Gentlemen,
To leave it too open ended risks handing us drawing boards and pencils and coming up with too many options, each of which gets one vote!
That was never my intention and is not the level of options I was offering.
DU had his suggestion while the others seem to be more conservative with regards to the aesthetics. The
type of box construction was the only matter in question. I can envision a hardwood platform with a clear plastic cover which would lend the thing being put on display. Then there's the black box option - simple and cheap. Finally, a compromise where the black box has a Plexiglas plate on top for the terminal mounting that still permits visualization of the inner components. That "box" can easily be made of hardwood too. I didn't mean to open a can of worms, but seeing that this crossover will be "state of the art" and rather pricey anyway, I thought there may be interest in showing it off. I see logic in keeping the cost as low as possible, but I also see logic in going the "rest of the way" and showcasing the thing. I simply wanted to let everyone know that since it hasn't been built yet, we still have options.
With regard to the size and layout though...that was never an option. It will be made to the best of my ability based on the physics alone. To get an idea of the complexities involved, check out the links below:
The Theory:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poynting_vectorCool Graphics:
http://www.ifh.ee.ethz.ch/~pascal/sphere/Unless there's a EE out there that wants to collaborate with me free of charge, I don't see much outside involvement in the matter of electrical design - which leads to the final basic size and shape. All that is at issue here is the cosmetics. Since we have other orders to fill in the short run, I'm not going to be able to start on this in the next few days. That leaves a little time for everyone to have their input so we might as well take advantage of it. In the end, no matter what they will look nice - so fear not.
Obviously, the x-over should be connected to the speakers with speak-on connectors which I am already certain Bob has planned (I know your feelings on this one Bob ) with the "umbilical" cord also using high quality cable (same as used in the speakers).
Not in this case Bill.
This also prevents a multi-amp direct to drivers disaster if someone decides to go active and mixes them up = blown drivers
Exactly. But... no matter what wire we were to use between the X-O and the enclosure, someone would want the option of using different wire. Designing-in a cable also potentially reduces re-sale value for the same reason. We want to secure your investment as much as possible. On top of all that, we already have our hands full so the last thing I need is to worry about sourcing wire, connectors, etc., and having to build cables. If we were selling these into the pro market, it would be a "slam dunk" and "Speak-Ons" would be a given.
Just so you know, I'm using all Mundorf peripheral materials as well. Silver-gold solder and hook-up wire along with their gold plated copper binding posts. In the end, these will be some of the most highly refined crossovers anyone has ever built.
-Bob
PS. A little marketing plug here so please excuse. I am somewhat amazed and extremely pleased to hear of Karsten's discoveries. It appears that every change in the associated components and upstream electronics is clearly audible. This suggests that the core technology offers an extreme level of performance and resolution - beyond what I had even anticipated. Most products reach a point of diminishing returns when going to such extremes. Apparently we haven't hit that "brick wall" yet. Thank you very much.
