OK folks, this is a somewhat important blog entry. How many of you have actually built systems using drivers with higher non-linear distortion on purpose just to see how they sound? I have, several times. Now I'm going to build another distorted pair, but this one is intended for public use. This distorted pair will be built with a twin brother that is the same in every way, except it will have much improved non-linear distortion. Of course the drivers will be different, but they will have the same enclosures, crossover point, filtered driver response and power response. I've selected drivers with similar low end extension. And through a bit of unique crossover work, they will also have the same sensitivity and impedance curve. Then I'll ship them out to various listeners to hear for themselves.
We'll have a full set of measurements of each system, including all my standards, plus multi-tone IMD plots, and all done at several levels too. The goal is to help people to relate what they see in measurements to what they hear, because this skill is seriously lacking in the DIY loudspeaker community. Hell, it's lacking in the professional community too, including some members who think they've come up with evidence that non-linear distortion doesn't matter. People will see the importance of non-linear distortion information for themselves with some relatively long term and in-depth listening.
To participate, you will need to be in the 48 continental United States and you will need to be available for listening for one scheduled week. Then, you'll need to be willing and able to pay for shipping of 2 small pairs of speakers to the next recipient. Participants will need to be respected and trusted members of the DIY loudspeaker community so that I know you won't just keep the speakers when they come to you. (one pair will have significant value) Paticipants will be required to do a small write-up on what they heard, but they will be required to keep it secret until everyone gets their listening time in. Write-ups will be gathered here and presented all at once.
If you're interested, stay tuned. Details are being worked out. When the systems are ready to ship, I'll get some volunteers and we'll get the crew rolling. It might be later this coming summer, but this definitely will happen.
