Steel Sphere Midrange

[TLS Guy]

Is there a way to compensate for that? Doesn't ringing occur along certain frequencies? Would I do better with Bronze (1/4 the rating of steel on the Youngs modulus chart).

Bronze would be another bad choice. Your cheapest suitable metal would be aluminum.

If you want to make a sphere, I would choose fiber glass.

 

[JerryLove]

If you want to make a sphere, I would choose fiber glass.

I would certainly prefer it not *look* like fiberglass. Perhaps I can cover it in metal leaf.

When does steel go frmo useful to ringing? I know Chris uses a good deal of steel box and L-beams in at least some of his speakers.

Aluminum is doable.

 

[TLS Guy]

I would certainly prefer it not *look* like fiberglass. Perhaps I can cover it in metal leaf.

When does steel go frmo useful to ringing? I know Chris uses a good deal of steel box and L-beams in at least some of his speakers.

Aluminum is doable.

You can make fiber glass have a very high end finish.

 

[avaserfi]

Dynamat or Peel N' Seal adhered to steel should prevent ringing. I would go with an aluminum sphere, it would look better.

BTW I am not aware of any 5" midrange (if that really is the intended band) worth using when accounting for a quality tweeter and woofer to mate.

 

[JerryLove]

I was thinking about some of the mids discussed in http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59558&highlight=infinity

Though I've not gotten as far as picking specific mid and high drivers (which will influence mostly construction and size). Right now I'm only anywhere near that far on the base and it's woofer: I'm just trying to figure out the feasibility of a metallic sphere

 

[avaserfi]

If you are refering to the Infinity MRS, that driver is rectangular which will make the sphere idea even harder.

 

[JerryLove]

If you are refering to the Infinity MRS, that driver is rectangular which will make the sphere idea even harder.

the MRS is one option, though I wasn't focusing specifically on it. Yes, the rectangle would be a challenge.

There's also B&W 5" and 6" drivers mentioned (though there's some dispute as to how get-able they are).

As I said: I'm mostly trying to figure out what would be involved in building. I'll sort out specific dimensions and such when I do pick a driver. The answers seem to go in both directions. I know there are some metal-sphere speakers out there. Does anyone have experience taking measurements on them?

 

[WmAx]

Steel is a great material. You simply have to dampen it to prevent oscillation.

-Chris

 

[WmAx]

Thanks for all the suggestions there. It's something I'll definitely quantify or avoid.

Chris, if you are out there: you've often used steel bracing in your speakers. Do you have any input on the dangers of a steel enclosure for a midrange driver?

No dangers. It is the best bracing/sub-frame material I have used to date. It does not ring if you have sufficient dampening mechanism(s) in place. As far as effecting the motor's magnetic flux field; it can have very little effect. Nothing substantial. Even if you apply a strong magnet to the back of a motor - the difference in response will be small in effect.

-Chris