[mick wolfe]

Well, it's worth taking the grills out to admire the pure genius of the magnetic attachment system Jim came up with. Whether it was his original brainstorm or not, it is totally unique. Now it's up to one's ears as to whether the grills hinder the sound. I've found that many speakers "sans grills" tend to sound a little "hot" to the point of drawing attention to themselves. I'm not saying the STs totally fall into this category, but I find they "disappear" better with the grills in place. These judgments are of course listener and system dependent.

[Nuance]

For what's its worth, the FR definitely measures different without the grills; it measure better.  Dennis' measurements are floating around here somewhere...

[DMurphy]

I don't think I have those measurements anymore.  Grills will tend to shelve down the highs a little and cause some diffraction dips.  Some people just like more subdued highs.  As for DIY diffraction pads, they usually make things worse because most of them use a felt surround with sharp edges.  The best diffraction control is strategic placement of the tweeter and flush mounting. 

[Tone Depth]

Pay attention everybody; The master speaks.   

I don't think I have those measurements anymore.  Grills will tend to shelve down the highs a little and cause some diffraction dips.  Some people just like more subdued highs.  As for DIY diffraction pads, they usually make things worse because most of them use a felt surround with sharp edges.  The best diffraction control is strategic placement of the tweeter and flush mounting.

[mick wolfe]

Well the defraction pad idea was dreamed up when I realized I liked the ST presentation with the grills in place.With the defraction thought in mind, I thought the pads might be a better option than the edge of the grill's frame. This all said, velco holds them in place, so eliminating them takes all of about 8.5 seconds  Listening tests with and without begin shortly. Thanks for your thoughts.

[DMurphy]

Hi  It's possible that the combination of diffraction pads and the grills will produce better results than a grill alone.  That's hard to say.  But diffraction pads alone are generally not a good idea. 

[mick wolfe]

Thanks for your input, Dennis. The system/room is currently a work in progress, so it's a good time to experiment with details like this. If anything significant comes out of it, I'll post results.

[mick wolfe]

Well, I must say I still prefer the grills in place with the "axis" crossing in front of the listening position. ( in this small 10' x 11' setting  ) The diffraction pads have been retired, however. BTW, the grills are nicely tapered at the edges to minimize their effect. Sorry, never noticed this nice little touch before.

[Saturn94]

Well, it's worth taking the grills out to admire the pure genius of the magnetic attachment system Jim came up with. Whether it was his original brainstorm or not, it is totally unique. Now it's up to one's ears as to whether the grills hinder the sound. I've found that many speakers "sans grills" tend to sound a little "hot" to the point of drawing attention to themselves. I'm not saying the STs totally fall into this category, but I find they "disappear" better with the grills in place. These judgments are of course listener and system dependent.

I also like the magnetic attachment system and requested Jim install magnets on the back of the speakers as well.  Most of the time I expect to leave the grills on, but this way the grills can be kept safely out of the way should I choose to listen sans grills.

[Nuance]

I also like the magnetic attachment system and requested Jim install magnets on the back of the speakers as well.  Most of the time I expect to leave the grills on, but this way the grills can be kept safely out of the way should I choose to listen sans grills.

Genius!

[mick wolfe]

Agreed. Almost the same level of genius as the "frontal" grill attachment.

[Saturn94]

I actually got the idea from another AC member who posted the idea earlier last year.