It's time for a Statement announcing my latest project..

[Sefferdog]

Thanks you for the tip Curt,
I actually did both, the 45 deg and 1" push back.
I had trouble cutting the angle on the PartsExpress foam with the utility knife, so I used versitile scisoors I got at home depot a while back (for cutting carpet), worked better fom me.

Thanks Curt.
I did the 45 deg with an electric knife and got busted by my wife. 8O
Also, I liked the sound of mine best with the foam about 4 - 5" back from the mids, may be even 6". :B

[Edge540]

I'm contemplating building these for a new home theater. They will be placed behind the screen.
My question: putting them behind the screen should pose no problems, as long as there is adequate room around them, correct? Assume the screen is an SMX, acoustically transparent type.
Second question: I should be able to use a third, standard speaker, for the center channel,no? In other words, are center channel crossovers modified in any way from their main channel brothers, other than to make up for the fact they lay on their side and a usually smaller.
Just a couple questions I have to help me plan. The theater is not designed or even sized yet. This will be in a new house that has yet to start.
Thanks
Eric

[Jim Holtz]

I'm contemplating building these for a new home theater. They will be placed behind the screen.
My question: putting them behind the screen should pose no problems, as long as there is adequate room around them, correct? Assume the screen is an SMX, acoustically transparent type.
Second question: I should be able to use a third, standard speaker, for the center channel,no? In other words, are center channel crossovers modified in any way from their main channel brothers, other than to make up for the fact they lay on their side and a usually smaller.
Just a couple questions I have to help me plan. The theater is not designed or even sized yet. This will be in a new house that has yet to start.
Thanks
Eric

Hi Eric,

It sounds like you have a killer home theater in the works. Very, very nice! :T

Now, to answer your questions. Yes, you can have three speakers just the same across the front and no, the center speaker crossover isn't different if it's standing up right as it was designed. Center channel crossovers are only different because the speaker orientation is normally on it's side.

You do need as close to 1 1/2' of distance from the back of the speakers to the wall behind them as possible. More is good but less is not as good. The open back mid design likes to breath for the best sound stage.

We do have a center channel speaker designed that Curt is developing a crossover for that will go extremely well with the Statements or the Mini's. It is smaller and designed for a horizontal orientation.

Jim

[whoaru99]

(CJD) Chris: The RS 3-ways are W/W/M/T's with the Dennis Murphy crossover that I had at last years Iowa DIY event. http://home.mchsi.com/~dpeterson/Iowadiy.html

Jim

Hey Jim,

Those speakers in the photo where the evaluation of the DIY preamp is going on look sort of familiar. Any relation?

Regards,
Todd

[Jim Holtz]

Hey Jim,

Those speakers in the photo where the evaluation of the DIY preamp is going on look sort of familiar. Any relation?

Regards,
Todd

Hi Todd,

They should look very familiar. Actually, they were requested to be used for the preamp evaluation. Scott, Nate and Matt had heard the JH3 Reference several times before and liked them a lot.

I hope you are finding them just as enjoyable. Have you considered driving down for the Iowa DIY event this fall? I think you'd enjoy it.

Jim

[Edge540]

Hello Jim,
Thank you for your quick answers. When laying everything out, I will definitely plan on the needed room behind the speakers, as you say. I really couldn't conceive a reason why the center channel crossover would be different as long as its standing upright, but thought it best to double check.
I'm currently using the RS tmww's and big RS center I built last year and really do like them. I plan for them to be used somewhere on the main floor. The Statements will be placed behind the screen so I don't plan on a labor intensive finish, just a material called Zolatone, which is basically a durable, spatter colored trunk paint.
I can now feel confident in purchasing parts over time.
thanks again,
Eric

[whoaru99]

Hi Todd,

They should look very familiar. Actually, they were requested to be used for the preamp evaluation. Scott, Nate and Matt had heard the JH3 Reference several times before and liked them a lot.

I hope you are finding them just as enjoyable. Have you considered driving down for the Iowa DIY event this fall? I think you'd enjoy it.

Jim

Yes, I am liking them. They have taken center stage in my main rig.

I'd really like to come to the Iowa gathering, but I'll have to see how my schedule is looking as it gets closer.

[littlesaint]

I've been following Modula NeoD CC thread looking to build 5 or 6 for HT, but the cost of those and my new found passion for SACD and vinyl has me looking at the Statements as well. However, the primary use will still be HT with some off-axis listening positions. Should I have any concerns about horizontal off-axis response?

[Jim Holtz]

Littlesaint: Should I have any concerns about horizontal off-axis response?

Hi Littlesaint,

No worries on off axis dispersion. Quite the contrary, actually. The 4" mids have exceptional dispersion, which combined with the open back, create an expansive sound stage. Whether you are watching a movie or listening to music, you'll find the Statements have a very large sweet spot and a sound stage with great depth. :T

I hope Wade and Asi pop in and give their impressions as well.

HTH

Jim

[Sefferdog]

Hi Littlesaint,

No worries on off axis dispersion. Quite the contrary, actually. The 4" mids have exceptional dispersion, which combined with the open back, create an expansive sound stage. Whether you are watching a movie or listening to music, you'll find the Statements have a very large sweet spot and a sound stage with great depth. :T

I hope Wade and Asi pop in and give their impressions as well.

HTH

Jim

I just finished watching Fracture and made it a point to listen from various spots around the room, both on and off axis. There is no problem at all with the off axis listening, in fact it is quite good. The open back mids make for a real treat, with both HT and music. This is with a less than optimal arrangement as well. My setup right now is the Statements in front, no sub, and Modula MTs in the rear. No center channel right now either. (Hopefully that will be addressed by Curt as soon as he finished the crossovers for the Mini's :P )

Anyway, I can assure you that if you were to build Jim, Curt, and Wayne's Statements you will be in cinematic hog heaven with a healthy dose of audio nirvana (in other words, they sound pretty darn good for ht, music, and whatever else you decide to use them for! Just for the heck of it, here is a look at my Mini Statement center, patiently waiting for a crossover. Have a great evening!

Wade! :T

[Hdale85]

I can't wait till I move. One of the requirements of the new place is at least a car port but we want a small garage just so I can get some power tools and build stuff! :B

[Curt C]

Mini Statements data posted:

...over on my site:

http://www.geocities.com/cc00541/MiniStatements.html

-and Jim hasn't even heard them yet!

C

[Sefferdog]

Curt, here is a pic of the Mini's. Jim had emailed me the crossover and I finished them today. I have one pic of it beside the Statement and one of just the Mini.

For comparison purposes the Mini is actually sitting on the Statement's base, so the statement is actually 4-5 inches taller than pictured.

Haven't had time to listen to them much, but initial impressions are very favorable. :T :T

[ThomasW]

Separate build threads for the center and Mini-Statement would be a good idea.... :T

[Dennis H]

:T :T :T

I'm picturing small sealed versions sitting on bass bins / subs. The RS180 gives almost a perfect 2nd order Butterworth at 80 Hz in a small sealed box which works perfectly with the stock 80 Hz THX 2nd order highpass and 4th order lowpass in most receivers.

[Curt C]

Thanks Sefferdog!

I've added your pic to the Mini Statement page. Hope you don't mind me 'borrowing' your speakers for a bit...

[Sefferdog]

Here is another pic of the Mini and the Statement together. I have the bases on both of these now with some measurements for reference. 8O

[Jim Holtz]

Here is another pic of the Mini and the Statement together. I have the bases on both of these now with some measurements for reference. 8O

Hi Wade,

Thanks for posting. That brings the Mini's size into perspective. The Statements sound quality in a smaller package that will provide higher WAF in some situations and perhaps a better fit in smaller rooms.

Perfect! :T

Jim

[Jim Holtz]

...over on my site:

http://www.geocities.com/cc00541/MiniStatements.html

-and Jim hasn't even heard them yet!

C

Hi Curt,

Sure! Rub it in... Seriously, I can't wait to hear them. Wade is our official 1st builder of the Mini's and has offered excellent feedback. Based on his impressions, it appears that we've achieved our goal of Statements sound quality in a smaller package.

Another exceptional job by the dynamic duo, Curt and Wayne. :T

Jim

[Sefferdog]

Hi Curt,
Based on his impressions, it appears that we've achieved our goal of Statements sound quality in a smaller package.

Another exceptional job by the dynamic duo, Curt and Wayne. :T

Jim

Jim,

You have certainly achieved your goals. The Mini's sound amazing. These would make excellent mains for someone who didn't have the space or the WAF for the Statements. I had them hooked up as mains for a couple of days and they are fantastic in that duty. The dual RS180's don't give up a whole lot to the RS225's. I enjoy those drivers. The only time I would use a sub with them would be for movies. For music they more than fill the bill for me (blues, jazz, rock, country).

As surrounds I can only comment on music, I have yet to watch a movie through them. I listened to the Eagles DVD's Hell Freezes Over and Farewell Concert, David Bowie Reality Tour, Pink Floyd DSOM, Johnny Cash Live, all in 5 channel, and then a ton of 2-channel stuff in all-channel stereo. I especially enjoyed the jazz/blues of Art Pepper, Ike Quebec, and Archie Shepp, to name a few. The sound of the brushes on the snare will send chills through you! 8O

I know a lot of people don't like multi-channel audio but I really enjoy it and the Mini's as surrounds just fit. Obviously they are designed to sound like the Statements and Curt and Wayne knocked one out of the park there! They have the same expansive sound stage due to the open back mids, they image like a mother, and from the lightest tap on a triangle to the thump from the lower registers of the bass these really shine. The mids from the W4 are stunning. Male vocals, female vocals, it ALL sounds "right".

As I told Jim in an email, I find it difficult to verbalize how I feel about these, and unless you have heard them I don't think you can understand. The Mini's and the Statements are that good individually, and as a set they are absolutely without a match as far as I am concerned. They have a "magic" in them that just has to be heard.

Jim is thanking the dynamic duo of Curt and Wayne but he is far too modest. It should be the terrific trio of Curt, Wayne, and Jim. It has been such a pleasure dealing with Jim throughout this build. I have emailed him countless times over the most trivial details and he always responds very quickly, providing any information and tips he can to help out. He is a true gentleman. Knowing him, he will refuse any credit, but he is due plenty! It has honestly been all my pleasure. ;x( ;x( ;x( ;x( ;x( ;x( ;x( ;x(

All that is left is the Statement center channel and I can only imagine how good that will sound.......

Thank you Jim, Curt, and Wayne. If any of you are ever in Central Fl. stop on in, it's on me!

[engr_dave]

Great designs Jim and Curt. :T
I'm thinking about building some mini-statements for a bedroom 2-channel system. A couple of questions:

1. The 1" space between the mid "tunnel" and the cabinet walls seems almost small enough to act as a tuned port to the small chamber behind the tweeter above. Measurements don't seem to indicate an issue, though.

2. Does the chamber in the base and rear opening contribute to the port tuning? Or can I make a simple rear-facing port. I'm considering eliminating the base and building the cabinet a bit taller (essentially using the volume of the base as cabinet volume) enabling reduction in cabinet depth just a bit (keeping the baffle width and overall speaker height the same).

3. Related to 2 (above): would a slightly shorter midrange "tunnel" matter?

Thanks
Dave

[Jim Holtz]

Great designs Jim and Curt. :T
I'm thinking about building some mini-statements for a bedroom 2-channel system. A couple of questions:

1. The 1" space between the mid "tunnel" and the cabinet walls seems almost small enough to act as a tuned port to the small chamber behind the tweeter above. Measurements don't seem to indicate an issue, though.

2. Does the chamber in the base and rear opening contribute to the port tuning? Or can I make a simple rear-facing port. I'm considering eliminating the base and building the cabinet a bit taller (essentially using the volume of the base as cabinet volume) enabling reduction in cabinet depth just a bit (keeping the baffle width and overall speaker height the same).

3. Related to 2 (above): would a slightly shorter midrange "tunnel" matter?

Thanks
Dave

Hi Dave,

I started a dedicated Mini Statements build thread so i'm going to copy your post and respond to it in that thread.

Jim

[Coconutout]

i just ordered all the BOM for the statements. this is going to be my first diy loudspeakers and boy, what a first it will be... natually i will have a ton of questions. the first one is- where should i be placing the crossovers? and instead of the square tunnels for the mids, how would a pvc work? i only consider this because i think ill have an easier time cutting a round hole on the back instead of square one...

[Jim Holtz]

i just ordered all the BOM for the statements. this is going to be my first diy loudspeakers and boy, what a first it will be... natually i will have a ton of questions. the first one is- where should i be placing the crossovers? and instead of the square tunnels for the mids, how would a pvc work? i only consider this because i think ill have an easier time cutting a round hole on the back instead of square one...

Welcome and I want to compliment you on your good taste in projects. It is a pretty major project for a 1st time but it'll come together with work and patience.

I'd suggest that you mount the crossover to the side of the cabinet in the bottom. You can attach it (pegboard) with a 1/2" screw or two and it won't go anywhere.

You can cut a round hole rather than a square one with out issue. That is actually what I have in my Statements. As far as PVC Vs. building the tunnel out of MDF, if you can find 5" PVC go for it. You'll have to add an additional brace since you'll lose the the strength of tying the mid tunnel to the side walls. I wouldn't recommend going to 6" PVC which is commonly available but untested.

Good luck and don't hesitate to ask questions if you need help.

Best regards,

Jim

[Coconutout]

well, i did have a very noobish question that i was hesitant to ask... what could be the easiest way of making a mistake with the crossovers and how can i make sure that it does not happen? if i have to buy a voltameter, or whatever equipment to test it out, i will do that. thanks.

[Jim Holtz]

well, i did have a very noobish question that i was hesitant to ask... what could be the easiest way of making a mistake with the crossovers and how can i make sure that it does not happen? if i have to buy a voltameter, or whatever equipment to test it out, i will do that. thanks.

Hi Coconutout,

The first step in building a crossover is to understand the symbols and learn how to read a schematic. If you're OK with that, a good soldering iron and Kester 63/37 solder is the next step. It's really hard to do a cold joint with 63/37, which is a good thing.

I build my crossovers on peg board and do point to point soldering. I also have began using terminal strips (8 port for a 3-way) which helps keep things organized.

The most common mistake is mixing up polarity. I've done it any number of times over the years so I've come to recognize the "echo" in the mids sound that points to it. That said, the mids are reverse polarity on the Statements so the wiring for the mids has the negative terminal of the driver connected to the positive side of the circuit leading to the binding posts.

I'm sure others can offer advice too. Building crossovers isn't hard nor does it require advanced soldering skills but it does require patience and attention to detail.

HTH

Jim

[Sefferdog]

well, i did have a very noobish question that i was hesitant to ask... what could be the easiest way of making a mistake with the crossovers and how can i make sure that it does not happen? if i have to buy a voltameter, or whatever equipment to test it out, i will do that. thanks.

Another thing you can do is lay out the components like you plan on without actually soldering, snap a pic, post it on here and get a second set of eyes looking at it. Good luck with your build and don't hesitate to fire away with any question. Jim helped me immensley, so if I can return the favor for someone else I want to be able to do that! :lol:

[Jim Holtz]

Thanks Wade! :T

Jim

[Sefferdog]

Thanks Wade! :T

Jim

No problem Jim. (also, my veneer is supposed to be here UPS tonight. I have to work tomorrow, but I have the following three days off. I will post pics.) :T

[Curt C]

well, i did have a very noobish question that i was hesitant to ask... what could be the easiest way of making a mistake with the crossovers and how can i make sure that it does not happen? if i have to buy a voltameter, or whatever equipment to test it out, i will do that. thanks.

Remember that we we were all noobs once, so there is no shame in asking the blunt question.

Here's a short article I wrote that may be of some help to you:

http://www.geocities.com/cc00541/nodal_analysis.html

C

[Jim Holtz]

Thanks Curt! :T

That's a perfect primer to crossover building.

Jim

[looneybomber]

Not that I'm going to be building these speakers any time soon, but for an added touch of elegance, I will try seeing if there are any local engravers that might be able to make a metal emblem for me.

Much like this metal emblem on the top of my Monitor Audio RS-1's.

Image not available

However, I want to use this font on say an 8"x4" (same width as the largest driver) emblem at the bottom of the enclosure.


Any guesses on how much an engraving like that on brushed aluminum would cost?

[Coconutout]

thanks, guys. i feel much more confident now. my second set of questions are- what gauge wires would you recommand for internals? i ordered silver coated 14 gauge from Apex and it seems a little too thin and am thinking about replacing them. also if you had about $100 extra in budget, what would you spend it on for upgrades? better binding posts? inductors? ect. also, do the drivers have to be flush mounted? i thank you guys in advance for any kind of input.

[JonP]

Maybe for the woofer side, and the main terminals to the crossover... should be way big for the mid/tweeter sides.

Hey, just double it up... 2X14g should meet even Jon Marsh's critical analysis...
:W

[Dennis H]

14 ga hookup wire is fine. The internal wires are so short that there won't be enough DC resistance to matter. Yes, the drivers should be flush mounted for the best results. Otherwise, you'll get diffraction off the frames causing uneven frequency response.

[yousuredo2]

I like it like this a little better...

[Jed]

Otherwise, you'll get diffraction off the frames causing uneven frequency response.

Yeah, if you don't have one, I'd buy a router with that extra $100 to flush mount the drivers. That'll make more of a difference than . . . boutique wire etc.

[Dennis H]

I like it like this a little better...

Yeah, that looks better with the a and e tucked inside the t's. (Typing during the commercials as I watch Darth Federer at work. )

[Jim Holtz]

Yeah, that looks better with the a and e tucked inside the t's. (Typing during the commercials as I watch Darth Federer at work. )

I agree with Dennis. I think it looks awesome. However, I'm a polished brass fan rather than brushed aluminum. :T

Anyone have an idea of where these could be made and at what cost? They would certainly add elegance to the finished speaker.

Jim

[Curt C]

I agree with Dennis. I think it looks awesome. However, I'm a polished brass fan rather than brushed aluminum. :T

Anyone have an idea of where these could be made and at what cost? They would certainly add elegance to the finished speaker.

Jim

Well, Hi Jim!

Check with your local trophy shop. Most will be able to laser any design you bring in onto any sheet material that can goe on a trophy. I had some placards made years ago, and it was about $100 for the setup and $5 per placard. -Surely it will be cheaper now...

Group buy? -You could personally autograph each one! Who knows what value that will add to them in years to come. :W

[Coconutout]

i would definitly go for a group buy- i would put my plate on the back, above the binding posts and let the drivers do the talking on the front. also, what do you think about having a metal base such as one in the picture instead of the wooden one? if it affects the performance in any way i would ditch it in a second but they look so sweeet...

sorry, im still new with vista and am unable to copy/paste the picture.
but it lets me do that with the hyperlink- more the reason to go with an imac next time.
link to pic

[Jim Holtz]

Group buy? -You could personally autograph each one! Who knows what value that will add to them in years to come.

Right.... If anyone does any autographing, it should be the infamous crossover designer that made them sound so good. That's my vote, and I'm sticking to it. :T

Jim

[Jim Holtz]

also, what do you think about having a metal base such as one in the picture instead of the wooden one? if it affects the performance in any way i would ditch it in a second but they look so sweeet...
link to pic

The metal base is fine and won't affect performance at all as long as it brings the ribbon to ear level.

Jim

[Curt C]

Right.... If anyone does any autographing, it should be the infamous crossover designer that made them sound so good. That's my vote, and I'm sticking to it. :T

Jim

Ha! Whoever said you had a vote? The sign in your front yard says: "Jim Holtz / Home of the Statements" doesn't it? Bask in your 15 seconds of fame my friend! :sn After all, they are your design. I just threw some crossover parts at them...

C

[Sefferdog]

Ha! Whoever said you had a vote? The sign in your front yard says: "Jim Holtz / Home of the Statements" doesn't it? Bask in your 15 seconds of fame my friend! :sn After all, they are your design. I just threw some crossover parts at them...

C

I can't comment on Jim's yard but here is a pic of my front yard. Notice I had the county change the name of my street and then the sign has been in my front yard since I stoked the Statements up. Thanks guys.