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Speaker Analysis for Armchair Critics

Hello everyone,
There’s a very important discipline called "Speaker Analysis" or "Speaker Testing" which though complicated, is brilliantly illustrated in this breakdown of the B&W 685.


http://www.audioexcite.com/?page_id=6070

Speaker analysis is to measure each of the components both separately and as they come together in a complete system. It is a part of creating a new loudspeaker, but it can also be used to analyze an existing speaker, to understand it and perhaps to make it better.  I prefer the term Analysis because it better reflects that the goal is not merely quality assurance, but to build a complete electro acoustical understanding of the system as a whole so changes can be considered, and their final results predicted.


This particular article does just that, and comes up with a couple of suggestions for re-working the crossover to end up with hopefully a better end result. At the very least, it is a significantly different speaker at the end, and achieves a far greater level of change than cables can.


I share this with all of you just as an example of the work that goes into making a loudspeaker from parts, and the tools, and how much of what we hear has to do with choices made in the crossover.


Best,

Erik
erik_squires
perkri
924 posts
 
Once again, Kenjit fails to answer any question directly.

Politician perhaps???

"You have opened a can of worms here you dont know what youre getting yourself into.

Speaker design is a mishmash of ideas with a bit of hogwash for good measure."

Direct question:

What do the above two statements mean - specifically? No round about silliness with diversionary ramblings switching the subject.

Regarding the eagle:

...we walked with frail apprehension, our eyes daring not look up. We knew the force, power and majesty of everything was there, looking down at us. We who were so much less then it. All we could, was stop, close our eyes and listen in fear as all was about to be revealed with crystalline clarity...
perkri
924 posts
 
And how about that "There is no sound signature its a myth" statement.

Are you going to back up that rather "bold" statement?

gregm
3,411 posts
 
Gentlemen
So the B&W X-over could be improved IMO
I don't think anybody is asserting that B&W made a mistake. Their engineers obviously voiced the speaker for different use and for a different system than what we are accustomed to -- indeed, quite possibly for a non-audiophile customer.
When Duke or diyers suggest "improving the XO (is possible)" they are thinking in audiophile terms. So, from our point of view smoothing the speaker's response curve is important here. IMHO, YMMV, etc


kenjit
1,771 posts
 
I dont see any proof that there is a signature sound. Surely the burden of proof is on the person making a claim?

What do the above two statements mean - specifically? No round about silliness with diversionary ramblings switching the subject

Speaker design has no rules. I am arguing against what Erik squires says. he says 

Speaker analysis is to measure each of the components both separately and as they come together in a complete system. It is a part of creating a new loudspeaker, but it can also be used to analyze an existing speaker, to understand it and perhaps to make it better.  

His opinion is that there is some method and expertise involved in speaker design. I claim that in practice this is false because even though there are many ideas about for example what cabinet material to use and what polar response is best, in the end after all the analysis, there is no consensus. We dont know what the designers intended goal was and whether it has been reached and if so, intentionally or by chance. 
The analysis is all wrong anyway because it doesn't involve the end user who is the most important person in the process of the design not the designer. Its all to do with custom tuning to your ears. A lot of these designers are not doing controlled tests and analyses. I heard that Revel do blind tests which is a start. But what about all the other speaker companies? Why don't they publish their distortion figures and frequency response if they are so confident? Do not be duped. 



facten
2,938 posts
 
Gee , are Bose and Sonos fine tuning their speakers that you think are better than high end speakers to your golden, super sensitive ears ?  Are those cheap ear buds you listen to fine tuned to those golden, super sensitive ears. Time to get off this ridiculous  narrative of yours
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