is it worth it? "diffraction be gone" pads?

[jimdgoulding]

Diffraction is very real, and its audibility is not independant of SPL.

The problem is, you can't just "add-on" anything and always expect positive results.

You're a man after my own heart, your signature, sir.

 

[jimdgoulding]

I don't question the reality of diffraction and what a little properly cut felt can do to minimize any harm from it. I do, however, question when someone recommends the use of some exotic materials over more commonly avalilable items that will, in most cases, provide the same audiable results. I also have the same attitude towards botique cables.

And, yes, a lot of this hobby runs on snob appeal.

Mark, I'm no snob and if I've come across as one that's a mistake. I singled out the quality of wool I use cause most stuff commercially available has so much synthetic material woven into it and it's the wool that does the work. The Peruvian sheep thing was a mistake, I see in retrospect. I was just trying to be amusing and it came out glib. I consider myself busted.

I regret that this could overshadow the purpose and effectiveness of what I make to eliminate diffraction effects. It never was meant to be about me. For box speakers owners with right or near right angles, it works real good! Cheers

 

[STRONGBADF1]

What grade felt are you using, F-3, F-7 or F-11 ?

 

[jimdgoulding]

What grade felt are you using, F-3, F-7 or F-11 ?

Grade is F3

 

[mtrycrafts]

...Some user comments using a variety of speakers and a pic can be see at my website. 2008 TAS Golden Ear Award from Robt. E. Greene, technical editor
And here's a comment from an enthusiatic customer I'm rather fond of:

"Jim, after a week of use on the VR1s and VR4JRs I'm convinced these pads are not going back. I really like what they do each of my systems. Overall the impact of the pads seems to be to create sharper transients, more detailed imaging and improved image focus and significantly truer-sounding instrument timber. The general impression is for instruments and vocals to have more of a live performance sound with the sound becoming freed of the speaker boxes. And finally, while nothing actually sounded harsh before the pads, with the pads there seems to be a more effortless, natural-sounding presentation of the music - as though there was some harshness I wasn't aware of that is now gone. It feels like I'm finally hearing what my system is capable of, what I've expected with every other upgrade and never found , and finally hear. Thanks for a giving me the sound I've been looking for.

...
Two nghts ago I had a friend over, a professional musician (bassist), and he was amazed at the realism my system now produces. Said it was the closest he'd ever heard a home system produce what sounds like a live venue. Joe G."
....

Ya'll be cool. Uncle Jim

Firstly, welcome

Now to these endorsements. I guess they are not biased in any manner and been certified reliable reporters of facts?

 

[mtrycrafts]

Does he breeed his own sheep?

Of course! And following the organic principles.

 

[mtrycrafts]

...So, by your definition, a maker of something that a person can make for themselves is an exploiter of audiophools? Boy, that includes a lot of designer/manufacturers and lot of listeners that would dispute being included in that statement. As would a few reviewers.

Don't worry, they are also included in that group of exploiters. Oh, being a reviewer gives you what, exactly??? Who certifies them to be a reviewer of fact based information?

... My claim is simply that I make the most effective 'product' of its kind ever to appear in the market.
....

Yes, that is a claim. I think you left out the proof for that claim. An opinion? Perhaps but that too needs some sort of support, no?

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Grade is F3

The only problem I have is the cost. Wool felt is not expensive and very easy to cut. Approved Vendor 2FHG4 Felt Sheet, F3, 3/8 In Thick, 12 x 12 In

The "all natural" thing is a little hippie to me and misleading because F-3 wool blend felt is specified as 85% wool content and the other material is usually Rayon. Felted wool is usually an all wool process and not an industrial "F" graded scale product as far as I have ever seen.

Tweaks are tweaks and to each their own.

 

[lsiberian]

wouldn't rockwool be better for this purpose?

 

[STRONGBADF1]

wouldn't rockwool be better for this purpose?

I thought the same thing but F3 is more durable.

 

[jimdgoulding]

Gents- Spent quite some time composing a reply to Strong, in particular, thanking him for his courtesy and telling all about the research and my findings only to have it vanish when I tried to post. It included a photo and a link to enlarge it and that may have been a or the reason, don't know. A message appeared that it required a moderators approval, as best I remember. Anybody have any idea about what might have happened?

I did find some 100% wool felt in China. Couldn't verify the thickness and it's white. Appreciably more expensive from what I could tell and it's white.
What I have been using has a synthetic bindary material in the mix with a ratio of approx 9 to 1 wool. Whadda ya gonna do. It's the best I have been able to find and works very well. There is not anything really TO do. I use my product on my Meridian actives and most of the feedback I've gotten from customers is enthusiastically positive, far and away. I've been making tweeter surrounds for speaker owners for whom this will benefit on every continent except Antartica since 2007.

I remain at your service and will answer any questions here or via email.

Thank you. Jim

 

[lsiberian]

continent except Antartica since 2007.

I'd think you could find someone on Antartica to use your wool.

 

[jimdgoulding]

I'd think you could find someone on Antartica to use your wool.

Not my wool, mate. My product. We'll see.

 

[djreef]

I know the Phase Tech PC-8.5 used a difraction diffuser of some type (foam) on the hf driver years ago with pretty good results. The speakers were pretty well received and sounded great for mid-fi.

DJ

 

[cpp]

Maybe properly built speakers might not need assistance from wool, rubber, foam etc... Just saying.

PS: are there any measurements from a trusted source that identifies if these "items' contribute to the improvement of sound exiting the speaker.