narrow and wide baffles and imaging


According to all the "professional" audio reviews that I've read over the last several years, narrow baffles are crucial to creating that so-desired pin-point imaging.

However, over the last few weeks, I've had the opportunity to audition Harbeth 40.2, Spendor Classic 100, Audio Note AN-E, and Devore O/93.  None of these had deficient imaging; indeed I would go so far as to say that it was good to very good.

So, what gives?  I'm forced to conclude that modern designs, 95% of which espouse the narrow baffle, are driven by aesthetic/cosmetic considerations, rather than acoustical ones, and the baffle~imaging canard is just an ex post facto justification.

I can understand the desire to build speakers that fit into small rooms, are relatively unobtrusive, and might pass the SAF test, but it seems a bit much to add on the idea that they're essentially the only ones that will do imaging correctly.



128x128twoleftears
Yes but shape of the baffle is just as important - rounded smooth edges are best.

Very Narrow baffles will image second best.

Very wide baffles (like mine) will image third best.

Speakers flush mounted into a wall with essentially an infinite baffle image the very best.

 Intermediate size baffles tend to be the worst (about 1 foot to 2 foot).

Wilson triangular angler Watt puppy design is a very good example of a small effective unobtrusive baffle.

summary 

Excellent < 1 foot (think small two way and audio physic narrow designs)
1 foot < mediocre < 2 feet
very good > 3 feet
perfect > 10 feet

but remember the shape of baffle edges can be just as critical.


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@shadorne Interesting.  If I understand correctly, those parameters would put both the Harbeth and the Spendor into your "worst" category.

@kosst_amojan How wide is wide in your reckoning?  Also wondering how proper radiusing of corners mitigates other problems.

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Rack in corner would be bad because of excessive bass frequencies causing vibration to the components. You do want to get the rack in equipment out between the speakers, that's for sure! Preferably in another room