AudioCircle

Industry Circles => GR Research => Topic started by: Dagoods on 8 Feb 2021, 03:48 pm

Title: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 8 Feb 2021, 03:48 pm
I started this project back in December with a visit to Danny to upgrade the crossovers in my Maggie’s (1.6’s). Now I am deep into the build of H Frame triple servo subs. A huge thanks to Killian Smith who cut and assembled the H frames for me. Quality craftsmanship, listened to my requests,  kept me from making mistakes, and they were exactly what I had requested. I already have him working on a couple of other projects for me.

A few details of the plan. Covering the amp boxes and H Frames in cherry veneer, finish with a dark cherry stain, and clear lacquer. The speakers baffles with be painted a satin black.

The amp boxes were easy enough to build but I didn’t want to cut slots in the sides for ventilation. So I put spikes in the bottom of the box to raise them 1 1/2”. I installed a 40MM USB powered fan in each box. Added a thermal trigger (temp probe) with 4 preset trigger temperatures ( 84, 88, 92, and 96 degrees). So when the fans are needed they will come on and also shut off automatically. The amp boxes will set on butcher blocks (Killian’s making) behind the speakers.

So I will start it off with pictures of the amp boxes and will be posting pictures of the H frames soon. Once I get the veneer completed I will have something more to show.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220650)


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220651)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220652)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220653)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220654)


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220657)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220658)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220659)

More to come in a few days.

Here's a tease of the H frames.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220661)




Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: RonP on 8 Feb 2021, 04:01 pm
A great start so far!! Keep up the good work and keep us posted!  :thumb:


(also this reminds me I need to build the plate amp boxes I bought from Jay - totally forgot about the kit sitting in the corner  :o )
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Early B. on 8 Feb 2021, 04:13 pm
Love those H-frames!!!

BTW -- you don't need the fans. My amp boxes lay flush on the floor (no spikes) and never get hot. The heat sinks are sufficient.
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: JTS410 on 9 Feb 2021, 03:38 am
Subscribing to this one....just placed my NX-Otica order tonight and will go for dual-subs tomorrow.
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 9 Feb 2021, 11:02 pm
Guys,

Thanks for the comments.  Wasn’t sure how hot the amps got so I was playing it safe on the fans. Only $20 each so not a huge investment.

Last night I almost finished the veneer on one of the cabinets. Just have the top and top edges to do and it will be done. Waiting on more veneer to arrive tomorrow.

My first time working with veneer. I have made several mistakes and learned a lot. I started with the back knowing I would make some mistakes and to minimize the visibility of my mistakes. I’ve also learned that quality of veneer is all over the place even from the same vendor. So far I have returned 5 sheets due to saw marks, splits, and glue on the surface of the veneer.

So tonight I will start some of the edge banding on the second cabinet. If all goes well I will be able to start staining next week.

Here are some pictures of my progress so far. The edge banding is so light hard to see in the picture.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220723)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220722)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220721)


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220724)



Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: turbinetodd on 11 Feb 2021, 11:47 am
Nice work thanks for the pics and updates looking fwd to the finished product and your impressions on how they sound.
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: undertowogt1 on 11 Feb 2021, 02:28 pm
Looks very nice. Pretty sure this will be my next project with the Flat Packs. Looks like a lot of fun
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: mlundy57 on 11 Feb 2021, 11:27 pm
Looking good. I see we have similar taste in amp stands  :thumb:

Mike
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Hobbsmeerkat on 12 Feb 2021, 01:05 am
Those are looking amazing!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Squeaks on 12 Feb 2021, 04:20 am
I’m building the same exact setup. 1.6 and triples. No veneer though.  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 12 Feb 2021, 02:10 pm
Looking good. I see we have similar taste in amp stands  :thumb:

Mike

Thanks Mike,

Was wondering where to post pictures of these. Great lead in for me.  :thumb:  Indeed! I bought walnut cutting board kits on Amazon and glued them together. Killian Smith ran them through the planer and I wiped them down with linseed oil. Black chrome spikes from parts express. Have less than $100 in each.

Since I have been so busy with the H frames I decided to have Killian do 2 blocks for the amp boxes to sit on. I live about 30 minutes from him and it's been great for getting things done and I saved a ton on shipping costs!


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220797)


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220798)


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220799)


 
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 12 Feb 2021, 02:39 pm
I’m building the same exact setup. 1.6 and triples. No veneer though.  :popcorn:

Excellent! Good luck with your build. The veneer has been a real challenge.

Have you done the Maggie 1.6 crossover upgrade from Danny yet? If not put it on your list. At $232 it's one of the best upgrades you can do and you won't be disappointed. I'll be glad to help walk you through the steps of taking the sock and trim off the Maggie's. I also have information on the connections inside the Maggie that will help make it easy.

The difference was amazing. I upgraded one and did a side by side comparison. Night and day difference. It was like lifting a blanket off the speaker. More depth and clarity across the board. The highs had a rough fuzzy edge to them and the new crossovers eliminated it completely. As the caps have burned in I've noticed an increase in the bass and they have only gotten better.

Guess I should go to the crossover sticky and add mine to the list.

Here's a picture of one. I decided to have them external so I would not have to crowd them into the small space. I made the bases from leftover walnut I used for amp stands.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220801)

Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 12 Feb 2021, 02:54 pm
Thanks guys for the kind comments!

I took the last couple of nights off waiting for more veneer to arrive. Well it got here yesterday and I was disappointed with the appearance. Don't know if it's normal but I don't care for the heavy saw marks. It will show up in the stain much more that it does in the picture below. It has a shine to it. So both sheets look the same and I am sending them back.

Fortunately I have another sheet for the sides of the second cabinet. Was waiting to see if the pattern on the new veneer was any better. So the second picture is of the veneer I will be applying tonight. I really like the pattern.

Bad veneer
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220802)

Veneer for the second cabinet
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220803)

Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Squeaks on 12 Feb 2021, 03:15 pm
Excellent! Good luck with your build. The veneer has been a real challenge.

Have you done the Maggie 1.6 crossover upgrade from Danny yet? If not put it on your list. At $232 it's one of the best upgrades you can do and you won't be disappointed. I'll be glad to help walk you through the steps of taking the sock and trim off the Maggie's. I also have information on the connections inside the Maggie that will help make it easy.

The difference was amazing. I upgraded one and did a side by side comparison. Night and day difference. It was like lifting a blanket off the speaker. More depth and clarity across the board. The highs had a rough fuzzy edge to them and the new crossovers eliminated it completely. As the caps have burned in I've noticed an increase in the bass and they have only gotten better.

Guess I should go to the crossover sticky and add mine to the list.

Here's a picture of one. I decided to have them external so I would not have to crowd them into the small space. I made the bases from leftover walnut I used for amp stands.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220801)

I purchased everything just like you, Just waiting on it to arrive. I planned on outboard crossovers for the magnepans. Jay said he would start the cabinets soon. Probably be another month before the ball gets rolling, but I’m stoked. I’ll be watching your progress, and chiming in along side you.
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: mlundy57 on 12 Feb 2021, 07:33 pm
Thanks Mike,

Was wondering where to post pictures of these. Great lead in for me.  :thumb:  Indeed! I bought walnut cutting board kits on Amazon and glued them together. Killian Smith ran them through the planer and I wiped them down with linseed oil. Black chrome spikes from parts express. Have less than $100 in each.

Since I have been so busy with the H frames I decided to have Killian do 2 blocks for the amp boxes to sit on. I live about 30 minutes from him and it's been great for getting things done and I saved a ton on shipping costs!


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220797)


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220798)


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220799)

Nice. That's a smart way to do it. I got a couple rosewood slabs to make live edge amp stands out of. One of these days I'll actually get around to it. Before anybody gets a bright idea, don't send me a round-to-it  :green:
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 15 Feb 2021, 05:47 pm
Had a productive weekend on the veneer. Got the veneer completed on both cabinets except for the tops. Out of veneer, ordered more last week. Looks like with the bad weather it won’t arrive until end of the week. So in the meantime will do a light sand and try to cleanup my mistakes as much as I can.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220945)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220946)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220947)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220949)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220950)

Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Camtjfreak on 15 Feb 2021, 06:17 pm
All looks amazing! Keep up the great work
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: AlexH on 15 Feb 2021, 07:30 pm
Those are coming alone nicely.
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: RonP on 18 Feb 2021, 02:50 pm
Had a productive weekend on the veneer.

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220950)

Nice work/progress. And I'm glad to see you have proper supervision.  :D
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 23 Feb 2021, 03:56 pm
The storms held me up waiting on delivery of the last sheet of veneer but last night I finished the veneer on both cabinets. My first time doing veneer and a few mistakes (character) along the way. Have learned a lot. Hope to start staining the cabinets tonight. Going to do them in dark cherry. Haven’t decided on 2 or 3 coats yet. Two coats shows a bit more of the grain. So will do 2 coats and post pictures for opinions.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221195)


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221196)
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 1 Mar 2021, 01:33 pm
Well I made some great progress on staining the veneer.  I got 2 coats of stain done Saturday. But got slowed down by a hospital visit for a kidney stone Saturday. Wife got upset with me because I wouldn’t go until I got that second coat finished! Can’t understand why she thinks I am crazy sometimes.  :scratch: So no lifting, bending, or anything for the next couple of weeks.

Had planned to get them to a cabinet shop close to home that is going to do the baffles and base in satin black. The veneer will be done in clear lacquer. The stain is black cherry. Had it all lined up to drop them off this week but with the restrictions they will have to wait another week. Also give me time  to decide if I want another coat of stain.

Please keep in mind my first attempt at veneer and stain. Learned a lot and already looking for a few other projects for the left over veneer.

Opinions are appreciated and welcomed!

First coat of stain.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221420)


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221421)


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221422)


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221423)


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221424)

Second coat of stain lifting restrictions limit me to 3 pictures but will post a few more when I get a helper to move them.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221425)


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221426)


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221427)







Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: mikeb on 1 Mar 2021, 02:27 pm
 :thumb: :thumb:

They look great!

Possibly a 3rd coat would make them so dark you would start to lose the contrast from the grain. Maybe try it on a scrap piece that has good grain variance to see how a 3rd coat looks before you go too far and can't go back on the subs. It all depends on your preferences I guess.
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Squeaks on 21 Mar 2021, 02:41 am
How you coming along?
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 21 Mar 2021, 06:40 pm
Progress was slow the last couple of weeks due to a medical problem.

But the good news is the stains all done and dropped them off at a furniture shop yesterday for the black and clear coats. Now the hard part is waiting on them to finish. Estimate 4 to 6 weeks before they are ready.

So the wait begins  :duh:
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Sonicjoy on 22 Mar 2021, 02:28 am
Great job! Looks like a nice system they will be going into as well.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Squeaks on 22 Mar 2021, 03:22 am
Sorry to hear about the health issue, Hopefully it’s resolved soon. I got my crossovers installed and triples running until it warms up outside. Then I’ll tear down and paint.
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 22 Mar 2021, 01:20 pm
Great job! Looks like a nice system they will be going into as well.  :thumb:

Thanks it's been an interesting few months and learned a lot along the way. All tube equipment Prima Luna, Manley Snappers, and Wright phono stage. 
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 22 Mar 2021, 01:23 pm
Sorry to hear about the health issue, Hopefully it’s resolved soon. I got my crossovers installed and triples running until it warms up outside. Then I’ll tear down and paint.

No worries feeling much better everyday.

I fought the urge to wire mine up so many times. I bet they sound awesome! Hope you get warm weather soon. Down in Texas we are fortunate enough to get nice weather in the winter months.
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 8 Apr 2021, 02:08 pm
The triple subs are finished!

Sent the cabinets to a furniture shop for the black and clear coats a couple of weeks ago. Got one of them back last Friday but they had to repair some damage they caused on the second one. Gave me time to focus on the one cabinet and I spent the weekend adjusting the settings. By Tuesday I had the bass blended in with the Maggie’s. Sounded amazing and tight. I got the second cabinet back yesterday. So I spent the evening installing the drivers and wiring it up. Had about an hour and a half listening time. It’s a little muddy and it’s going to take some adjustments to blend them together.

I mostly listen to vinyl and first impressions is there is so much depth and now the bass fills the room. The Maggie’s (1.6’s with Danny's crossover upgrade) blend well with the subs. They seemed to open up a bit more and I noticed the mid bass has more punch. Very pleased with what I am hearing and can’t wait until they get a few hours on them. I learned a lot and glad I decided to do veneer. It was a ton of extra work but I really like the way they turned out. Even impressed the wife.

Little about my room. It's 14x16 hard walled with wood paneling . I have floor to ceiling bass traps in the front corners and panels on the side and front walls. I have run REW to adjust the panels locations and have the room setup to my liking. The Maggie's and triple subs are 5' out from the front wall. Unfortunately I have to share the room with my home theater for now and a Outlaw sub is behind each.

So all that’s left is the No Rez and grills. I will be seeing Danny in a couple of weeks. Going with a friend of mine and his Klipsch La Scala’s for Danny to design some crossovers. Will pick up the No Rez  then. No rush on the grills.

Big thank you to Danny and Killian for all your help and amazing products!

Appreciate all comments and suggestions!

Time to enjoy!


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223076)]

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223079)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223080)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223081)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223082)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223083)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223084)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223085)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223086)








Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Hobbsmeerkat on 8 Apr 2021, 02:18 pm
Those turned out absolutely gorgeous!  :o

And im sure they pair absolutely well with your Maggies!
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 8 Apr 2021, 03:07 pm
Thank you Hobbs! I've been following your projects and appreciate your kind words.
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Tyson on 8 Apr 2021, 05:26 pm
Those are beautiful!  Really nice work man. 

To get a better blend, try moving the subs so they are slightly behind the Maggies.
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Squeaks on 8 Apr 2021, 09:25 pm
They look great. Got mine coated, just waiting on the no Rez. My Maggie’s decided to start delaminating. So I got to tear those down on my next day off.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223100)
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 8 Apr 2021, 09:48 pm
Those are beautiful!  Really nice work man. 

To get a better blend, try moving the subs so they are slightly behind the Maggies.

Thanks Tyson!

unfortunately I have a home theater sub behind them.  I will be working on placement for the Maggie's and subs soon. Will be moving the Maggie's out some more. I made some matching bases for them to sit on. And moving the sub amps too. Causing me to rearrange the whole room to fit everything in.
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 8 Apr 2021, 09:52 pm
They look great. Got mine coated, just waiting on the no Rez. My Maggie’s decided to start delaminating. So I got to tear those down on my next day off.


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223100)

Thanks Squeaks Much more work than I anticipated but really like the way they turned out.

I like the clean look yours have and I see you have all drivers pointed forward. Hope you can get the Maggie's taken care of too. Sounds like a big job that I hope I never have to do.
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Barryg443 on 9 Apr 2021, 03:10 am
Great job Squeaks!

Barry
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: emailtim on 9 Apr 2021, 06:19 am
Great Build !!!   They turned out excellent.  Your 1.6's should love them.
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Squeaks on 9 Apr 2021, 09:52 am
Hope you can get the Maggie's taken care of too. Sounds like a big job that I hope I never have to do.

I’m not exactly looking forward to it, But it should be a nice weekend project. One day when you get your amplifiers dialed in, I’m would like to see what the settings are.

Great job Squeaks!

Barry

Thanks Barry.
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Sonicjoy on 12 Apr 2021, 02:13 pm
Great job! Bet they blend well with the Maggies. I would try removing the HT subs. I would bet the OB's sound as good or better and will free up some space.
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: mscetal on 12 Apr 2021, 03:18 pm
Dave, these look great.  When I was emailing Killian he used your photos of your cabinets as a example for triples that can be veneered.  I told Killian how great they looked! 

I am starting the process (everything is a process for me!) for my own triple H frame build.  I have ordered the cabinets and am planning to veneer in oak finish to match my Maggie 3.7 finish (oak with off white grill cloth).  I, like you, have never veneered anything before and am looking forward to learning.

I just wanted to let you know that it is inspiring to know you were successful and I will try to post pics to help inspire others.

Mike
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 13 Apr 2021, 01:34 pm
Great job! Bet they blend well with the Maggies. I would try removing the HT subs. I would bet the OB's sound as good or better and will free up some space.

Thanks and starting to blend them in with the Maggie's. Removing the HT subs is not an option. I would have to tie the OB subs into the HT receiver instead of the pre-amp. It's a temporary problem. We are looking for a new place to live and it will have a dedicated listening room. 
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 13 Apr 2021, 01:44 pm
Dave, these look great.  When I was emailing Killian he used your photos of your cabinets as a example for triples that can be veneered.  I told Killian how great they looked! 

I am starting the process (everything is a process for me!) for my own triple H frame build.  I have ordered the cabinets and am planning to veneer in oak finish to match my Maggie 3.7 finish (oak with off white grill cloth).  I, like you, have never veneered anything before and am looking forward to learning.

I just wanted to let you know that it is inspiring to know you were successful and I will try to post pics to help inspire others.

Mike

Hey Mike, Many thinks for your kind comments! Guess I need to charge Killian a marketing fee :lol: Glad he used the photos but please overlook the mistakes! Congratulations on your build. They will sound amazing with your 3.7's.  My build took 4 months and while it was a lot of fun it was also a ton of work. But I really like the end results.

I have learned a lot and gotten some great advise from members here and I will be glad to help anyone avoid the mistakes and lessons learned.

Please call on me for any help I can offer.
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Sonicjoy on 13 Apr 2021, 02:15 pm
 I used to have a dual system similar to yours. Eventually I moved to a two channel music/theater system and have not looked back. It's a much simpler and cleaner system, and you can devote the cost savings to better two channel gear. I have a projector and a motorized screen so when listening to music the theater part gets out of the way. I have learned that a system that is great for music is just as good with movies and TV sound. If you have an excellent full range system (as you seem to), it will do movie sound just as well as it does music.
 My system has such good imaging and sound stage that I do not miss surround sound at all. In fact the center image moves with the characters on the screen better than it did with the center channel. It would be an easy experiment when you move to your new place. Set it up as a two channel system first and see how you like it. You have great speakers and subs for that application. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Tyson on 13 Apr 2021, 02:53 pm
Sonicjoy, agreed 100%.  I have a projector and motorized screen too and it just makes everything so much neater, aesthetically speaking.  And I also used to have an elaborate multichannel HT setup but I've simplified down to 2 channels and just put all the $$ into the very best 2 channel gear I could find and I tell you what, I do not miss the multi-channel setup one bit. 
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 13 Apr 2021, 04:42 pm
I used to have a dual system similar to yours. Eventually I moved to a two channel music/theater system and have not looked back. It's a much simpler and cleaner system, and you can devote the cost savings to better two channel gear. I have a projector and a motorized screen so when listening to music the theater part gets out of the way. I have learned that a system that is great for music is just as good with movies and TV sound. If you have an excellent full range system (as you seem to), it will do movie sound just as well as it does music.
 My system has such good imaging and sound stage that I do not miss surround sound at all. In fact the center image moves with the characters on the screen better than it did with the center channel. It would be an easy experiment when you move to your new place. Set it up as a two channel system first and see how you like it. You have great speakers and subs for that application. You may be pleasantly surprised.

I had considered making the changes suggested. My apple TV forced me to run in 2 channel when watching TV and the wife has complained ever since I switched it over 3 months ago. She loves the HT and has insisted when we move that I set it up and don't put my 2 channel system in the same room. We are moving to the country and she even suggested that I have a separate building for the 2 channel system. You know I said SURE!
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 13 Apr 2021, 05:00 pm
Hey guys,

Over the weekend I made some adjustments to the placement of the subs and completed the stands for my Maggie’s.  Spent some time adjusting the settings and realized less is more. When I ran only one sub the bass was tight and smooth. When I ran both subs the bass became muddy.  Same results either side. Same settings on each too. I backed off on the gain once I realized I was over driving the bass. Ran both subs and then the bass started to clean up. Going to listen to them for a few days before I make any other adjustments. Also think I need to get the No Rez installed as well.

Squeaks,

You may have more interest in the stands than others. The bases are ¾” MDF finished in cherry veneer to match the subs. The braces are ¾” conduit filled with sand. I used speaker spikes to mount the Maggie's to the bases and to raise them off the floor. I can share details with you if you are interested in building a set for your Maggie’s.

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions!


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223302)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223303)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223305)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223306)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223308)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223309)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223307)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223310)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223311)


Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Sonicjoy on 13 Apr 2021, 08:32 pm
I had considered making the changes suggested. My apple TV forced me to run in 2 channel when watching TV and the wife has complained ever since I switched it over 3 months ago. She loves the HT and has insisted when we move that I set it up and don't put my 2 channel system in the same room. We are moving to the country and she even suggested that I have a separate building for the 2 channel system. You know I said SURE!

LOL! I bet you did. She sounds like a keeper!  :thumb: Lucky dog!
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Sonicjoy on 13 Apr 2021, 09:06 pm
Nice job on the stands! When you get around to the grills on the subs they will look great with the Maggies. I would love to hear your system.

Keep up the good work. :thumb:
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Squeaks on 14 Apr 2021, 09:28 am
I tried the diy stands, Wasn’t impressed. Yours look a little more substantial. I’ll think on it while Im Redoing these magnepans this weekend.
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 15 Apr 2021, 12:34 pm
Nice job on the stands! When you get around to the grills on the subs they will look great with the Maggies. I would love to hear your system.

Keep up the good work. :thumb:

Thanks Sonic!

I'm in the great Republic of Texas stop by for a shot of good tequila, chips, and salsa! Always welcome.

I always enjoy getting others opinions on how my system sounds. Leads to improvements. Picked up some black grill cloth and will be making them soon.  The stands have worked out very well once I got them in the right place and part of the plan was to blend the Maggie's with the subs.

And yeah she's definitely a keeper! Put up with me for 47 years. 
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 15 Apr 2021, 01:05 pm
I tried the diy stands, Wasn’t impressed. Yours look a little more substantial. I’ll think on it while Im Redoing these magnepans this weekend.

Squeaks,

I have been using them for a long time with a couple of wood strips at the bottom and didn't notice much of a difference. Was considering the Mye stands around the same time I started the subs. They costs around $600 and I knew I would be spending A lot of $$$$ on the subs. Had the extra veneer, MDF from the subs build, and the braces were already done. So I have about $50 in each of them and figured they were worth a try. If they didn't work out the Mye stands were still an option.

I expected the new bases would make them a bit more bright but was surprised when the opposite happened. Placed them in the same location and they sounded more dull and not much of a sound stage. As you know the Maggie's have to be placed just right. So I pulled them forward about 3" and closer to each other by about 2". Then they opened back up and the sound stage was back to what I was used to. It also helped to pull them more to the front of the subs.

Did they make a huge difference no not much does but it's also hard to tell because I did the subs at the same time and they have been the huge improvement and a challenge to adjust.

Haven't forgotten, I will post a picture for you of my settings in the next day or so. It's changed every couple of days but I think I got them dialed in last night (said that several times already). I adjust a setting and listen for a couple of days   
   
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Sonicjoy on 18 Apr 2021, 02:13 pm
Thanks for the invite. Sounds great! Those are some of my favorite things, good food and drink and great sounding music. Who knows if I ever get down your way again? I'm up here in the increasingly blue Evergreen State of Washington. If you are ever up this way you are welcome as well.  :D
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 20 Apr 2021, 01:18 pm
Thanks for the invite. Sounds great! Those are some of my favorite things, good food and drink and great sounding music. Who knows if I ever get down your way again? I'm up here in the increasingly blue Evergreen State of Washington. If you are ever up this way you are welcome as well.  :D

Yeah be a bit of a drive either way! I actually lived in Everett for a year back in the 80's on my way south from Alaska. My dad worked for the forest service on Mount Baker and lived in Darrington. I think it's beautiful country but I sure love Texas!
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Dagoods on 20 Apr 2021, 01:27 pm
Hey Squeaks,

How did the repairs on your Maggie's go? Hope it worked out.

Here are the settings I currently have on the sub amps. I visited Danny this weekend and got a look at his settings. Got to listen to his for about 30 minutes and dang his setup is fantastic!

Looks like I need to do some dusting!


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223592)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223593)
Title: Re: Dave's H Frame Triple Servo Sub build begins
Post by: Squeaks on 21 Apr 2021, 12:39 am
Repair went really well, easy to do once you get passed the 60 staples. Acetone to free everything, and clean old glue. Dap to secure, then the 3m coating. Easier then reforming a old driver.

Our settings are close. I’m using a y connector. Seems to be the way to go, just using one input the impact was missing. Amplifier was working harder.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223637)



(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223636)