AudioCircle

Industry Circles => GR Research => Topic started by: Danny Richie on 16 Mar 2016, 10:04 pm

Title: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 16 Mar 2016, 10:04 pm
This is a follow up to the thread that covered this model move through the design and build stages: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=138009.0

These are now ready to go. And keep in mind that there is a limited number of these due to the limited number of the custom Neo 3 tweeters that are on hand. These can also be built using the standard Neo 3 pdr. Using the standard Neo 3 pdr omits one resistor and changes one cap value. So if you find or have a pair of the Neo 3 pdr's then I can sell you the whole kit minus the tweeters.

The price for everything is $2,199. This includes all the drivers, crossover parts, wire, connectors, screws, everything all top notch... (parts total $1,349), plus five sheets of No Rez ($200) that are necessary for this design. And the kit includes the CNC cut flat pack ($650). It does not include and upgrades of Platinum by-pass caps or shipping costs. The kit will ship from GR Research and the flat pack will ship from Oroville, WA.

You will also need some of our open baffle servo subs for the lower ranges.

The CNC cut cabinets for these are very impressive and fit together very nicely. I was actually able to tape this pair together and use them for finial measuring, testing, and voicing without having to glue them up. I wanted to hurry up and get the design finalized for everyone that has been waiting on them. Now I can take this pair apart and paint them up nicely to use as a demo pair.

Here are some very funny to see taped up speakers. There didn't appear to be any issues from the taped up panels. They sound great!

(http://gr-research.com/pics/tapedup3.jpg)

(http://gr-research.com/pics/tapedup2.jpg)

(http://gr-research.com/pics/tapedup1.jpg)

(http://gr-research.com/pics/tapedup4.jpg)

I used the lower section of the Super-7's for their open baffle servo subs only. And that worked out real well. 

These are actually right up there with the Super-7 on a performance level, and even exceed them in a few areas. So these rank up there in the top four best open baffle speakers that I have ever heard. And they are clearly the best sounding speakers that I have ever released as a kit. I'll even go so far as to say that you can't buy a better sounding kit for any amount of money and will be hard pressed to beat them with any finished speaker for any amount of money. These really are that good.

The wave guide for the tweeter not only physically aligned the diaphragm to the voice coil of the mid-bass woofers, but the wave guide also allowed the tweeter to play much lower than normal. Here is the crossover response that I settled on after listening to them for a while.

(http://gr-research.com/pics/NX-Otica%20crossover%202.jpg)

The on axis response is better than +/-2db from end to end. Yes, I know they don't look smooth blown up on the scaling that I use (5db scale), but they are really smooth.

(http://gr-research.com/pics/NX%20Otica%20on%20axis%20response%202.jpg)

And with the really low crossover point the vertical off axis looks great. The output stays more consistent over a wider vertical range than 95% of all of the speakers that I have ever measured.

(http://gr-research.com/pics/NX-Otica%20vertical%20off%20axis%202.jpg)

The off axis response in the horizontal plane looks great too.

(http://gr-research.com/pics/NX-Otica%20horizontal%20off%20axis%202.jpg)

The cumulative spectral decay looks super clean too.

(http://gr-research.com/pics/NX-Otica%20csd%202.jpg)

And the impedance is an easy load for any amplifier. And with the high sensitivity that these have they are easy to drive with single digit amps too. The sensitivity is 93db.

(http://gr-research.com/pics/NX-Otica%20impedance%202.jpg)

This model uses a pair of the M165NQ/16 woofers in parallel around the tweeter. These are purpose built drivers just for this open baffle application and there literally is nothing else like them on the market. And the vocal region that these cover is as good as anything or any other driver that I have ever heard.

Down below there are four of the M165 woofers in a series/parallel configuration. They handle the bass down to about 80 to 90Hz (depending on the room) and easily blend with the servo controlled open baffle woofers.

A sub tower of two SW-12-08FR's on each side is recommended. But you could go with three of the SW-12-16FR woofers per side as soon as they become available again.

Jay and Don and making flat packs for those too: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=139480.0

Don't wait fellows. These won't last long. I'll re-release them again one day when I can get my hands on more of the Neo 3 tweeters (one of these days). But for now, there are a very limited number of them available.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: revg1952 on 16 Mar 2016, 11:35 pm
Danny very impressive, even the duct tape looks good on these, very nice , I do bet they sound great!
 Revg/Gary
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: SteveKi on 17 Mar 2016, 02:31 am
Danny,
Do you have a picture of the crossover? Does it just sit on a board at the bottom?
Steve
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 17 Mar 2016, 02:50 am
Danny,
Do you have a picture of the crossover? Does it just sit on a board at the bottom?
Steve

It will simply mount to a board placed in the bottom of the speaker. It is actually a very simple crossover. The drivers output was controlled by the cabinet design. So it doesn't require a lot of crossover manipulation to correct for peaks or dips. The bass to mid-bass crossover is a first order. The mid to tweeter crossover is a simple second order. Nothing to it.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Captainhemo on 17 Mar 2016, 04:41 am
Danny,
Do you have a picture of the crossover? Does it just sit on a board at the bottom?
Steve

Stee, post # 64
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=138009.60

You get a couple of these boards with the flat packs
They're cut narrow enough to allow for the no rez on either side

jay
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: AKLegal on 17 Mar 2016, 01:43 pm
Does this mean the X-Otica's are close to being released? *fingers crossed*
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 17 Mar 2016, 02:02 pm
Does this mean the X-Otica's are close to being released? *fingers crossed*

Those are actually done too. I finished them up a few weeks ago. I still need to draw up the cabinet plans into a usable form so that the customer can build them and then I will release them. Those things sound really great too.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Hank on 17 Mar 2016, 04:33 pm
Congrats on your fine effort, Danny!  What a smooth frequency response. 
Remember guys, Danny's 5 dB scale is atypical - most published graphs I've seen use a 10 dB scale, thus minimizing the appearance of peaks and valleys.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: mlundy57 on 17 Mar 2016, 09:17 pm
Does the NoRez only go in the bottom section or does it go on the large wing also?
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 17 Mar 2016, 09:23 pm
Does the NoRez only go in the bottom section or does it go on the large wing also?

It needs to cover the full length of the long wing, and all of the lower section of the short wing.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: mlundy57 on 18 Mar 2016, 12:29 am
It needs to cover the full length of the long wing, and all of the lower section of the short wing.

Thanks. Good to know before I painted and topcoated those sections. Looks like I may have one and a half of them to build.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Peter J on 18 Mar 2016, 01:21 am
It needs to cover the full length of the long wing, and all of the lower section of the short wing.

Danny, does this go for the MTM section of the X-Otica as well as NX-Otica? If so I'm gonna need yet more NoRez...
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: londonbarn on 19 Mar 2016, 05:02 pm
The Duct Tape version could represent the ultimate in high end audio portability...  I believe "DT Research" could be a profitable "portable" line for you Danny...
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: SteveKi on 19 Mar 2016, 06:24 pm
Yes but, OB with DT, the WAF is even worse.
Steve
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: bdp24 on 19 Mar 2016, 11:59 pm
Yes but, OB with DT, the WAF is even worse.
Steve

Fortuitously, the W of WAF is upgradeable ;-).
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Captainhemo on 26 Mar 2016, 02:10 am
Well, the day has arrived

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=139883)

Here are a few  brief impressions, it's very early as I 've  had these up for abot 3 hrs or so.

Funny, I believe it was easter weekend 2013  (good friday) when I first got my Ob7's up and running,   here we are again.
The NX Otticas definitely are fuller and  provide substantially more impact than the OB7's.  There would seem to be a  lot more  "punch"  behind them.  the highs have a similar  sound, but are more open  and strangely, seem more detailed. Integration with the servo subs is even more seamsless than what I experienced with the 7's, you'd swear there are no subs.  Also noticed right away a wider, more defined soundsage, very precise imaging with an extremely strong center image of vocals.  Really impressive

I'll post some more wonce I've a ccumuloated some hours but right now, I'm  extremely happy and just  siting back enjoying  :dance:

Used  a bundle  of Sonicaps  for the 100 uF  group in the mid filter along with a  Alpha Core Foil Inductor, an extra .1 uF Gen Ii bypass cap on the  shunt cap  in the mids,  and platinums on the  high pass.  Also   wired  to  bi-amp  with the 4 ch Dood/Richie prototype amp. The other little change  with these is we used the M165X -16's in the lower section (already had these on hand) and the standard Neo 3 PDR tweeter (no resistor needed to pad  slightly)

Perma grin  :green:

jay
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: ebag4 on 26 Mar 2016, 02:14 am
Jay, those are gorgeous !  Can't wait to read more impressions.  Congrats!

Best,
Ed
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Captainhemo on 26 Mar 2016, 02:19 am
Jay, those are gorgeous !  Can't wait to read more impressions.  Congrats!

Best,
Ed

Thanks Ed,   :thumb:
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: jseipp on 26 Mar 2016, 02:20 am
I'm excited to know that you are enjoying the fruits of much labor -- enjoy, man!!
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: ebag4 on 26 Mar 2016, 02:30 am
I'm excited to know that you are enjoying the fruits of much labor -- enjoy, man!!
+1
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: mlundy57 on 26 Mar 2016, 02:41 am
+2

Mike
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: mresseguie on 26 Mar 2016, 05:08 am
Awesome looking, Jay!

These are the new Gold Standard, I think.  :wink:
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Captainhemo on 26 Mar 2016, 05:30 am
Awesome looking, Jay!

These are the new Gold Standard, I think.  :wink:

They'll be nicely broken in  when you guys   visit  :O

jay
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: SteveKi on 26 Mar 2016, 11:18 am
Well, the day has arrived

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=139883)

Used  a bundle  of Sonicaps  for the 100 uF  group in the mid filter along with a  Alpha Core Foil Inductor, an extra .1 uF Gen Ii bypass cap on the  shunt cap  in the mids,  and platinums on the  high pass.  Also   wired  to  bi-amp  with the 4 ch Dood/Richie prototype amp. The other little change  with these is we used the M165X -16's in the lower section (already had these on hand) and the standard Neo 3 PDR tweeter (no resistor needed to pad  slightly)

Perma grin  :green:

jay

Jay,
Do you have the NoRez installed on these? If so can you put up a picture from the back with NoRez installed.
TIA,
Steve
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Guy 13 on 26 Mar 2016, 11:30 am
Jay, those are really nice looking.
Of course picture(s) of the back would be interesting to see.
Thanks.

Guy 13
By the way, you drive those with what ????
 
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Captainhemo on 26 Mar 2016, 05:27 pm
Steve, I've only installed the no-rez in the lower section so far.
My cabinets used early prototype braces so  there were a couple issues that have been fixed for the  production runs (braces now have 2  larger holes, one on each side for wiring).  I only had 1 small hole in the corner to pass the wiring through, it was not adaquate. The spacing of the braces makes it pretty much impossible to drill an additional holes at this point so I had to run  the  woofer and mid woofer leads through the  large brace cutouts. I did  drill a second hole in the top brace so was able to pass the  tweeter and mid  woofer wiring through those .
Once  the  inside wall at the top is  covered in no rez,  the wiring will all but disappear aside  form the leads running across to the terminals.

The included cross over boards fit  perfect between the no rez, they can be  secured with just one or two  screws, the no rez keeps them in place and they are sitting on small  rubber feet.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=139900)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=139906)


Guy,  these are being driven  by a Dodd/Richie protype amp, abouit 8  extremely linear wpc  (4 ch) with a Dodd variable gain pre  (both battery)  :thumb:

jay
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: glynnw on 28 Mar 2016, 05:38 pm
I'm sure this is a redundant question, but long wing to inside or outside.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Captainhemo on 28 Mar 2016, 06:25 pm
I'm sure this is a redundant question, but long wing to inside or outside.

Full wing to the inside

jay

Edit:  No one caught the major error above huh (it can be seen in the last pic) ?   What a difference now that it's been  corrected !!
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: mlundy57 on 30 Mar 2016, 02:20 am
I take it you are talking about the two negative wires on the top M165? Phase shift?

Mike
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Captainhemo on 30 Mar 2016, 03:18 am
I take it you are talking about the two negative wires on the top M165? Phase shift?

Mike

Nope, those are  right  (one runs to the + on the  next woofer down to connect them in series, I could have used red but then there'd be 2 reds on the  next woofer).
Actually,  I had a buddy help me soder up the double connections (lower NQ and 2 lower woofers) . I had the wiring  just sitting there coming down from the top NQ and up from the c/o, I guess he goofed and  wired the lower NQ   "out of phase".
I knew something was wrong, the right channel semed thin and also seemed to have less output.  After some investigating, I discovered   the error
What a difference  now... and we thought they sounded good   before  LOL !!

jay
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 30 Mar 2016, 03:28 am
I see that in your picture now.  :nono:
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Captainhemo on 30 Mar 2016, 03:33 am
I see that in your picture now.  :nono:

Yup, it is a game changer
In an Arnie voice  " Don't  Do That" !

jay
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: bernardo on 13 Apr 2016, 11:08 am
Jay-
The Dodd/Richie prototype amp, about 8 extremely linear wpc (4 ch) you mention in your post above - is this something recently developed? Danny had mentioned something to me a while back in a PM about the possibility of something like this in the works so curious if this may be it.   
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 13 Apr 2016, 02:42 pm
Jay-
The Dodd/Richie prototype amp, about 8 extremely linear wpc (4 ch) you mention in your post above - is this something recently developed? Danny had mentioned something to me a while back in a PM about the possibility of something like this in the works so curious if this may be it.   

I had someone working on this for me, but they seem to have stalled on it. I might need to find new hands to place it in.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Captainhemo on 13 Apr 2016, 05:16 pm
Jay-
The Dodd/Richie prototype amp, about 8 extremely linear wpc (4 ch) you mention in your post above - is this something recently developed? Danny had mentioned something to me a while back in a PM about the possibility of something like this in the works so curious if this may be it.   

Yes, this is one of the early ones Danny and Gary had done I know the  production model Danny speaks of  above  was  going to be a little more powerful but  this little guyis pretty  amazing, it's more than enough  for  99.9% of all my listening.

I do hope Dany finds the right hands to continue on with this venture, would be cool to see  :thumb:

jay
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: mirekti on 29 Jul 2016, 03:32 am
How wide is the sweet spot?
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: mlundy57 on 29 Jul 2016, 03:45 am
How wide is the sweet spot?

If they are anything like the Wedgies, once you have them dialed in the "sweet spot" covers the majority of the room in front of the speakers even way off axis.  The best way I can describe it is to imagine you have a large 3 person sofa with the speakers dialed into the center position. Now add an arm chair on each end of the sofa. The sweet spot covers all of these positions.

Mike 
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: mirekti on 29 Jul 2016, 12:21 pm
The best way I can describe it is to imagine you have a large 3 person sofa with the speakers dialed into the center position. Now add an arm chair on each end of the sofa. The sweet spot covers all of these positions.

I want them!!! :)
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 29 Jul 2016, 12:27 pm
I want them!!! :)

I have them for sale.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: mirekti on 29 Jul 2016, 01:42 pm
I have them for sale.

No in the market right now, but looking closely at them. Thank you.
I would prefer this version of the box. http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=139529.0

I am also a bit confused which tweeter is in the NX-Oticas, some use a dome tweeter some something that looks like Neo3.
Does the dust cap in midrange drivers have to be bronze in color?

 
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 29 Jul 2016, 02:02 pm
No in the market right now, but looking closely at them. Thank you.
I would prefer this version of the box. http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=139529.0

I am also a bit confused which tweeter is in the NX-Oticas, some use a dome tweeter some something that looks like Neo3.
Does the dust cap in midrange drivers have to be bronze in color?

That box Peter is building is for the X-Otica. It uses the X-Series dome tweeter. That kit is available for $1,295. It does not include cabinets, but cabinet plans are available.

The NX-Otica is the same basic speaker but uses the Neo tweeter in a wave guide. That kit comes with the CNC'ed flat pack and is $2,195.

The drivers in the MTM section are our M165NQ woofers (16 ohm version). They don't have a dust cap. That is a solid Aluminum phase plug that is Copper coated and anodized.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: mirekti on 29 Jul 2016, 08:12 pm
Is there a link where one could see the NX Otica specs (crossover frequencies, how much power they need etc.) ?
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 29 Jul 2016, 08:31 pm
Is there a link where one could see the NX Otica specs (crossover frequencies, how much power they need etc.) ?

You can see all the measurements in this thread documenting the development. http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=138009.0

More measurements made during development are here: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=138009.40

the final measurements are on the first page of this thread.

The are an 8 ohm speaker dipping to 4 ohms in the top end. And the sensitivity is 93db. I am driving them to solid levels with a chip amp that produces cleanly about 8 watts.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: jseipp on 29 Jul 2016, 10:46 pm
You'll have seen a lot of Jay's (Captainhemo's) work looking through the threads.  He is wonderful in working with you produce cabinets that suit your tastes and would be a great source of sub cabinets as well as cabinets for the NX-Otticas.  I couldn't give a higher recommendation. :thumb:

Danny's work literally speaks for itself. :)  I have the Wedgies here, which foreshadowed the NX-Otticas.  It's difficult to imagine better sound than the Wedgies produce, but I have no doubt that Danny has done it again with the -Otticas.

 
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Captainhemo on 1 Nov 2016, 06:47 pm
I've always been more than impressed with the NX-Ottica/OB  H-frame combo , last night  we paired them with Don's new  mono's (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=146403.0) and I now have a new appreciation of just how good these speakers really are,  unreal :roll:
Danny,  get those  big blue monsters fixed and have a listen  :)

jay
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: RoadTripper on 13 Aug 2018, 03:43 pm
Are these kits still available? I don't see them on the website.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Captainhemo on 13 Aug 2018, 03:55 pm
Yes, but we need to have some  more  side panels cut.
Just  call Danny  to  order  :thumb:

jay
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 13 Aug 2018, 07:07 pm
As soon as I get settled in from the move to our new location I'll update the website with the new models. Right now everything not on the website can be ordered by calling.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Bassaholic on 11 Nov 2018, 01:29 pm
Hello all,
First post from long time lurker. I am in the process of putting together the NX-Oticas with the OB3-12 subs. I am hoping this will be my main system sound for a long time (or my wife may terminate me). Currently addicted to the open back sound with the Spatial M3 Turbo S and can’t go back to box sound. Danny and Jay are very approachable and helpful. When everything arrives I will try to post my progress. Thanks to all on this forum for making it a positive place to learn.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Bassaholic on 23 Jan 2019, 05:56 pm
Does anyone know how much a NX Otica weighs finished? Thx in advance!
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Captainhemo on 23 Jan 2019, 06:45 pm
Never weighed one but  I'm   gonna  say approximately 100 lbs, probably  a bit less but...

jay
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 23 Jan 2019, 06:48 pm
A pair might weigh that much.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Vedder323 on 23 Jan 2019, 10:03 pm
I know exactly how much they weigh finished, 72 pounds each.

Thanks

-Ron
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Bassaholic on 29 Jan 2019, 12:22 pm
Hi all,
Just a shout out to Jay- received my NX-Otica flat packs from Jay. They were well packaged (beyond belief) and dry fit together well. Look forward to this project!
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Captainhemo on 19 Jul 2019, 10:27 pm
Hey folks
Just a  heads up,  we've got NX-Otica's back in stock.   here's a  shot of  a sheet of baffles on the 5 axis  machine

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196755)


jay
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Groundzero on 12 Sep 2019, 01:02 pm
I have a quick question regarding the NX-Otica. I'm playing with the idea of replacing my V2s with these, but space is still a bit of a concern. When you talk about 3ft from a wall, are you talking from the drivers or the back of the cabinet? Also is there anything that can be done to optimize the situation? Heavy dampening, a lot of diffusion? Thanks.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 12 Sep 2019, 02:52 pm
I have a quick question regarding the NX-Otica. I'm playing with the idea of replacing my V2s with these, but space is still a bit of a concern. When you talk about 3ft from a wall, are you talking from the drivers or the back of the cabinet? Also is there anything that can be done to optimize the situation? Heavy dampening, a lot of diffusion? Thanks.

The further the better. And you can improve the situation with absorption and diffusion on the front wall. 
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Groundzero on 12 Sep 2019, 06:03 pm
Thanks for the reply Danny. What are the main differences between the full NX-Otica, and doing the MTM section on top of the H frames? I'm imagining the OB subs do the low end better, and the full speaker doesn't go as low, so what's the trade off? Thanks
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 12 Sep 2019, 10:07 pm
Thanks for the reply Danny. What are the main differences between the full NX-Otica, and doing the MTM section on top of the H frames? I'm imagining the OB subs do the low end better, and the full speaker doesn't go as low, so what's the trade off? Thanks

Both need the servo subs to cover the lower end.

With the full sized version the crossover point to the servo subs can be much lower and blend more seamlessly. It also allows you to place the subs where they work best in the room rather than placing them where the speakers work best in the room. So there is some flexibility there with the full size model. 

But the MTM on the servo subs tie up less floor space.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: mlundy57 on 13 Sep 2019, 01:07 am
Both need the servo subs to cover the lower end.

With the full sized version the crossover point to the servo subs can be much lower and blend more seamlessly. It also allows you to place the subs where they work best in the room rather than placing them where the speakers work best in the room. So there is some flexibility there with the full size model. 

But the MTM on the servo subs tie up less floor space.

The less floor space is the deciding factor in my 12’x14’x8’ room.  An added bonus is the two piece design is a lot easier to get up the stairs to the second floor where my man cave is.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Captainhemo on 13 Sep 2019, 04:39 pm
the NX-Otica   (non mtm  version) is only  about 75 lbs built  so they really  aren't  overly heavy to move around.
In a  small/medium room  such as mine (18x12),  the NX-Otica's do  very well on their own with no subs.  I posted some RtA  graphs of in room response  I was getting (I'll see if I can dig up the thread),  Ron Breny of NRD jumped in and posted similar  results with   his  NX-Otica's in a similar  sized room.

Here it is,     this  graph was using  a little  low end boost below  40hz in  Roon's Parametric EQ ( no subs)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=181906)

Here's the   thread if you want  to see a bit more
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=158550.msg1697216#msg1697216

When  we  compared the NX-Otica's & dual H-frames to the  NX mtm's & dual  h-frames,  we always preferred the   NX-Oticas.  The better integration with the subs  and additional   punch in the  100-200 hz range  from the additional 4 M165(X)'s per side  was very noticable.   Having those  extra 4  woofers  per channel also  eliminates teh  low end workload from the  2  M165NQ midrange drivers on each side and leaves them to focus solely on the midrange.

Yes,  withthe full  Otica's you  have to high pass the  M165NQ's  with a  large bundle of caps butwe didn't notice  any loss of  detail in the midrange.

The Mtm's are great if you  don't  have the space and definately want the  subs but, if you  have the room  or are in a smaller room and  don't mind going  subless,  my personal recommendation would be the full  NX-Otica's.

jay
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 13 Sep 2019, 04:59 pm
Jay pretty well nailed the comparison.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Jaytor on 30 Sep 2019, 08:20 pm
Hi folks.

I'm intrigued by these speakers, but have a question regarding the sloping baffle. What's the purpose of sloping them back? Doesn't that result in time misalignment of the drivers (particularly the two midrange drivers)? Is this primarily for aesthetics?

Thanks,
Jay
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 1 Oct 2019, 03:51 am
Hi folks.

I'm intrigued by these speakers, but have a question regarding the sloping baffle. What's the purpose of sloping them back? Doesn't that result in time misalignment of the drivers (particularly the two midrange drivers)? Is this primarily for aesthetics?

Thanks,
Jay

The baffle is only angled back 3 degrees. So it is not enough to change the time arrival of the mids more than 3 or 4 degrees of phase rotation at the top of their range.

And yes, the angled baffle looks good.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Jaytor on 1 Oct 2019, 07:00 pm
Thanks Danny. I do think they look better angled back. I was mostly curious as to whether there was any sonic benefit of doing this.

Best,
Jay
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 1 Oct 2019, 08:13 pm
Thanks Danny. I do think they look better angled back. I was mostly curious as to whether there was any sonic benefit of doing this.

Best,
Jay

Well, if you think of being on axis as a point where they have perfect phase then tilting it up a little will bring that up more toward the center axis of the room. So theoretically it could load the room a little more evenly.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: morganc on 7 Oct 2019, 02:57 am
Are the full NX Oticas kits still available?   If so, do I have any DIY friends with skills near 94941 :)?
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Captainhemo on 7 Oct 2019, 03:08 am
Yes, they are  available.

jay
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: morganc on 7 Oct 2019, 05:53 am
Thanks Jay.  I have not heard any of the latest GR Research Speakers but owned a pair of Super V's in the past and loved them.  How do these compare (minus the bass?).  If this has been answered elsewhere, apologies.  Just trying to get a sense of what these sound like.   

Morgan
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: AKLegal on 7 Oct 2019, 02:14 pm
Thanks Jay.  I have not heard any of the latest GR Research Speakers but owned a pair of Super V's in the past and loved them.  How do these compare (minus the bass?).  If this has been answered elsewhere, apologies.  Just trying to get a sense of what these sound like.   

Morgan

I replaced my pair of Super Vs with the monitor version of the NX-Oticas.  They are both amazing speakers but the NX-Oticas are better in every way unless your main and only concern is super loud playback.  The Super Vs are easier to drive and can take what seems to be an unlimited amount of power.   I often felt like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk71h2CQ_xM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk71h2CQ_xM) in a very good way.  The NX-Oticas are more versatile, detailed and nuanced.  They image better than the Super Vs and have a larger and deeper soundstage.   
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: morganc on 8 Oct 2019, 02:45 am
Thank you!  That's a big endorsement.  I loved the Super V's! 
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: bsr on 9 Oct 2019, 02:04 am
I replaced my pair of Super Vs with the monitor version of the NX-Oticas.  They are both amazing speakers but the NX-Oticas are better in every way unless your main and only concern is super loud playback.  The Super Vs are easier to drive and can take what seems to be an unlimited amount of power.   I often felt like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk71h2CQ_xM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk71h2CQ_xM) in a very good way.  The NX-Oticas are more versatile, detailed and nuanced.  They image better than the Super Vs and have a larger and deeper soundstage.   
I’m pretty much set on getting some form of the Oticas...just trying to decide between the full version vs monitors. I was kinda sold on the full version but endorsements like this make me reconsider. 
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: rockadanny on 9 Oct 2019, 11:30 am
Any specs on the monitors?
Can they be successfully combined with other (non GR Research) subs?
Where can I see a photo of the monitors?
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 9 Oct 2019, 03:39 pm
Any specs on the monitors?
Can they be successfully combined with other (non GR Research) subs?
Where can I see a photo of the monitors?

See some information here: https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=165101.msg1755103#msg1755103

They can be used with any open baffle subs capable of playing smoothly up to 150Hz or so.

See some pics here: https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=149272.msg1596500#msg1596500
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Captainhemo on 9 Oct 2019, 04:10 pm
I’m pretty much set on getting some form of the Oticas...just trying to decide between the full version vs monitors. I was kinda sold on the full version but endorsements like this make me reconsider.

I've mentioned this previously in another post, can't recall which but...   if space is not an issue, go with the full Otica's and subs vs the  MTM/sub combo.  When I had both here, the MTM's did not stay in the system for  long,. The MTM's are good but they are not the  full version. Those extra  4 woofers  make a big difference, not only  in the integration with the subs but  also for easing the workload (excersion)  on the M16NQ midrange  woofers.
By crossing at  say 75hz , maybe lower depending on your room, you  have  much more flexability positioning the subs as well.




jay
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: rockadanny on 9 Oct 2019, 04:15 pm
Quote
They can be used with any open baffle subs capable of playing smoothly up to 150Hz or so.

So my pair of sealed, 12" powered driver subs with infinite variable pass up to 250Hz would not do well?
Must be OB? Not a great idea to mix OB and sealed?
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: rockadanny on 21 Oct 2019, 08:17 pm
Yello? Anyone?
My 12" sealed subs are ATI Titans, so very flexible adjustments. In addition to infinite variable low pass adjustments, including slope, from 25Hz-250Hz, also have Line Level High Pass Outputs as well.
Or would I need a custom crossover or something?
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 21 Oct 2019, 08:29 pm
So my pair of sealed, 12" powered driver subs with infinite variable pass up to 250Hz would not do well?
Must be OB? Not a great idea to mix OB and sealed?

You can use those subs with the NX-Otica's. They won't be as fast, detailed, or controlled like our servo subs. And they will pressurize and load the room differently than an open baffle sub. But they can be made to blend well with them.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: jparkhur on 21 Oct 2019, 11:13 pm
When Mike designed the ACI sub there were a couple variations of the driver but similar Triad solid state amp.  If you have the round side sub that’s version 1 and the one with four legs is 2.  Both are nice but like Danny says they won’t be as fast as servos.  You could always put a sealed 12 servo in the ACI down firing cabinet and just tweak the amp hole.  I think there is 1.5 to 2 cubic feet inside.  I had a bunch of Mikes stuff as he worked down the street. 
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: rockadanny on 22 Oct 2019, 11:27 am
OK, thank you Danny.  :thumb:

@jparkhur - I've got a 4-legged version 2 and the one after that (even heavier, black satin, square but all edges rounded with rounded slots on each side at the bottom), which was made just prior to Mike closing shop. These subs are pretty awesome. Were I to try the MTMs I'd first try the subs as is. But a very cool idea! Thank you for sharing.  :thumb:
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: rich121 on 11 Nov 2019, 01:42 pm
Read thru the thread and still have questions.

The original thread stated "limited to 10 pairs" made with the  Neo 3 tweeter... is this still the case and 10 pairs have not sold, or a source for the Neo 3 tweeter has been found.... or, this tweeter is NOT currently being used?

I did not see anything mentioning amplifier power range. I use a pair of QuickSilver V4 mono tube amps, new version with the KT150 tubes that have a maximum 170 watt output.  I also have a HK Citation II amp that is around 60 watts, but would rather use the QuickSilver amps.

Very curious about this or the NX-Treme speakers. 
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 11 Nov 2019, 02:26 pm
Read thru the thread and still have questions.

The original thread stated "limited to 10 pairs" made with the  Neo 3 tweeter... is this still the case and 10 pairs have not sold, or a source for the Neo 3 tweeter has been found.... or, this tweeter is NOT currently being used?

I did not see anything mentioning amplifier power range. I use a pair of QuickSilver V4 mono tube amps, new version with the KT150 tubes that have a maximum 170 watt output.  I also have a HK Citation II amp that is around 60 watts, but would rather use the QuickSilver amps.

Very curious about this or the NX-Treme speakers.

We have our own Neo 3 tweeters now. So no issues there. And they sound even better.

Power recommendations is at least 10 watts or more.

Both NX-Otica and NX-Treme models are ready to ship.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: RonP on 1 Dec 2019, 01:05 am
Couple of minor questions:

The NX-Oticas use M165s ( reading your .com website and the first page of this thread ) but the NX-Treme's use M165-16s?

What are the heights of the NX-Oticas and NX-Extremes?

thanks


Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 3 Dec 2019, 12:15 am
Couple of minor questions:

The NX-Oticas use M165s ( reading your .com website and the first page of this thread ) but the NX-Treme's use M165-16s?

What are the heights of the NX-Oticas and NX-Extremes?

thanks

The NX-Otica is 52.5" tall plus the bass and floor spikes. The NX-Treme is just over 7 feet tall.
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Captainhemo on 4 Dec 2019, 07:03 pm
Yup,  52.5  & 82.5  plus bases/floor spikes
All the  M165xx  drivers  share the same flange  diameter (7.25" ) os   the version does not effect  cabinet height.

jay
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: TRADERXFAN on 1 Jun 2023, 01:29 pm


The cumulative spectral decay looks super clean too.


Hi Danny,

I was looking at these and it has some unusual tails here.... what is going on and why don't they matter?
The Nx studio doesn't have this very much, but the nx-treme seems to as well...

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=253332)

Thanks!
Tony
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: TRADERXFAN on 1 Jun 2023, 05:07 pm
Also, looking at the waveguide... why not a bigger roundover on it to the baffle? seems like that would be smoother, this one looks a little sharp... did you have constraints or didn't see much effect if you tried it?
(just going off of what I learned from Gedlees/Geddes)

-Tony
Title: Re: NX-Otica kits are ready to ship.
Post by: Danny Richie on 2 Jun 2023, 08:04 pm
In the top end there are some small trails in that one. It varies from tweeter to tweeter a little and how they interact with the wave guide and edges.

Down low is a little reflection of the woofers response going into and out of the wave guide.

All in all it is not too bad and pretty clean overall.