GIK D1 panels on the side walls!!

Nils · « **on:** 25 Jan 2008, 07:43 am »

Call me crazy, but after going back and forth with acoustic treatments, I really prefer the sound of diffusion on the side wall first reflection points. While broadband absorption seems to increase center focus at a huge expense of soundstage width, when I placed GIK D1 panels (in a funky temporary way) at the side first reflection points, it was like my room disappeared and I was transported to the performance. Very surreal!

Now the question is--I can't mount treatments on the side walls--I need stands--and there's no easy way to mount 2 on a stand. D1s are amazing for the cost, and even better than you reinforce them with dampening and acoustic foam, but how would the RealTraps Diffusor (much pricier) handle the higher frequencies? I like how GIK uses a curved surface.

-- Nils

bpape · « **Reply #1 on:** 25 Jan 2008, 12:46 pm »

I'll try to be gentle and diplomatic about this. The Real Trap diffusors are very typical well type diffusors with their frequency limits on both the top and bottom end. This is not something specific to Ethan's product, it's just a limit of this type of design. The top end of the D1 is approx 3x as high due to the mix of flat and curved surfaces.

The cativy in the rear also offers the option to reinforce with mass for pure diffusion or to fill with absorbtion to allow some additional bottom end control.

The D1 can be mounted double high pretty easily on a board mounted to the stands. We did it at RMAF last year.

Bryan

Jason Jones · « **Reply #2 on:** 25 Jan 2008, 03:10 pm »

Nils,

It actually isn't that difficult to build a stand for the D1's. If I built one, anyone can - thankfully my brain works better than my hands.

I would probably recommend that. But, we are actually coming out with a new product very soon. It is a 2'x4' well type diffuser. It will stand. We incorporated the curved ends in some of the wells based upon a number theory sequence (in addition to the standard QRD sequence). I have a prototype in my listening room. My wife desperately wants to get rid of it (it's a prototype it is made from boards that don't match and has no finish), but I am keeping it until we get the final product in!

We are getting our first batch in Maple. Do have any thoughts on what wood choices people would want?

Jason

Nils · « **Reply #3 on:** 25 Jan 2008, 03:54 pm »

That sounds like it might fit the bill! Maple would be a great finish. I'd also recommend an ebony or espresso stain (it works well with most decors, including mine).

So Jason..... want to share any pictures (of even the prototype?)

-- Nils

Nils · « **Reply #4 on:** 25 Jan 2008, 03:59 pm »

Also, Jason.. it's a priority for me--but I'm not sure how unanimous this is--that the stand-mounted diffusor sits flush (or nearly flush) against the wall to maximize aesthetics.

Thanks!
-- Nils

Glenn K · « **Reply #5 on:** 25 Jan 2008, 04:53 pm »

Quote

thankfully my brain works better than my hands.

Spoken like a TRUE Doctor!!!!!!

Quote

I would probably recommend that. But, we are actually coming out with a new product very soon. It is a 2'x4' well type diffuser. It will stand. We incorporated the curved ends in some of the wells based upon a number theory sequence (in addition to the standard QRD sequence). I have a prototype in my listening room. My wife desperately wants to get rid of it (it's a prototype it is made from boards that don't match and has no finish), but I am keeping it until we get the final product in!

Yea we still need to come up with a name for this thing.
Anyone want to throw some out? I like The GIK PMF Diffusor.

Glenn

Jason Jones · « **Reply #6 on:** 25 Jan 2008, 05:07 pm »

Quote from: Nils on 25 Jan 2008, 03:59 pm

Also, Jason.. it's a priority for me--but I'm not sure how unanimous this is--that the stand-mounted diffusor sits flush (or nearly flush) against the wall to maximize aesthetics.

Thanks!
-- Nils

It does that. It will stand up straight and has square edges so you can line them up with no gaps between them. It also is built in with cleats in the back for easy wall mounting, if desired. Our wood guy is really great. I am excited about this product.

I agree that an espresso stain would look nice...but I don't know if I could bear to see that much coffee go to waste.

Sorry, bad jokes can be a weakness of mine.

Jason

Nils · « **Reply #7 on:** 25 Jan 2008, 06:00 pm »

Gah, Jason! What's worse than your joke is that you're totally OK with wasting all that fine syrup from Vermont.

*ducks*

Seriously, I'm a big fan of that super-dark wood stain, though the Mapleshade maple rack http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/audioproducts/samson1.php I have is absolutely stunning.

klh · « **Reply #8 on:** 25 Jan 2008, 07:30 pm »

Quote from: bpape on 25 Jan 2008, 12:46 pm

I'll try to be gentle and diplomatic about this...

Bryan

That was very diplomatic. I'd be interested in your enlarged diffusor. I currently have 2" x 4' x 4' DIY 3# rigid fiberglass panels on the right and left walls. The way I have it sounds vastly superior to no treatment, but diffusion is intriguing... and I can imagine why Nils said it opened up soundstage width. I am one who would appreciate a very dark stain... flat black would be nice.

Nils · « **Reply #9 on:** 26 Jan 2008, 09:12 pm »

Flat or semi-gloss black would also work for me. Of course, I could always make it shinier using finish.

-- Nils

Nils · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 Mar 2008, 10:18 pm »

Hey Jason and Glenn... any news on when this freestanding diffusor might be available?

-- Nils

bpape · « **Reply #11 on:** 13 Mar 2008, 11:24 pm »

Top secret....

Might have a couple pics pretty soon - hopefully.

Bryan

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #12 on:** 14 Mar 2008, 03:59 am »

Cool! I'm anxious to see them when they're done. Hopefully I'll be moving (yet again!

) this summer. If so, then I'll finally start all over with the acoustic treatments.

bpape · « **Reply #13 on:** 14 Mar 2008, 09:04 pm »

This is just a quickie that Glenn snapped with his cell phone. It doesn't really show some of the innovative things we've done with it but it'll give you an idea. It's pretty massive and can be stained just like the 242 Elite or Pillar. Hopefully, we'll have some better pics soon.

Bryan

tdangelo · « **Reply #14 on:** 14 Mar 2008, 09:16 pm »

Bryan, when will these be available?

Thanks
Tony

bpape · « **Reply #15 on:** 14 Mar 2008, 09:19 pm »

Not exactly sure just yet. I'll post something when we have it all firmed up. I'll likely post it in the announcement thread in the manufacturers' area.

Bryan

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #16 on:** 16 Mar 2008, 04:33 am »

Nice. Any idea about pricing (sorry if it's there and I missed it).

stevenkelby · « **Reply #17 on:** 22 Mar 2008, 04:33 am »

Quote from: Rob Babcock on 16 Mar 2008, 04:33 am

Nice. Any idea about pricing (sorry if it's there and I missed it).

Here they are, price is half way down the page.:

http://www.gikacoustics.com/gik_d1_diffusor.html

Pity shipping to Australia is always so expensive!

TRADERXFAN · « **Reply #18 on:** 22 Mar 2008, 04:51 am »

I think was a misunderstanding -Seemed like he was asking about the Elite diffusor in the picture, not the D1 that started the thread.

pricing on the elite was posted elsewhere...
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=52258.msg469082#msg469082

stevenkelby · « **Reply #19 on:** 22 Mar 2008, 04:59 am »

Ah, sorry!

The Elite looks amazing, If the D1 was expensive to Australia, I bet the Elite is crazy!