Build Thread: Open Aire Aktiv

[jimbones]

I think 450 is a steal considering its Tineo veneer.

[jimbones]

Updates this Labor Day Weekend!!

[jimbones]

meant to add more photos

[richidoo]

Lookin good Jim!
Whens liftoff?

[jimbones]

They went live this week. Out of the gate they dont sound bad, pretty decent. I took some measurements  but I don't think it will be too long before I am able to finalize the XO. I have a dip just south of the XO point 175 (XO is @ 200 hz) and the tweeter can be about 1.5 db louder as I  may have padded it too much. The drivers are better than the Peerless/Sb29 in the Lambda. They are also more expensive.

[richidoo]

Yea I use those drivers too, they are nice. I think you have the right idea going 3 way, rather than taking the SB woofer down to the bass. Obviously the servos will kick butt

[jimbones]

I am now in finalizing the XO. I have all foil coils and I am using Jantzen silver caps. However, some one in another forum commented on the fact that I am using a Mundorf series resistor and a sand cast shunt resistor. Also the fact that I am using some silver coated copper wire in the XO board (short pieces 3-4 inches long) He claims it will make a big difference using better parts (Mills resistors in all areas and pure copper). Although I will make the changes, I am guessing the changes will yield minimal improvement. Your thoughts?

[richidoo]

Sand cast is the lowest grade resistor. Metal oxide is better, but still not as good as high quality non inductive wirewound like mills or mundorf. Graphite is the best.

Shunt is technically not in the signal path by semantics, but it still affects the SQ. Even in shunt Mills will be audible. It's OK to skimp on midrange resistors, but don't skimp on the tweeter resistors.

Silver plated copper is fine. Insulation is more important. Teflon and polyethylene good, PVC bad.

[jimbones]

I know sand cast are the worst. I was always told that if it is a shunt it doesn't matter. OK going all Mills on this.