[jmimac351]

Hal, this is cool.  I've tried figuring out who / where those baffles came from.  Did you make them?

"What if..." there were 3 per side sitting on top of dual, Rythmik F8 servo subs?  Would 3 per side be proper?  Understand that it would be different sensitivity / presentation than 6 per side.

I am moving down the path of figuring out what I want (besides all / more speakers).  I had a conversation a few months ago with someone about "line array", and it was mentioned they were machined from aluminum and the idea was very expensive, for at least that reason - notwithstanding driver cost.  I see that yours are made from MDF.  I have a milling machine with DRO, and 2 South Bend lathes... I think I have the technology.  Perhaps I am kidding myself, but this does not look difficult to make, if motivated to do so... at least "doable".   

[HAL]

Hal, this is cool.  I've tried figuring out who / where those baffles came from.  Did you make them?

"What if..." there were 3 per side sitting on top of dual, Rythmik F8 servo subs?  Would 3 per side be proper?  Understand that it would be different sensitivity / presentation than 6 per side.

I am moving down the path of figuring out what I want (besides all / more speakers).  I had a conversation a few months ago with someone about "line array", and it was mentioned they were machined from aluminum and the idea was very expensive, for at least that reason - notwithstanding driver cost.  I see that yours are made from MDF.  I have a milling machine with DRO, and 2 South Bend lathes... I think I have the technology.  Perhaps I am kidding myself, but this does not look difficult to make, if motivated to do so... at least "doable".   

jmimac351,

I designed and had the AGN II line array baffles built and painted.  I am not releasing the design unless someone purchases a dspNexus 2x8 system.  They are made of a water resistant MDF for me by a CNC cabinet shop.  The finish is automotive paint.

Depending on room size something like the Monoliths II planars with a single LM10n+LT3.2 per side would work if the servo sub can have a 6dB down point at 200Hz.  The standard A370XLR3 style will not work and the HX310-12OB may not have the 200Hz setting like the HX300-12OB.  It would depend on what Brian has in the F8 servo sub.  I have the original HX300-12OB servo amps to use with my servo subs.

Since these are similar to the BG NEO10 planar drivers, a minimum array size would probably be 4 drivers per side.  This would still be the one 10in planar, not a midrange and tweeter planar.

One thing that has to be understood is that this design will not work with a passive crossover.  It needs the EQ capabilities of the dspNexus 2x8 to have flat response.  It also needs servo subs that go up to 200Hz. 

Rich

[jmimac351]

Thanks Rich.  The F8 have the 580 amp, and seems to be the same controls has 300.  You mention 6db slope, but I don't see that for either.

I think I've read you send a Clio to measure drivers, etc.  For this array that uses the same drivers, does this end up being an "auto EQ" thing based on the needs and it's a program that is loaded, and / or are there specific channel bands adjusted.  I.e., does this end up being 20 bands of EQ being adjusted, or 5 - 7 bands to get the correction?  Can the individual PEQ bends be seen for freq / level / Q and easily "played with" or is this a programming thing?  I think there are YouTube videos available but I haven't gotten into those.

I have taken note of comments (and seen actual setups) from others that have been down this path and ended up with line array as the final stop; however, I am very attached to my preamp / amps.  They aren't going anywhere.  Wondering how doable this particular setup might be, while keeping preamp and 1 set of mono blocks. 

I was thinking this might be possible:

dspNexus 2x8 --> Preamp ---> passive high pass filter @ 200hz ---> Monoblock Amps ---> Line Arrays
                               |
                               |
                               ---> Servo Subs (see controls below)
 

[HAL]

The HX580 with the 200Hz setting should work.

I referred to the 6dB down point at 200Hz, not the slope.  I have a custom process to work with those amps to get correct response for the line array.

If you buy a dspNexus 2x8 for an AGN II speaker it comes with the DSP crossover flashed to memory for use with the speakers.  No need for CLIO measurements as they are already complete for the design.

If you go with a Monoliths II style planar that is also a DSP crossover design that can be flashed to memory without CLIO measurements since I have them.

If PEQ's are needed for room correction, the number just depends on what is needed.  What it is capable of processing is more than REW room measurements I have seen require.

Your system connection would be:

Preamp ---> dspNexus 2x8  ---> Monoblock Amps ---> Line Arrays
                               |
                               |
                               ---> Servo Subs (see controls below)

Using a passive high pass filter would be less transparent than using the DSP filter. 

[HAL]

The planars fit perfectly in the reworked slot.

Now time for some pilot hole drilling.

[HAL]

Now time to drill 24 pilot holes for the planar mounting screws.

Also rebuilt 6 cables to connect the planars to the amps.  Will do 6 more cables soon.

[mix4fix]

Car: 21st century

Drill: 19th century

 

[HAL]

Yes, easier for me to hand drill shallow holes than my portable drill.  Old tech works fine.

[HAL]

The right AGN II Line Array has the LM10n planars installed.

Next is install the left channel planars.  Then connect the wiring for the monoblock amps.

[HAL]

The AGN II Left line array planar install started.

The local hardware supplier ran out of my preferred nylon washers, so waiting on restock.  Had enough to install 3 planars for today.  Will check on another source to see what is available.

[HAL]

The prototype pair of AGN II Open Baffle Planar Line Arrays are assembled and ready for wiring.

Will be using Belden 1309A 14awg stranded wiring to all the planars directly to the monoblock amps.

[HAL]

Just finished wiring the left AGN II planars with 14awg stranded wiring.

Next is wiring the right speaker planars.

[studiotech]

Your progress is really exciting. You're going to have a very dynamic and revealing system.   I still wonder about the limited horizontal HF dispersion.  I'm sure you're familiar with the diffraction slot that Brian from VMPS used on a few of his designs.  If you don't do something I fear this is a one seat design.  The room power response is going to be quite rolled off in the top few octaves.

[HAL]

The LM10n uses the PDR style technology for improved horizontal dispersion from what is visible.

It works quite well for the Magnetar II single planar driver version of the design.  The LSAF2023 show used the single driver setup for the in room demos.

[HAL]

The right AGN II Planar array is now wired and ready for locking connectors to be added.

The planars will be wired directly to the amps with the attached 14awg cables.

[artur9]

Those are beautiful!  Can't wait to hear your thoughts on first listen and after break-in.

[HAL]

The pair of AGN II Planar Line Arrays have locking connectors installed.  Using Rhodium plated locking banana plugs for each pair of planar drivers in the array.

Next is connection to the 3 pairs of Orchard Audio Starkrimson monoblocks with the GaN SMPS to the dspNexus 2x8. Then time for measurements and listening trials.

[Pez]

Looking really great Rich!

[HAL]

Jason,
Thanks!

Now to hear how they sound!

[HAL]

Have the pair of AGN II Line Arrays wired to the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Monoblocks.   

Next connect the XLR balanced cables to the dspNexus 2x8 with the AK4499EX DACs for measurements and listening.  I like balanced as when I measured SNR, it was 30dB lower noise floor with balanced than unbalanced.