall (open den to the right causes the 'odd' shape I mentioned).  Some would say to junk the Behringer as that is the weak link.  I wish there was a decent passive crossover for this or a unit that would 'auto eq' to the room with a microphone but even then one would have to adjust the crossover points and slopes which I freely admit I am a newbie at trying to do.   Any helpful suggestions appreciated.
Title: Re: Ok, I have Emerald Physics 2.3s; now what?
Post by: S Clark on 11 Jul 2012, 01:35 pm
Can you post a diagram of your room?
Scott
Title: Re: Ok, I have Emerald Physics 2.3s; now what?
Post by: Texas42 on 11 Jul 2012, 01:53 pm
Can you post a diagram of your room?
Scott

Probably the best would be a pic.  It is actually an angled corner to the left.  As you can see I have a open area behind the speakers where my large screen TV fits and then an open hallway to the right and behind the right speaker.  My den is actually to the right of the right speaker.  It about a 10X10' room which is also open to my entryway, dining room, etc.  This is a typical 'open' Tuscan design, so not a lot of reinforcing boundaries which is why I would hope 'removing the room' via active eq might be the best way for me to achieve the results I am looking for.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=64933)
Title: Re: Ok, I have Emerald Physics 2.3s; now what?
Post by: johzel on 11 Jul 2012, 02:16 pm
Why not just contact Walter Liederman, owner of Emerald Physics and Underwood Hifi.  His business number:  770-667-5633  Walter lives in Hawaii so adjust the timing of your call accordingly.


 
As subject line implies, I recently obtained a pair of Emerald Physics 2.3s.  The stock Behringer settings that came with the DCX 2496 sound horrible in my listening room so I tweaked the settings by ear and now have probably the best sound I've ever had in my rather odd shaped room.  I have to think though that my created settings are far from optimum for these open baffle speakers and I would like to get them working at their best.  Does anyone know the correct crossover points between the woofer and coax unit for these or some basic settings I should start from? (the stock ones with the behringer were extremely bass heavy and lacking imaging).   My speakers are 4' from the back wall; the left speaker is 3-4 feet from a side wall and the right speaker is probably 16 feet from it's side wall (open den to the right causes the 'odd' shape I mentioned).  Some would say to junk the Behringer as that is the weak link.  I wish there was a decent passive crossover for this or a unit that would 'auto eq' to the room with a microphone but even then one would have to adjust the crossover points and slopes which I freely admit I am a newbie at trying to do.   Any helpful suggestions appreciated.
Title: Re: Ok, I have Emerald Physics 2.3s; now what?
Post by: cdente on 12 Jul 2012, 03:26 am
Two options to consider.  The DBX 260 has and auto eq function that works pretty good but tends to be incosistent and can make the speaker sound bright if you don't roll off the high's.  I've repalced the DBX 260 with a DEQX Express and could not be happier.  Huge improvement.  I have a vey similar room situation and with the DEQX you can really see the differences is frequency response between the two speakers.  This is where room correction gets difficult and compromises in the correction curve must be made.
Title: Re: Ok, I have Emerald Physics 2.3s; now what?
Post by: cdente on 12 Jul 2012, 03:45 am
Forgot to mention that bypassig the internal crossover in these speakers (via tri-amped configuration) can result in significant sound improvement.  Unfortunately this can get expensive.
Title: Re: Ok, I have Emerald Physics 2.3s; now what?
Post by: Texas42 on 12 Jul 2012, 10:31 am
I think I'll stay with the two-way, bi-amped approach for now as it is already complicated enough.  Perhaps when I master the crossover/EQ functions, I'll consider the next step (upgrading the drivers, going to a 3 way approach).  I've been looking at the dbx Driverack PX and Driverack PA+ and both 'appear' to offer what I am looking for (auto eq functions with dedicated xo's) unless there is something I am overlooking?  They are certainly cost-effective approaches to the stock Behringer.  I still have no idea though what the relative crossover point is between the woofers and midrange unit for this so will just have to swag it and adjust from there. 
Title: Re: Ok, I have Emerald Physics 2.3s; now what?
Post by: cdente on 13 Jul 2012, 07:10 am
I have all that information for Bi and Tri amp configurations that came from the manufacturer.  I've got the DBX just sitting around collecting dust with everything you need.  You are welcome to give it a try.  I'm new to this site so I really don't know the do's and don'ts.  If there's a way for you to private message me, perhaps we could make arrangements.

BTW hello everyone!

Charlie
Title: Re: Ok, I have Emerald Physics 2.3s; now what?
Post by: Redefy Audio on 13 Jul 2012, 08:44 am
i suggest invest in mic, such as omnimic from parts express, its fairly straightforward.

plug in, learn how to measure (position, distance and what to measure), then you will know what to do with the adjustment.

cheers
henry
Title: Re: Ok, I have Emerald Physics 2.3s; now what?
Post by: jimdgoulding on 13 Jul 2012, 09:09 am
Hello, Charlie. 
Title: Re: Ok, I have Emerald Physics 2.3s; now what?
Post by: Texas42 on 13 Jul 2012, 02:33 pm
Charlie (cdente), Check your PMs, thanks.

I have all that information for Bi and Tri amp configurations that came from the manufacturer.  I've got the DBX just sitting around collecting dust with everything you need.  You are welcome to give it a try.  I'm new to this site so I really don't know the do's and don'ts.  If there's a way for you to private message me, perhaps we could make arrangements.

BTW hello everyone!

Charlie
Title: Re: How to solve your problem?
Post by: ttan98 on 14 Jul 2012, 01:20 am
Texas42,

I have a Behringer DCX2496 as well, I found it to be Ok, unlike most negative responses it received. It has its short coming e.g. bipolar cap at the output stages, etc. My unit is not modified, I don't mind the sound it gives me in my OB speakers.

I suggest you play around with the unit with Room Wizard s/w and microphone, you maybe able to solve your problem.

Cheers.
Title: Re: Ok, I have Emerald Physics 2.3s; now what?
Post by: wisnon on 8 Sep 2012, 11:41 pm
As subject line implies, I recently obtained a pair of Emerald Physics 2.3s.  The stock Behringer settings that came with the DCX 2496 sound horrible in my listening room so I tweaked the settings by ear and now have probably the best sound I've ever had in my rather odd shaped room.  I have to think though that my created settings are far from optimum for these open baffle speakers and I would like to get them working at their best.  Does anyone know the correct crossover points between the woofer and coax unit for these or some basic settings I should start from? (the stock ones with the behringer were extremely bass heavy and lacking imaging).   My speakers are 4' from the back wall; the left speaker is 3-4 feet from a side wall and the right speaker is probably 16 feet from it's side wall (open den to the right causes the 'odd' shape I mentioned).  Some would say to junk the Behringer as that is the weak link.  I wish there was a decent passive crossover for this or a unit that would 'auto eq' to the room with a microphone but even then one would have to adjust the crossover points and slopes which I freely admit I am a newbie at trying to do.   Any helpful suggestions appreciated.

Try adding a DSPEAKER anti-mode 2.0 Dual Core in the chain after the Behringer and before the bass amp. The Dual core comes with a mic and does everything automatically from 16hz to 500hz.
Title: Re: Ok, I have Emerald Physics 2.3s; now what?
Post by: sfdoddsy on 11 Sep 2012, 06:51 am
The cheapest Auto-EQ would be the Behringer DEQ2496. You would use this as the A/D converter and hook it up via it's digital output to the DCX.

Even easier would be to get a prepro/receiver with Audyssey or ARC and have it do Room EQ.
Title: Re: Ok, I have Emerald Physics 2.3s; now what?
Post by: wisnon on 8 Oct 2012, 03:35 pm
Dspeaker is an analyser and corrector and probably works better than what you propose, due to the advanced algorithms that self correct.
Title: Re: Ok, I have Emerald Physics 2.3s; now what?
Post by: Tyson on 8 Oct 2012, 05:50 pm
The best advice in this thread is to get an omni mic and measure the output of your speakers. 

If you don't know the crossover point for your bass/mid transition, the best thing to do is measure each one separately, running full range (ie, with the crossover points bypassed).  Then just turn off the amp to the bass and measure the midrange.  Then, turn off the amp to the mids, turn on the sub amp, and measure the bass full range.

This will give you 2 curves and between the 2, should suggest a good crossover point. 

You will need a good measurement program, I recommend HOLM Impulse, because it's good, and it's free.
Title: Re: Ok, I have Emerald Physics 2.3s; now what?
Post by: wisnon on 8 Oct 2012, 10:29 pm
Here are details on what the Dual core can do:

http://www.avforums.com/reviews/DSpeaker-Anti-Mode-8033-Dual-Core-review_361/Review.html
Title: Re: Ok, I have Emerald Physics 2.3s; now what?
Post by: Gradofan on 4 Jun 2013, 07:58 am
While the other approaches sound like they'll get you there fine... if... you want a simple, easy way to optimize the sound of your set up... which Walter endorses in a big way... the DSPeaker 2.0 is about as simple and easy as it gets - just plug it in and let it do all the work for you.  And... then tweak the low and high frequencies to your liking, if you want.  Very simple.  But... the tradeoff is... it is a somewhat expensive solution - say, $1100.  But... it's magical.
Title: Re: Ok, I have Emerald Physics 2.3s; now what?
Post by: Poultrygeist on 14 Jun 2013, 01:10 pm
With my Eminence Beta 12LTA and Alpha 15A OB's the sweet spot for the Ashly is 1.75K.