Newbie, Seduced By Planar Speakers...

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Arrgh

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Newbie, Seduced By Planar Speakers...
« on: 11 Jun 2020, 03:52 pm »
Hi all,

Obviously, I'm new to the site, but have learned a lot poking around the last few weeks. My audio equipment now is trash, bluetooth speakers (1 sort of decent one of those) and soundbars, as my old stereo system and it's 15 inch woofers bought when I was 13 were vetoed by the wife.

I recently finished a record stand project which holds our records and record player and want to add a system that is compact to fit in the frame, but with the best sound possible in that framework, which led me to find planars. After reading all I could find, these are definitely the sound I'm looking for, which of course led me here (Danny Ritchie's and HAL's Monolith posts are fantastic guideposts.)

Right now my idea is a Monolith-like bookshelf (I have 12 1/2" of height by 16" of depth to work with) with a sub. I'm currently looking at the specs of the BG's and the Radian Audio planars to figure out the best system for the space. I also reached out to HPV Technologies on the off chance they might sell 2 Mad 1's.

Looking forward to browsing the site and finding out even more and thankful for any input and help.

Michael

Blackmore

Re: Newbie, Seduced By Planar Speakers...
« Reply #1 on: 11 Jun 2020, 04:33 pm »
Welcome

FullRangeMan

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Re: Newbie, Seduced By Planar Speakers...
« Reply #2 on: 11 Jun 2020, 09:59 pm »
Welcome  Michael :thumb:

Phil A

Re: Newbie, Seduced By Planar Speakers...
« Reply #3 on: 11 Jun 2020, 10:04 pm »
Welcome!

ArthurDent

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Re: Newbie, Seduced By Planar Speakers...
« Reply #4 on: 12 Jun 2020, 01:39 am »
Greetings & Welcome to AC Michael  :thumb:

Jazzman53

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Re: Newbie, Seduced By Planar Speakers...
« Reply #5 on: 12 Jun 2020, 02:05 am »
I agree-- planar are addictive.  Welcome to the AC!

Barryg443

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Re: Newbie, Seduced By Planar Speakers...
« Reply #6 on: 12 Jun 2020, 02:35 am »
Welcome Michael,
I am new to AC as well. I started with Carver Amazing loudspeakers as my first planar, then Magnepan mg-iiia’s.  Very addictive indeed.  I’ve been reading about open Baffle speakers As well.  Seriously considering Danny Ritchies OB subwoofer kit to build.

I’ve been enjoying reading through these threads!

I.Greyhound Fan

Re: Newbie, Seduced By Planar Speakers...
« Reply #7 on: 12 Jun 2020, 02:47 am »
Welcome.  Have you taken a look at the Magnepan desk top speakers?  Might be a good solution paired with 1 or 2 good subwoofers.

https://www.magnepan.com/model_mini_maggie

Also consider speakers with folded ribbon tweeters like the Wharfedale Evo 4.1's, Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ and Martin Logan 15i's.  Pair these with 1 or 2 subs and you will have some nice sound.

Larry

Arrgh

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Re: Newbie, Seduced By Planar Speakers...
« Reply #8 on: 12 Jun 2020, 02:51 am »
Thanks all!

I'm super excited to be a prospective member. While I want this (imagined speakers and system) now, I'm looking forward to tossing my newbie ideas into to the fire and ending up building something that sounds great. It's been a long time since my ears have been pleased (when I met my wife she was playing all of her music out of an iPhone 4...)

I have medium to medium high woodworking skills and thanks to this forum, a rudimentary understanding of crossovers. It's only been a few weeks of thinking about building my own, and my confidence started high, dipped greatly and now is trending back up that something really really good to great can be achieved the more I read and learn and research.

I'm looking forward to the whole process and can't wait to hear the end results, whenever they come about as I learn.


Arrgh

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Re: Newbie, Seduced By Planar Speakers...
« Reply #9 on: 12 Jun 2020, 03:00 am »
Hi Larry,

I have considered the Magnepan, and I would for sure get a set if it wasn't for the space issues. I've looked at most of the others you mentioned as well, and if my confidence dips again on my ability to build something, I may reconsider them.

The reason for a build for me is that I can go full planar mid and top (possibly ribbon tweeter) with a sub and build a speaker box that would double as a record bookend. I'd love to be able to go full size speaker of any kind and and especially full Magnepan, but my space is lacking.

The designer likes a lot of the planar decor style speakers, but alas, our 4 square floor plan just doesn't have the room for them.