AudioCircle

Industry Circles => GR Research => Topic started by: atadams77 on 8 Feb 2023, 03:49 pm

Title: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: atadams77 on 8 Feb 2023, 03:49 pm
Any chance of GR to build or provide a floor standing model of the NX studio? perhaps one with more lower drivers?
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: Danny Richie on 8 Feb 2023, 06:33 pm
We actually have a lower cabinet on hand that houses two M-165/16 woofers. It was to be used with the current version (upper section) and turning it into a three way design. If this works out then we could offer a complete cabinet for it as a three way design and three way kit.
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: wgraft5 on 8 Feb 2023, 07:36 pm
This is something I have really been wanting.  :popcorn:

I am currently saving up the funds for something like this. I am looking at the Rythmik FM8 Direct Servo bass and midbass subwoofer but would rather get a matching GRR designed for the NX Studio bass module. I was hoping for something with the new 8" drivers but this would work me.:D

I Would Probably Have the funds by May so hopefully it would be ready by then :thumb:

Anyway keep the new products rolling in.

Thanks Danny

Wayne in Oregon
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: mkrawcz on 8 Feb 2023, 11:27 pm
We actually have a lower cabinet on hand that houses two M-165/16 woofers. It was to be used with the current version (upper section) and turning it into a three way design. If this works out then we could offer a complete cabinet for it as a three way design and three way kit.
Yes please!
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: DJB on 9 Feb 2023, 12:28 am
i would be interested in floor standing version
planning nx studio build
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: Fltguy on 9 Feb 2023, 02:06 am
I completed my NX Studios a year ago. The project and the resulting sounds are absolutely amazing. I am ready for a floor standing version.
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: Peter J on 9 Feb 2023, 02:31 am
Here's a concept drawing of an idea I half explored a few years ago. I think Danny still has the prototype.

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=249818)
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: nrenter on 9 Feb 2023, 03:13 am
I think this speaker (both the top and the bass cabinet) would be extra sexy as a stacked trans-lam design, inspired by this thread:

https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/translam-cabinets.349408/

Expensive? Heavy? Yup. I’m just here to watch.
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: Hobbsmeerkat on 9 Feb 2023, 05:20 am
Here's a concept drawing of an idea I half explored a few years ago. I think Danny still has the prototype.

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=249818)
Sure do, they're currently upstairs in the shop.
I remember seeing them when I came to visit Danny for the first time back in October 2020.
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: nlitworld on 9 Feb 2023, 09:07 am
A small cabinet speaker like that for some authority under 250hz or so would be exactly what I've been hoping for. It'd give the lower end a helping hand with quality bass, but be space conscious for those rooms who can't do OB sub stacks. Wouldn't be surprised if you could do away with subs completely in a smaller room, too. :popcorn:
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: Beerbellydad on 9 Feb 2023, 03:51 pm
Here's a concept drawing of an idea I half explored a few years ago. I think Danny still has the prototype.

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=249818)

I love this modular concept so much.  :thumb: Might it be possible for current Studio owners to get the bottom as a "floor-standing expansion kit?" I have some Studios and would totally build these bottom portions boxes, especially if it took minimal (or no) crossover modification to the original Studio.
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: Peter J on 9 Feb 2023, 04:26 pm
The original concept was centered around a modular waveguide for the Neo-3 and the bass cabinet to be powered by a plate amp with adjustability similar to open baffle amps. It seemed like a natural.
Alas, my strengths lie in woodworking and imagination, hence I needed an acoustic design partner to see it through. For a variety of reasons, the project was stillborn but perhaps it will catch some steam in another iteration.
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: mkrawcz on 9 Feb 2023, 05:21 pm
To me a true 3 way floorstanding version of the Studios with that open top tweeter is the most versatile speaker if it will work. You get most of the open baffle goodness, near full range sound, and can be placed just about anywhere in the room.
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: Danny Richie on 9 Feb 2023, 06:05 pm
The crossover to the NQ woofer is going to require a big cap to filter out the lows. Adding it may or may not require changes to the rest of it.

Using an inline filter before the amplifier is a great way to handle it for current NX Studio Monitors.

You can then power the lower woofers with a subwoofer plate amp to add a LOT of flexibility.
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: 2bigears on 9 Feb 2023, 06:49 pm
 :D for my small room,, I'll take a set !   :D
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: fre11111 on 10 Feb 2023, 12:01 am
This Idea is perfect for people like me who cant put a Sub because of wife reasons😂. A good Idea too is to make the bottom part modular so people who have the Studio can convert to this if they want too. I approached Hobbs about this and they said that they were already looking into it.
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: Jdstrong on 3 Mar 2024, 04:29 am
Hi folks.  I’m planning my next project. I found this old thread.

I think NX Studios would be my first choice. But due to space constraints and my significant other’s aesthetic criteria, a full range floorstander would be preferred. 

Danny and Hobbs, is this a design we might look forward to?

Alternatively, would there be anything wrong with building a tall version of the NX Studio?  One option might be with an empty bottom….kind of an integrated stand. Or maybe build in an integrated side firing servo sub?

Thanks
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: jmimac351 on 3 Mar 2024, 02:32 pm
Have a look at the "Best Speaker Stand Ever" that Hobbs and others use.  I think these are actually open in the back.  There is a thread about them with discussion, but the links to the pictures are broken. I would think you can get the plans for this from Danny & Hobbs.

See here:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=129161.0

See here:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=176707.0

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=225464)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=233368&size=xlarge)

Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: mlundy57 on 3 Mar 2024, 05:45 pm
The only problem with these stands at the moment is that they use the 8" open baffle servo subs which are currently unavailable. Another option, which is shown in the top picture,  is to use two 12" open baffle servo subs in the stands like I did with this pair for under the Wedgies

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=262013)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=262014)


The wedge shape was done to match the footprint of the Wedgie. You would want to widen the front to match the rear for use as stands for the Studio Monitor. This style stand, with the closed front, gives up some performance compared to the H-frame but since it doesn't radiate like a true open baffle, can be placed closer to the wall.

Mike
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: nlitworld on 3 Mar 2024, 06:49 pm
This style stand, with the closed front, gives up some performance compared to the H-frame but since it doesn't radiate like a true open baffle, can be placed closer to the wall.

Hey Mike,
I know you've discussed it somewhere in the past but what is the performance difference between real H frame and these wedgie style closed front stands? Do those attributes also apply to the 8in version as well or does the smaller driver handle that shape differently?
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: mlundy57 on 3 Mar 2024, 09:34 pm
Hey Mike,
I know you've discussed it somewhere in the past but what is the performance difference between real H frame and these wedgie style closed front stands? Do those attributes also apply to the 8in version as well or does the smaller driver handle that shape differently?

The H-frames have a somewhat more open and spacious sound, as would be expected being full open baffle, and possibly a little more output. The differences are enough for me to choose the H-frame over the wedge shape when paring with the NX-Otica MTM. When paring with the smaller Wedgie, I prefer the the wedge shape. The performance improvement of the H-frame isn't enough to offset the better aesthetic match with the Wedgie.

The same holds true with the 8" drivers. The performance is better in an H-frame compared to either a wedge or rectangular shape for the stand. Again, the wedge shaped base is a better  aesthetic match for the Wedgie and the performance gain isn't enough to offset this.

The rectangular design of the Best Speaker Stands Ever (BSSE) is the best choice for use with a box speaker. In the BSSE, 12" drivers will have a performance advantage over 8" drivers but will result in a chunkier stand so back to the aesthetic vs performance tradeoff.

Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: Jdstrong on 8 Mar 2024, 02:17 pm
Thanks for the suggestions! I’m very interested to learn that a U shaped baffle might be an option for a OB sub. That seems like it could be a compact package under an NX Studio.  A photo of the room is below. With the huge tv between the speakers, far from ideal, I recognize, and for now, no options for any treatments have been sanctioned….I can get the front baffle of the main speakers almost 3 ft. From the front wall, but that is about it.  The listening area is about 12’ x 13’. 

So, I welcome any suggestions from the group.  Aesthetically, I’m aiming for a simple, uncluttered design. If I were to incorporate subs into the fronts, I could eliminate the large ported sub.  If not, I might replace it in the future with a sealed servo sub. I’m also thinking if ditching the center (there is not much space under the TV).

Are NX Studios a bad idea for this room?
Might I be better off with X-SLS? (I think the smaller size would be preferred to X-MTM)
Sealed subs for stands?
 Or U shaped OB type as suggested by Mike?

Any other suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=262146)


Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: jmimac351 on 8 Mar 2024, 02:22 pm

Are NX Studios a bad idea for this room?

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=262146)

I bet a pair of NX-Studio would be great for that room.  With those sub stands I linked to, I bet you'd be thrilled with the performance. That room is exactly what that stuff is built for.
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: Jdstrong on 8 Mar 2024, 04:57 pm
Thanks!  I’m encouraged.  I will get going on some design concepts. I may see if I can come up with a plan to build out something incrementally, starting with the NX Studios, and incorporating subs as time and budget allows.
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: mlundy57 on 8 Mar 2024, 06:00 pm
If you build sub stands and are going to be watching movies as well as listening to music, you may not want to get rid of the large ported sub. You could set the system up the way I do: if your processor has bass management, the main speakers are set to full range and the large sub is connected to the LFE (sub out) channel. This way, all the infrasonic low frequency effects are kept away from the main speakers/sub stands and sent to the subwoffer that is designed to handle them. Also, the larger sub does not play when listening to music. It only kicks in when there is a signal on the LFE channel which only occurs in movies.
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: Jdstrong on 8 Mar 2024, 06:28 pm
That’s a good point. That sub does indeed do well with the movie boom booms. It is intended to be a downfiring sub disguised as an end table…….I got it this far and stalled….
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: Jdstrong on 11 Mar 2024, 04:19 pm
Mike,

In your wedge shaped sub stands, I see you have offset the drivers high and low on each side, it appears without much overlap vertically. What is the rough depth of one of these drivers? If I were to make a U shaped stand 8.5" wide to match the NX Studios, could there be some overlap so that the stand could be a bit shorter? Also, to match the NX Studio, the depth of the U would be about 16". Is that a  reasonable dimension for a U shaped frame like this? And finally, I suppose the sub amp needs to be external - but nearby, correct?

Is it clear that "OB" subs in a configuration like this would be better than a sealed sub for this application? And, do you think I could do with one dual sub? Or are two really necessary?

Thanks so much!

Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: mlundy57 on 11 Mar 2024, 06:26 pm
Mike,

In your wedge shaped sub stands, I see you have offset the drivers high and low on each side, it appears without much overlap vertically. What is the rough depth of one of these drivers? If I were to make a U shaped stand 8.5" wide to match the NX Studios, could there be some overlap so that the stand could be a bit shorter? Also, to match the NX Studio, the depth of the U would be about 16". Is that a  reasonable dimension for a U shaped frame like this? And finally, I suppose the sub amp needs to be external - but nearby, correct?

Is it clear that "OB" subs in a configuration like this would be better than a sealed sub for this application? And, do you think I could do with one dual sub? Or are two really necessary?

Thanks so much!

The mounting depth is roughly 6.5". The drivers are offset because that was the only way to fit them in a box this size. As it is, the back of the magnets is touching the NoRez. On these the front is 6" wide and the back 12". Even with an 8.5" front you would still want the back to be at least 12" wide for the drivers to fit. These cabinets are about 19" deep. With a wider front, you might be able to get away with a depth of 16". You'd have to mock it up to see if there is enough room to mount the drivers.

These stands were designed to put the center of the Wedgie's tweeter, which is 10" up from the bottom, at ear height. I'm not sure there is enough room to overlap the 12" drivers enough to get the center of the Studio Monitor tweeter at ear height. Things are pretty tight inside the cabinets as it is.

Yes, the sub amps are external and sit on the floor behind the cabinet.

This design is likely performing more like a slotted port than a true open baffle.

On the issue of this type of stand vs a sealed sub, my opinion is different than most people on this forum. I would put the Studio Monitors on regular speaker stands placed where the give the best performance at the listening position and use a sealed servo sub placed where you get the best bass performance at the listening position. In my room, this is directly behind the couch, almost touching it. The best position for the speakers is not always the best position for bass performance. Even full range speakers can often benefit from a second, strategically placed,  sub.
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: Jdstrong on 11 Mar 2024, 09:58 pm
Thanks Mike,

This is helpful information and thought provoking feedback. I will mull this over....

Cheers
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: jmimac351 on 12 Mar 2024, 04:49 am
I've heard Danny's NX-Treme with OB subs and thought it was exceptional.  Right after hearing them, he designed a new crossover for my box speaker... and I can't wait to get it.  I have several box, 2-way speakers, and dual sealed subs.  The only Open Baffle speaker I have is an NX-MTM project, that I will use with my sealed subs.  I will continue playing with speakers and having fun. 

My point is... I really like what I'm hearing, and I'm having fun with it.  I think it would be a mistake for anyone to think "the only way" to have great sound is a particular recipe, OB or not. Matter of fact, some people actually prefer the sound of a box sub because of the way it loads the room. 

Since I'm a sucker for 2 way speakers, I would think I'll own a pair of NX-Studio someday.  I would blend them with my current, dual sealed subs. And, I think it would be cool to hear that OB speaker stand too...  :green:
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: Jdstrong on 5 Apr 2024, 09:48 pm
So,  after further consultation with my better half, I really need to pursue a sleek simple floor standing design. So I think incorporating subwoofers beneath NX Studios is not really in the cards, even if it were feasible.

So my question is - would there be any downsides to building a floor standing version of an NX Studio?

- I assume I would need to keep the volume of the woofer enclosure to be same as the monitor design? or would there be any benefit to a larger woofer enclosure?

- I might want to decrease the depth of the speaker a little (a few inches) to create a smaller footprint. I recognize this would make the slope of the angled top a bit steeper - would this matter much? This would mean the woofer enclosure would be taller of course.

- The bottom of the speaker would essentially be an empty box - I expect I could put ballast in the very bottom, and would need to fully brace it throughout.

- Is this a bad idea? I'd welcome any feedback on these ideas or on what I'm missing.

Having said all that, I see in another thread that GR is working on some sort of OB bass module with 8 inch drivers. Not sure if it might work with an NX Studio top? If that could work without being very far from the front wall, that could well be another way to go.....

Thanks in advance!



Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: Hobbsmeerkat on 5 Apr 2024, 11:54 pm
So long as the airspace doesn't change there's no issue with building a Floor-standing version.

- A bigger airspace would make the bass sound "floppy" and uncontrolled as it needs the airspace as part of the woofer's suspension.

- You can increase the depth so long as you make the chamber taller to compensate.

- Correct, you can fill some of the empty space it with sand, kitty litter, etc.

We haven't had the opportunity to pick that project back up to work on a 3-way version.
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: mlundy57 on 6 Apr 2024, 12:54 am
Here are some pics of a couple of the Best Speaker Stand Ever (BSSE) with X-CS Encores and a Studio Monitor

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=262996)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=262997)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=262998)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=262999)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=263000)


This combination will get solid performance down to 30Hz and the monitors have to be on a stand of some kind anyway. As Hobbs said, these drivers are in stock even though they don't show up on the website. 



Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: bhassel on 6 Apr 2024, 02:52 pm
I have to ask, where are the 'BSSE' from? Do they require more space from the wall?

Thanks,

Bob
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: mlundy57 on 6 Apr 2024, 03:53 pm
I have to ask, where are the 'BSSE' from? Do they require more space from the wall?

Thanks,

Bob

They are one of Danny's designs. https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=129161.0

They can be placed close to the wall. This would be a killer combo, especially if the choice of the Studio Monitor is for it's ability to be placed closer to the wall which is lost if the monitors are on top of open baffle H-Frames.
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: Jdstrong on 6 Apr 2024, 04:11 pm
I am re-intrigued. This might well be a great solution for me.

I think I will take another run at a design and see if I can get it approved....I will need a representative rendering - I'll look at SketchUp and see if that might do it.

I might look at incorporating a solid wood baffle top to bottom. It might have to be a custom - not sure where I would source it or have the waveguide cut?

On thing puzzles me though, for the NX Studio builds that use a solid wood baffle and MDF box, what about expansion/contraction of the solid wood?

Cheers
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: nlitworld on 7 Apr 2024, 01:41 am
It'd be cool to see a one piece design of nx-studio top and BSSE in bottom of a single box assembly. Would be pretty easy to handle given the size of the monitors and have Jay/Killian come out with a cnc flatpack of the full tower setup. It'd also help keep the speaker from mounting too tall as it would on a double trouble kit. Would it be a problem for the sub base section being a larger air volume fitting as wide & deep as a Studio? If it were possible, it could be called the Super Studio. It'd also be a lot cleaner setup for a small room than a pair of subs and studios.
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: Tyson on 7 Apr 2024, 01:45 am
Are those 8 inch woofers available again?
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: mlundy57 on 7 Apr 2024, 02:59 am
Are those 8 inch woofers available again?

Yes. I just got 4. 
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: jmimac351 on 7 Apr 2024, 03:02 am
Are those 8 inch woofers available again?

Hobbs mentioned elsewhere recently that they have stock of the 8" subs, and they are working with Rhythmik on an HX310 amp for OB use with the 8" subs.  I wonder if the stand isn't talked about more because the sub amp for them needs to get squared away.  This sub stand is a great idea. I would want to get it modular so I could play with different 2 way speakers I have.

See here for recent commentary:  https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=188945.0
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: jmimac351 on 7 Apr 2024, 03:03 am
Yes. I just got 4.

Assuming you're using these for sub stands... is the amp Hobbs mentioned a necessity or are you using something else?

Thank you.
Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: mlundy57 on 7 Apr 2024, 04:39 am
Assuming you're using these for sub stands... is the amp Hobbs mentioned a necessity or are you using something else?

Thank you.

These drivers are designed for open baffle use so they need one of the Rythmik amps that has the open baffle shelving circuit.

Since my electronics are all balanced, I'll be using the A370XLR3 amps that I already have. These won't be built into the stands but will sit behind them like they do with the Double Troubles I have under my NX-Otica MTMs. Personally, I prefer the A370 series amps over the HX300 series due to the increased input and adjustment capabilities of the A370s. The design would have to be modified a little to mount the A370 on the stand since it's about 3" wider and taller than the HX300.

Title: Re: NX Studio Floorstanding?
Post by: bhassel on 8 Apr 2024, 02:09 am
They are one of Danny's designs. https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=129161.0

They can be placed close to the wall. This would be a killer combo, especially if the choice of the Studio Monitor is for it's ability to be placed closer to the wall which is lost if the monitors are on top of open baffle H-Frames.

Bingo! I've waited this long to start my kit, maybe a little longer is a good idea!

Bob