Randy,

Thank you for sharing such a houghtful approach for folks to experience an open baffle speaker set up.  I would also encourage folks to attend Decfest to for a listen if possible. That is where I fell in love with your F15 baffles. I don't think I'll ever go back to box speakers again.

HK

Quote:


+1. I’ve been fortunate to have heard a lot of different speakers in my life and the F-15’s in open baffle were a game changer for me. I’ve since voiced my entire system around them. At ~$400 a pair it’s just uncanny how good they are.

Dominic- check out https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650335215-lii-song-zf15l-complete-speakers-w...

Hi Sean,

That's a great question .....

Over the past 11 years, I have built open baffles in a variety of sizes and shapes and with a variety of driver configurations.

Here are a few of my thoughts.
Please note that I make no claims to be any kind of expert on audio related subjects. I am not a sound engineer and have no diagnostic equipment other than the two receptors that are mounted on the sides of my head .....

However, I know what I'm hearing and I know what I like.
The audio hobby is largely based on personal preferences, tastes and opinions ..... and like noses, everybody has one.

Having said that, it is a fact that the size of an open baffle determines how much bass that the speaker will make.
A bigger baffle creates more bass ... it's that simple.
That can be a good thing or a bad thing based on the size of the driver used and the size of the listening room.

If a person has a big listening room, a pair of larger baffles will usually work well in that room.

If a person has a smaller listening room, a smaller baffle or a baffle with a smaller driver will probably sound better.
The bass will be "tighter" and better defined.

Of course, room treatment can make a big difference ..... but not everyone has that option ..... especially if they are married and the listening room is also their living room or family room .....

I have found that open baffles with "rounded" edges sound better to me than square or rectangular baffles.
Your mileage may vary .....

When I first started building open baffles, I made some BIG ones.



They sounded pretty good and created a BIG soundstage.

However, when I made the first pair of low-profile barrel shaped baffles with a single driver, the "big dogs" were disassembled and I never looked back.



The low profile baffles create a pretty cool "sonic illusion" with the stereo image "floating" above the baffles.

This allows the baffles to disappear very well, both visually and sonically.

With a good recording, the soundstage / stereo image extends past the front wall and side walls of the listening room.

One other thing to be considered .....
The placement of the driver on the baffle affects the tonal balance.
The higher the driver is on the baffle, the less low end the speaker will make.
The lower the driver is on the baffle, the more low end the speaker will make.
This is because the driver is "coupled" to the floor of the room ..... which increases the bass response.

About 90% of the baffles I sell are for the Lii Song F-15 driver.
For many music lovers, this is a good choice because they make a good amount of low end and for many music lovers the bass response is adequate without adding a subwoofer.

However, if a person has a smaller listening room, a better option might be a smaller Lii Song driver.
A subwoofer can always be added, if needed.

I am always happy to answer questions, with the caveat that my input is only my opinion based on my experience.

caintuck.ob@outlook.com

Happy listening,
Randy