Open Baffle – JD Edition 1
Designer:
Jason Dhun
Project Category:
Tower Speakers
Project Level:
Advanced
Project Time:
20+ Hours
Project Cost:
$500 – $1,000
Project Description:
Open Baffle two way active tower.
Design Goals:
High Resolution Imaging and tonal accuracy using an open baffle design.
Driver Selection:
Dayton Audio PS220-8 x 2
GRS 12SW-4 x 4
Enclosure Design:
Open Baffle
Enclosure Assembly:
Full range top, Sub Bass x 2 below. Rear mounted subs on the baffle. Front mount the full range on the baffle. Baffle is 2.25″ thick with custom stand.
Crossover Design:
Active – JL Audio TWK88
Tips & Tricks:
The GRS 12″ subs need some serious power. At least 80W RMS each. Gel Stain is horrible oil stain never lets you down.
Conclusion:
The project came out beyond my expectations. The point source is accurate with excellent imaging and tonal accuracy. Just a slight eq int he mid high freq is all thats needed. The bass is also very well articulated. Every instrument sounds natural with clarity and poise.
About the Designer:
I am an electrical engineer with a passion for hi fidelity audio. I usually do auto sq installs. This is my first home hifi project.
Project Parts List:
Part # |
Description |
Qty |
240-676 |
Dayton Audio DSS3-G Gold Speaker Spike Set 4 Pcs. |
2 |
292-484 |
GRS 12SW-4 12″ Poly Cone Subwoofer 4 Ohm |
4 |
295-346 |
Dayton Audio PS220-8 8″ Point Source Full-Range Neo Driver |
2 |
Looks awesome! I’ve considered doing an OB project with those subs for a while but just haven’t pulled the trigger yet. How high did you cross them and how low will they play in room? Any active EQ on the subs to account for the OB rolloff?
The subs are crossed at 90Hz at 48dB. I have a 2.5dB boost at 40Hz. They go as low as 28Hz in room. You can get some rumble at 23-25Hz but the excursion is massive.
Crossed at 80Hz with a 48dB LPF. 2.5db Boost at 35Hz 1.41Q
Gorgeous!
Glad to see someone else using the PS220 in an OB. I have mine paired with 2x 21″ pro woofers (ea side), so a bit larger scale, but after some passive and active EQing, the PSs sound wonderful. Maybe not quite as detailed as my 2-way 10″ pro mid and 1″ CD, but very easy to listen to without fatigue; especially after controlling the high end some. Very clean looking build. Congrats!
Thanks Benjamin, these Dayton drivers were perfect right out of the box. Excellent range, sound and build.
They are crossed at 90Hz with 36dB LP slope. 2.5dB boost at 35Hz
Thanks for your comments. I crossed the subs at 80Hz They go down to 25Hz Boost 2.5bB at 35Hz
Looks great. Jason. At present I am listening to a one-o-kind Open Baffle pair of speakers which I like better than my long departed Hales Transcendence 8’s. The move from boxes is transforming. Question: what type of wood did you use for the baffle? I got lost when the wood experts examined different moisture densities. Thanks, Colm (Brampton).
Hi Colm… I used Two pieces of 3/4 inch MDF sandwiched together and 3/4 inch pitch pine in the front.
Marvelous..!! Clean and simple design..! What is the Active x over used
I used a JL Audio TWK 88… its a car audio DSP.
Thank you the reply..!
Hi would you be prepared to share the design and any drawings by any chance? I would love to build these myself.
Hi Jason, really love the look of these. I currently have Spatial Audio M4 Turbos which I love but I’m looking for the next OB move. I’d love to build these, would you be prepared to share you plans by any chance?
Jason, I was curious if you had more photos of the back? Beautiful speakers.