Bob,
I'm glad all is well with you and family. Scary stuff especially the
loss of life. These storms seem much more frequent and earlier in
season than I remember in the past. But then again I'm in the south
now and pay more attention I guess.

The FT1600II's are no slouches so it's no surprise your other
offerings are better yet. I just changed all my equipment from all EE
( I'm nuts!) and have no desire to change speakers. I have had people
over here tell me it sounds better than live! Hmm, just what does that
mean? Actual "Live" performance is really imperfect. I have my room
(although smaller) treated more extensively than before too so things
are really natural studio sounding. The Benchmark DAC1 does that. I
like it a lot.

I recommend your speakers every chance I get.
My buddy with the moded Trends T10.1
is a beginner with space restrictions, kids etc.. But he had to get
into it since hearing my setup. He has never heard Vinyl sound so good.

It's great you did well at the Texas gathering. Need to get the word
out with all that tube stuff out there.


Stay Safe!

Den












--- In brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com, "rbrines@..." <rbrines@...>
wrote:
>
> Den,
>
> Tornadoes miss us. Actually, I was on my way to Dallas for the Lone
> Star Audio Fest dragging a 5x8 U-Haul trailer behind my Ranger when I
> passed through that front near Texarkana. As if the trailer wasn't
> enough drag, there was a 20kt headwind.
>
> The LT-2000/DX2 is still dropping jaws among the audiophiles. The show
> stopper, though, is the FB-20. Nobody has heard a small BR go to 35Hz
> with such authority. The FE207E is nowhere as detail and involving as
> the DX2, but still it's a darn fine speaker. Worth twice the price.
>
> Hm....
>
> Bob
>
> --- In brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com, "najuchd" <bacobits1@> wrote:
> >
> > Bob,
> > How ya doing down there with the tornadoes?
> > That's not far from you.
> >
> > Den
>

Den,

Tornadoes miss us. Actually, I was on my way to Dallas for the Lone
Star Audio Fest dragging a 5x8 U-Haul trailer behind my Ranger when I
passed through that front near Texarkana. As if the trailer wasn't
enough drag, there was a 20kt headwind.

The LT-2000/DX2 is still dropping jaws among the audiophiles. The show
stopper, though, is the FB-20. Nobody has heard a small BR go to 35Hz
with such authority. The FE207E is nowhere as detail and involving as
the DX2, but still it's a darn fine speaker. Worth twice the price.

Hm....

Bob

--- In brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com, "najuchd" <bacobits1@...> wrote:
>
> Bob,
> How ya doing down there with the tornadoes?
> That's not far from you.
>
> Den

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airlines dominating the sky, the passengers can now enjoy the best
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Visit the website now to find out how to get the cheap and free air
tickets: http://air.myguideforlife.com

Bob,
How ya doing down there with the tornadoes?
That's not far from you.

Den







--- In brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com, "najuchd" <bacobits1@...> wrote:
>
> Indeed the T amp sounds very good. My friend brought over an Audio
> Magus moded Trends TA10.1 today and looking at that little box next to
> the FT1600's was hilarious. For $235 is is extremely good. Not as good
> as my tubes but good. He will be using it with bookshelf BP25's since
> being restricted to space. I did try to talk him into Bob's smaller
> speakers.
>
> Den
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com, "rbrines@" <rbrines@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Kevin,
> >
> > I have a tube amp which I use for demonstrations because audiophile
> > demand tube amps, but as you probably know, I use a T-amp for my
> > personal listening. If you prefer the sound of a tube amp, then by all
> > means use one. I find the T-amps to be honest, clear and detailed.
> >
> > Bob
> >
> > --- In brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com, "sschuyler59"
> > <sschuyler59@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Thanks for the responces.
> > >
> > > I am aware of the need to upgrade the input caps on the original
> SI and
> > > I will look into that.
> > >
> > > I am interested in how well the Trends amps work with the 1600s
too.
> > >
> > > The digital amps look so much more energy efficient (carbon
> footprint,
> > > global warming and all that).
> > >
> > > The parts to up fix/mod/upgrade the ST-70 would end up costing as
> much
> > > or more than a digital amp.
> > >
> > > Hmmmm.
> > >
> > >        Kevin
> > >
> >
>

Indeed the T amp sounds very good. My friend brought over an Audio
Magus moded Trends TA10.1 today and looking at that little box next to
the FT1600's was hilarious. For $235 is is extremely good. Not as good
as my tubes but good. He will be using it with bookshelf BP25's since
being restricted to space. I did try to talk him into Bob's smaller
speakers.

Den







--- In brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com, "rbrines@..." <rbrines@...>
wrote:
>
> Kevin,
>
> I have a tube amp which I use for demonstrations because audiophile
> demand tube amps, but as you probably know, I use a T-amp for my
> personal listening. If you prefer the sound of a tube amp, then by all
> means use one. I find the T-amps to be honest, clear and detailed.
>
> Bob
>
> --- In brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com, "sschuyler59"
> <sschuyler59@> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks for the responces.
> >
> > I am aware of the need to upgrade the input caps on the original
SI and
> > I will look into that.
> >
> > I am interested in how well the Trends amps work with the 1600s too.
> >
> > The digital amps look so much more energy efficient (carbon
footprint,
> > global warming and all that).
> >
> > The parts to up fix/mod/upgrade the ST-70 would end up costing as
much
> > or more than a digital amp.
> >
> > Hmmmm.
> >
> >        Kevin
> >
>

Kevin,

I have a tube amp which I use for demonstrations because audiophile
demand tube amps, but as you probably know, I use a T-amp for my
personal listening. If you prefer the sound of a tube amp, then by all
means use one. I find the T-amps to be honest, clear and detailed.

Bob

--- In brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com, "sschuyler59"
<sschuyler59@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks for the responces.
>
> I am aware of the need to upgrade the input caps on the original SI and
> I will look into that.
>
> I am interested in how well the Trends amps work with the 1600s too.
>
> The digital amps look so much more energy efficient (carbon footprint,
> global warming and all that).
>
> The parts to up fix/mod/upgrade the ST-70 would end up costing as much
> or more than a digital amp.
>
> Hmmmm.
>
>        Kevin
>

Thanks for the responces.

I am aware of the need to upgrade the input caps on the original SI and
I will look into that.

I am interested in how well the Trends amps work with the 1600s too.

The digital amps look so much more energy efficient (carbon footprint,
global warming and all that).

The parts to up fix/mod/upgrade the ST-70 would end up costing as much
or more than a digital amp.

Hmmmm.

        Kevin



--- In brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com, "rbrines@..." <rbrines@...>
wrote:
>
>>
> The original T-amp needs to have the input capacitors replaced because
> of the early bass roll-off. It's bass is OK for most things, but it
> really needs the mod.
>
> Bob
>

--- In brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com, "sschuyler59"
<sschuyler59@...> wrote:
> Is the little T-amp up to the task of driving the FT-1600 to passable
> sound level?
>
Very much so. You only need a couple of watts to get reasonable SPL
out of the FT-1600's. The SI Super T-amp has enough headroom for
reasonable dynamics.

The original T-amp needs to have the input capacitors replaced because
of the early bass roll-off. It's bass is OK for most things, but it
really needs the mod.

Bob

Interesting timely question. A friend of mine just ordered the AudioMagus
Trends TA 10.1 moded and we should have it next week. I have had
FT1600's for almost 3 years and they are great. I had been using them
with an EE Mini Max 8watts/ch amp with very nice results never running
out of power. I am now using a Vista Audio i34, EL34, 35watts/ch and
things are extremely nice. I would say that ST70 would also be very
nice. I will report back on how the little Trends amp sounds when it
arrives.

D






--- In brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com, "sschuyler59"
<sschuyler59@...> wrote:
>
> I am thinking of a new speakers.
>
> Amps are the question.
>
> I have an old Dyna ST-70 that is out of service and needs a rebuild
> but I also have a Sonic Impact T-amp.
>
> Is the little T-amp up to the task of driving the FT-1600 to passable
> sound level?
>
> I have read about the speakers and the design philosophy. My tastes
> in music come very close to the styles the speaker was designed for,
> Jazz and 18th century classical.
>
> So do I work on getting the ST-70 back on line or is the little SI
> going to do for now and I can "back burner" the Dyna rebuild till
> fall?
>
> Thanks to any who express an opinion.
>
>                  Kevin Richard-Morrow
>

I am thinking of a new speakers.

Amps are the question.

I have an old Dyna ST-70 that is out of service and needs a rebuild
but I also have a Sonic Impact T-amp.

Is the little T-amp up to the task of driving the FT-1600 to passable
sound level?

I have read about the speakers and the design philosophy. My tastes
in music come very close to the styles the speaker was designed for,
Jazz and 18th century classical.

So do I work on getting the ST-70 back on line or is the little SI
going to do for now and I can "back burner" the Dyna rebuild till
fall?

Thanks to any who express an opinion.

                  Kevin Richard-Morrow

For anyone withing driving range of Dallas, I highly recommend this
audio show. Lots of good stuff on display. Mostly, these are the
little guys on the fringes that can't afford the big shows. Come give
a listen.

I will have a good cross section of my product line at the show. See
you there.

Bob

http://www.lonestaraudiofest.com/schedule.html

----- Original Message -----

From: Bob Brines

To: brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, January 06, 2008 12:58 PM

Subject: [brines_acoustics] Re: Hi Bob

Hi, Den

I couldn't afford Wayne's price. Wayne has been carrying me for a
while, but in all fairness, I thought it was time to pull the plug.

Business pretty much crashed about a year ago. I've have very few
commissions, although the DIY market for plans is going strong. I am
contemplating what I am going to build for Dallas this year. I am
leaning toward a version of the FT-1600 with all curved surfaces. It
will have to be CNC machined and there will be a lot of waste
material, so I will probably have to charge something like $1500 for a
pair. I will probably also do some mods to the FE167E's. I have always
kept my pricing as low a possible, but I sense that the price may be
too low for some potential buyers. How can a $900 pair of speakers
sound any good? We'll see.

Happy New Year.

Bob

--- In brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com, "najuchd" <najuchd@...> wrote:
>
> I didn't know you were here now.
>
> Den N.
>

Hi, Den

I couldn't afford Wayne's price. Wayne has been carrying me for a
while, but in all fairness, I thought it was time to pull the plug.

Business pretty much crashed about a year ago. I've have very few
commissions, although the DIY market for plans is going strong. I am
contemplating what I am going to build for Dallas this year. I am
leaning toward a version of the FT-1600 with all curved surfaces. It
will have to be CNC machined and there will be a lot of waste
material, so I will probably have to charge something like $1500 for a
pair. I will probably also do some mods to the FE167E's. I have always
kept my pricing as low a possible, but I sense that the price may be
too low for some potential buyers. How can a $900 pair of speakers
sound any good? We'll see.

Happy New Year.

Bob


--- In brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com, "najuchd" <najuchd@...> wrote:
>
> I didn't know you were here now.
>
> Den N.
>

I didn't know you were here now.

Den N.

Well, if the FR plot is anywhere near correct, and TB FR plots are
hugely smoothed, this is a very impressive driver. I am amazed that a
metal cone shows no break-up below 10kHz. The T/S parameters look good
for a MLTL, But....

Have you noticed that I don't offer a product with a driver smaller
than 6"? The reason: You cannot get any meaningful SPL below 100 Hz
with a 4" driver. Your maximum SPL will be below 95dB -- no dynamics.
Your F3 point is going to be 70 Hz or higher, meaning that you can't
even get to the bottom of a guitar, let alone a double bass.

The correct application for this or any other small driver is as a
mid-tweeter. Put the driver in a sealed box or perhaps an OB and cross
it to a real woofer at ~ 300Hz.

I really would like to find a suitable driver for the "Straight Pipe",
but there are no full range 5"ers that have the excursion and the Fs
of the old RS driver. Maybe sosmeday.

Bob


--- In brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com, "leeleduc" <leeleduc@...> wrote:
>
> I've been playing with this driver in an adjustable length straight
> pipe TL just to get familiar with the TL concept. It's been fun to see
> how the stuffing and length changes the sound.
>
> I've calculated the dimensions for a voight pipe (it turned out to be
> a scaled down version of Mr. Brines straight pipe that used the RS
> 40-1354a. I used an Fs of 70 Hz vs. 55 Hz). I may build it to see how
> it works.
>
> I'm interested in the MLTL design.
>
> I'm curious if anyone has tried the Tang Band W4-1337 in a MLTL.
>
> Thanks
>

I can also recommend the FT17H. I mounted it in the rear of the
cabinet (drilled a new hole) and it worked very well, it just added a
bit of air and sparkle to things. The rear mounting is a good idea -
not so beamy and invisible - (I like the visual illusion a of a single
driver)

Pete,

Been out of town -- sorry.

Works fine! Ive tried both the FT17H horn tweeter and the FT7RP ribbon
tweeter. Somewhat different results.

The FT7RP has very wide dispersion, so it tends to fill the space with
"air". The FT17H has much narrower dispersion, which more of less
matches the dispersion of the FE167E's. This tends to maintain the
sweet spot. Now if you want "air" with the FT17H, point it into the
wall behind the speaker, or into the near corner.

With either tweeter, you will probably want to start with a 1uF cap.
An L-pad is a good idea, particularly for testing.

Bob

--- In brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com, "pete_whitley"
<pete_whitley@...> wrote:
>
> How would it work to mount an outboard ribbon tweeter on top of my
> FT1600 mkIIs?
>
> I'm trying to create a more more open ,airy soundstage like....
> well.....my Magnepans.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Pete
>

I've been playing with this driver in an adjustable length straight
pipe TL just to get familiar with the TL concept. It's been fun to see
how the stuffing and length changes the sound.

I've calculated the dimensions for a voight pipe (it turned out to be
a scaled down version of Mr. Brines straight pipe that used the RS
40-1354a. I used an Fs of 70 Hz vs. 55 Hz). I may build it to see how
it works.

I'm interested in the MLTL design.

I'm curious if anyone has tried the Tang Band W4-1337 in a MLTL.

Thanks

How would it work to mount an outboard ribbon tweeter on top of my
FT1600 mkIIs?

I'm trying to create a more more open ,airy soundstage like....
well.....my Magnepans.

Thanks,

Pete

Russell,

Can do. I'll send the latest version to your email address.

Bob

--- In brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com, "Russell Black"
<russman99@...> wrote:
>
> Hello Bob
>
>
>
> I wonder if you could help me out.  I recently suffered a computer
disaster
> and lost my pdfs for the LT-2000.  Any chance of sending me a
replacement
> set ?
>
>
>
> Your help much appreciated.
>
>
>
> Russell Black
>
>
>
> From: brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Bob Brines
> Sent: Friday, 8 June 2007 6:28 PM
> To: brines_acoustics@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [brines_acoustics] Re:DX-3 Filter
>
>
>
> The only change I made was to add a couple of ohms of series resistance
> to the filter. This gives a very sweet sound, almost laid back for a
> Lowther speaker. Play with the resistance to get the sound you want.
>
> Bob
>
>
>
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.11/838 - Release Date:
7/06/2007
> 2:21 PM
>
>
> No virus found in this outgoing message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.5/1148 - Release Date:
23/11/2007
> 7:39 PM
>

I am sorry that a spam message was posted to the news group. These
things happen. I deleted the offending message, and, Russel, I deleted
yours also so all traces of the spam are removed.

I see messages posted here as digests, so the damage is already done
when I learn about it. The best thing that readers can do is ignore
any spam posts. Replies, even negative replies only encourage
spammers. Another piece of advise that you probably already know,
never, NEVER unsubscribe from a spam post.

Sorry again.

Bob

Actually, the choice of port in front/back is pretty much one of
cosmetics. As long as the speakers are at least a foot or so out from
the wall, rear ports work just fine.

Bob

Is it okay to locate the port at the rear of a MLTL enclosure ?
All the photos I've seen has the port at the front.
So, is the port on the front baffle essential to the MLTL type of
enclosure ?
Thanks for any response.

1. I build speakers that will fit in my living room and that I deem
commercially viable. The LT-2000 cabinet at 42"x11.5" is about as big as
I think is salable. There is also the consideration of shipping.
Anything much larger than the LT-2000 wil have to ship by freight hauler
rather that UPS, FedEX, which triples the shipping cost. The very few
commercial OB's that I know of start at twice the frontal area of the
LT-2000. Full range OB is for DIY'ers.

2. Bass, i.e. 30 Hz is not physically possible in a normal home. The
size is overwhelming. Infinite baffle is possible, but generally only as
in-the-wall or manifold. OB's with meaningful bass are either the size
of a sheet of plywood or have a dedicated subwoofer. IMO, a 6"
full-ranger needs to be crossed to a sub at 250Hz or so.

3. OB's have a different sound. Some like, some don't. Basically, you
have a dipole speaker. IMO, dipoles only work if you have an
uncluttered, symmetrical listening room.

Bob

I have a pr. of Bob's FT 1600s.
Open baffle seems all the rage on some internet threads.
I bought a pr of Hawthorne Audio Silver Irises (used) to compare
with the 1600s.
Made a simple baffle for them and plugged them in and listend for
a few days.

After a few days I missed the FT1600s and ended the trial.
My thoughts as follows; As I write I realize the difficulty in using
the printed word for audio....I do not consider myself an audiophile,
just want to have some fun on a reasonable budget...
Bass is easy- I played one of my favorite pieces with a haunting low
phrase in it.  It was simply gone, not there at all on the open baffle
SIs.

moving on from this the FT 1600 had a sound more to my liking that
allowed me to feel the music and be moved by it to a greater extent
than the SI open baffle.

Appearance-The FT 1600 have a more appealing proportion.  Nice veneer
finish.

Open baffle -I think some of the allure may be price, less $$ than the
FT1600s or other designs..  AND  skill level to play with designs...ie
no theory required and no woodworking skill to speak of allows people
to have a sense of accomlishment and join in the hobby that may not be
possible otherwise?

Bob do you have any thoughts on this Open baffle interest that is
currently popular?
Any other thoughts out there?

Thanks in advance.
My making this post is not to incur any wrath or ire of those who are
open baffle fans that may read this.
I had fun making my baffles, and it only took an hour.

But I wanted to tell those who are looking around at what ways to go
for themselves that( for me ) Bob's FT1600s are preferable to a
fairly popular Open Baffle?

The only change I made was to add a couple of ohms of series resistance
to the filter. This gives a very sweet sound, almost laid back for a
Lowther speaker. Play with the resistance to get the sound you want.

Bob

When looking at the plans for the LT-2000, the plans for the filter
are for the DX-2. Would any changes be necessary to better suit the
DX-3 driver?

I got a lot of good out of reading the old postings, Bob.  Any chance
of compiling them somewhere?  Or into an FAQ, maybe?

Also, in case you have any unix skills at all, you might check out the
SDF at http://sdf.lonestar.org (membership levels described at
http://sdf.lonestar.org/index.cgi?access).  They have a new $4/month
forum membership (50mb/day limit for that price, which you'd fall into
easily), supposedly with all the forum software, etc.  Membership is
"free" (you have to send him $5 which helps keep people from
willy-nilly creating memberships) and then there are numerous
membership levels (most of which don't mean much to me).  The MOTD
membership is just one of the many.  I keep a web page there and had
to up to the arpa level to get enough space for a photo gallery.

Just thought I'd mention it.  There may be other reasonably priced
options as well.

Merle

I know that Yahoo! groups is not the best of formats for a thck forum,
but it does work. I had to abandon the Audio Round Table forum because
the cost was unjustifiable. Let's see how things go here.

Bob