ER Audio mini panels

JohnR · « **Reply #20 on:** 14 Nov 2012, 09:34 am »

Was a bit pressed for time earlier. This is just a prototype, because I'm impatient, the final solution will (probably) be a computer-based crossover to multi-channel DAC. Although maybe not, the computer-based crossover thing is great for digital files but not so much for analog sources...

Regardless, for prototyping purposes the new revelation (for me anyway) is that you can make a $250 USB soundcard into an active crossover. I'm laughing about it, frankly, it's so obvious in one way and so out there in another. And it has analog inputs too, so who knows.

studiotech · « **Reply #21 on:** 15 Nov 2012, 12:37 am »

Quote from: JohnR on 14 Nov 2012, 09:34 am

Was a bit pressed for time earlier. This is just a prototype, because I'm impatient, the final solution will (probably) be a computer-based crossover to multi-channel DAC. Although maybe not, the computer-based crossover thing is great for digital files but not so much for analog sources...

Regardless, for prototyping purposes the new revelation (for me anyway) is that you can make a $250 USB soundcard into an active crossover. I'm laughing about it, frankly, it's so obvious in one way and so out there in another. And it has analog inputs too, so who knows.

Pretty great isn't it? How are going to prototype a pair with only one set of real outputs on that thing? Planning on using the ch.3/4 1/8" outputs too? Coax out to another DA? I assume you must have researched the MiniDSP stuff? Perfect for prototyping and no computer required after set-up.

Greg

JohnR · « **Reply #22 on:** 15 Nov 2012, 01:51 am »

Quote from: studiotech on 15 Nov 2012, 12:37 am

Pretty great isn't it? How are going to prototype a pair with only one set of real outputs on that thing? Planning on using the ch.3/4 1/8" outputs too?

Hi Greg, already using the 1/8" outs and listening in stereo

All that's needed is the right cable. To make a three-way, you can use the headphone outs. It's a pretty odd mix of connections. The coax out isn't useful for another "way" as it follows the main outs.

Quote

I assume you must have researched the MiniDSP stuff? Perfect for prototyping and no computer required after set-up.

Yes, but this is nice because it takes USB audio, so no extra gizmos needed. I'm not sure what happens if you disconnect the computer (and supply power over USB) - I think it will still work (from analog ins).

studiotech · « **Reply #23 on:** 15 Nov 2012, 01:05 pm »

Wow, that's resourceful. I've had to "rig" some things over the years on poorly planned installs, but utilizing the 1/8" and H.P. outputs is really going the extra mile. If you end up staying this route, look into something nice from RME or Focusrite with 6-8 balanced outputs. You can find USB or Firewire as needed.

So, the initial result for the panels is positive and better than the BG Neos you've tried? After extensive testing for my own system, nothing traditional could beat the Neo10 for mids. I'd be interested to hear more detailed impressions of the ER panel as you spend more time with them.

Greg

Hank · « **Reply #24 on:** 15 Nov 2012, 02:27 pm »

Sorry to derail, but who knows of any DIY speakers that have used the NEO 10? I hear it is mid-range Nirvahna, but want to read some reviews. No back to the subject: I'm interested in these ESL panels also. Has anyone determined shipping cost from AU?

stevenkelby · « **Reply #25 on:** 15 Nov 2012, 02:37 pm »

Quote from: Hank on 15 Nov 2012, 02:27 pm

Sorry to derail, but who knows of any DIY speakers that have used the NEO 10? I hear it is mid-range Nirvahna, but want to read some reviews.

Maybe Danny has something planned, you could ask him?

JohnR · « **Reply #26 on:** 15 Nov 2012, 02:57 pm »

Well, I myself have never heard a Neo10, although I have some non-BG planar magnetic mids. I thought the question was about the Neo3. When I said "no comparison" I also mentioned the crossover points I am using with the drivers - you can't really compare them. I suppose you could use the ER panel as a mid... the main reason would I guess be dispersion. It's obviously very limited vertically. This is the Planar circle, I assume people are used to that

Then again, I guess they are used to taller panels as well...

Anyway from my point of view, this panel solves a couple of problems. One is the mess that cone mids make out the back when used as a dipole. It also takes my four-way down to a 3-way, which in turn makes other things possible, apart from generally being simpler. However, as I think about it I don't think it's going to be a straight swap for my current mid and tweeter, the design is evolving (in my head) in a different direction. I was going to take and post some measurements but I think I really need to make a baffle first, I'm not sure that "naked" measurements would be very useful (or practical, as I have no idea how to support it without a baffle..)

JohnR · « **Reply #27 on:** 15 Nov 2012, 03:02 pm »

Quote from: Hank on 15 Nov 2012, 02:27 pm

Has anyone determined shipping cost from AU?

I said I was going to ask, but I'm still gathering questions for Rob. From auspost.com.au it looks like the postal service would want around 100, but Rob can give you a quote, maybe he has a better way (contact info on his site).

josh358 · « **Reply #28 on:** 15 Nov 2012, 06:15 pm »

It would be wonderful if we could arrange a comparison between these and the Neo 8's or 10's. At least for those of us who are planning to use the Neo's as line source midranges

.

hum4god · « **Reply #29 on:** 15 Nov 2012, 11:27 pm »

Quote from: JohnR on 13 Nov 2012, 10:51 pm

No I don't think so. Can you define "sufficient volume"?

hi
this seems to be a very interesting driver and i agree that a comparison with Neo10 would be really great .
how would you compare it to the drivers you have used previously re dynamics and loudness ?
considering they are ESL they seem to be small so i am wondering if they might be easily over driven?
do you know how much power they can take ?
i didn't find any specs about it .
malcolm

hum4god · « **Reply #30 on:** 15 Nov 2012, 11:31 pm »

Quote from: JohnR on 15 Nov 2012, 03:02 pm

I said I was going to ask, but I'm still gathering questions for Rob. From auspost.com.au it looks like the postal service would want around 100, but Rob can give you a quote, maybe he has a better way (contact info on his site).

i contacted them earlier today and just got an email .
shipping is around $100 for a pair to the us .
i also let them know about this thread if they want to chime in.

SteveFord · « **Reply #31 on:** 16 Nov 2012, 12:31 am »

This thread is becoming more interesting to me.
$100 isn't so bad for freight.

medium jim · « **Reply #32 on:** 16 Nov 2012, 01:22 am »

Quote from: SteveFord on 16 Nov 2012, 12:31 am

This thread is becoming more interesting to me.
$100 isn't so bad for freight.

+1

Alas, I do love my Maggie's!

Jim

SteveFord · « **Reply #33 on:** 16 Nov 2012, 01:34 am »

There's no law against owning multiple speakers that I'm aware of.

tnargs · « **Reply #34 on:** 16 Nov 2012, 01:41 am »

Quote from: SteveFord on 16 Nov 2012, 01:34 am

There's no law against owning multiple speakers that I'm aware of.

WAF's Law

SteveFord · « **Reply #35 on:** 16 Nov 2012, 01:51 am »

Shiny rocks appease the savage wife person.

You get a shiny pebble, I get more stereo junk - everybody's happy in planar land.
Besides, the speakers are really more for her enjoyment than mine...

medium jim · « **Reply #36 on:** 16 Nov 2012, 03:50 am »

Quote from: SteveFord on 16 Nov 2012, 01:34 am

There's no law against owning multiple speakers that I'm aware of.

The law of depreciating wallet!

Jim

scorpion · « **Reply #37 on:** 16 Nov 2012, 11:02 am »

Quote from: josh358 on 15 Nov 2012, 06:15 pm

It would be wonderful if we could arrange a comparison between these and the Neo 8's or 10's. At least for those of us who are planning to use the Neo's as line source midranges .

See if I can fix that next week.

/Erling

hum4god · « **Reply #38 on:** 16 Nov 2012, 04:50 pm »

Quote from: scorpion on 16 Nov 2012, 11:02 am

See if I can fix that next week.

/Erling

Does that mean you are getting some mini panels and can compare them to the NEO10 ?

scorpion · « **Reply #39 on:** 16 Nov 2012, 05:18 pm »

I have them both, indeed. The panels, I suppose, is a shot in the dark. I was interested as soon as I saw JohnR mentioning them.
And I managed to get them delivered while visiting Sydney last three weeks.

/Erling