AudioNervosa

The Market => Manufacturer News => Topic started by: HAL on March 10, 2021, 04:37:15 AM

Title: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on March 10, 2021, 04:37:15 AM
After much time the production style baffle for the Magnetar is in build.  The prototype is in Red Oak and will be stained Barn Red with a gloss clear coat when done.  Using Minwax style stains and finishes.

Here are renders of the open baffle speaker.

The dspNexus 2x8 prototype digital crossover is done and waiting for the baffles to be completed for testing.  Frequency response will be 250Hz to 20KHz.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: Nick B on March 10, 2021, 08:24:14 AM
That looks great, Rich  :thumb:
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on March 10, 2021, 09:54:08 AM
Nick,
Thanks!  Looking forward to seeing the real baffles!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: S Clark on March 10, 2021, 10:14:06 AM
What driver is that?  I like the simplicity of the build.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on March 10, 2021, 10:32:41 AM
Scott,
I will reveal it once the prototypes are built with the drivers installed. 
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: S Clark on March 10, 2021, 12:12:12 PM
Scott,
I will reveal it once the prototypes are built with the drivers installed.
Holding your cards close to the vest I see... looking forward to the final results.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on March 18, 2021, 12:21:15 PM
The custom gain modified Orchard Audio Starkrimson monoblocks for the Magnetar speakers have arrived. 

Prototype baffles scheduled to start 30 March in CNC.  Then on to finishing.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: Nick B on March 18, 2021, 10:43:04 PM
Seems like you’re moving forward at a good pace, Rich
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on March 19, 2021, 05:54:31 AM
Nick,
Yes, trying to get things done during this time has been challenging, but not impossible.  Finding people interested in working on the project might have been easier in some cases. 

Looking forward to hearing this all done. 

Other good news is that the dspNexus 2x8 software update is about to go to Alpha testing.  This will be a major step forward for the system.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on March 22, 2021, 08:04:31 AM
The final render of the new Magentar planer open baffle speaker is completed by the builder. 

Should be in CNC next week.  Once assembled off to finishing.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: tmazz on March 23, 2021, 07:48:53 PM
Wow, that is a very irregular shaped opening in the front. IF that is what it actually needs to be no wonder it needs to done by a CNC!

Good luck with bringing it down the home stretch.

With any amount of luck there will be a CAF this fall and we will get to hear it in person.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on March 24, 2021, 04:53:21 AM
tmazz,
The opening at front is just blacked out until the first production unit is complete for pictures.  It is very regular in shape.

I plan to be at RMAF2021 since I won the Al Stiefel Memorial room via the competition in 2019 and was rescheduled to 2021.  There is no plan at this point to go to CAF2021.  Hopefully the shows go on this year.

Hope to see folks there.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: tmazz on March 24, 2021, 06:32:08 AM
More importantly let’s hope that by the fall the world is safe enough place to allow to gather for shows again.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: P.I. on March 24, 2021, 10:43:04 AM
More importantly let’s hope that by the fall the world is safe enough place to allow to gather for shows again.
AMEN!   :thumb:
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on March 24, 2021, 06:30:03 PM
More importantly let’s hope that by the fall the world is safe enough place to allow to gather for shows again.

Agree!  Got my first vaccine today. 
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on April 11, 2021, 05:03:30 AM
I will be picking up the first pair of the Magnetar open baffle planar speaker baffles on Monday.  Should have the planars installed and ready for some listening soon after that.

Stay tuned to this thread for updates.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on April 12, 2021, 08:13:28 PM
The production style Magnetar planar open baffles have arrived. 

Installing the drivers and wiring.   Then some pictures in the room.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: Nick B on April 12, 2021, 08:15:25 PM
Thanks for the updates, Rich 👍
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: tmazz on April 12, 2021, 09:35:57 PM
Rich it's sad that we will not be able to hear these at CAF this year, but I can understand why you would be doing RMAF instead.

But hopefully, being a fairly local you will be able to make to the show as an attendee and we will be able to get  together with a bunch of other AN members as I know a number of folks are hoping that things are safe enough for us to gather there. One of my favorite parts of the shows is getting the chance to meet face to face and hang out with some of the folks I spend time chatting with here during the rest of the year.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on April 13, 2021, 03:45:03 AM
tmazz,
If you are fairly local, a listening demo of the Magnetar's at my place is always a possibility. 

It will be ready for visits after my final vaccine the end of April and the listening room redo that is going on now.  Hopefully by June things will be getting back to more normal.

As part of this, I have a new Ottlite in the listening room for UVC cleaning of the area, as new technology is providing continuous not harmful to people cleaning capability.   Will be ones in my work areas and these will go to the shows as well.

Keeping everyone safe in this new era is going to take some thinking, but it has also brought new items to face the challenge.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: tmazz on April 13, 2021, 08:41:18 AM
I am on Long Island, so while a 5 hour drive to the DC area is doable for a weekend event like CAF, it isn’t really a practical drive for a day trip, but thanks for the offer.

Keeping my fingers crossed that CAF will be a practical reality this year and we can all meet up there.

BTW, for anyone who is interested in this year’s CAF, the Rockville Hilton is taking reservation right now for that weekend with room rates that are cheaper than the show special rates from last year. And you can cancel the reservations up until, two days before you arrive, so there is no risk if the show does go down as planned. I’ve got my room reserved just in case and I know a few other ANers who have done the same.

Like the Boy Scouts say, Be Prepared.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: tmazz on April 13, 2021, 12:07:17 PM
Very nice.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on April 13, 2021, 04:33:57 PM
The first production style pair of the Magnetar open baffle planar speaker built and wired up for listening trials.

The dspNexus 2x8 is doing the DSP crossover for the speakers and the Orchard Audio Starkrimson monoblocks with modified gain will drive the planars directly.  Using 18in of Analysis Plus Clear Oval 14 awg speaker cable to the amps.

Will be using the GR-Research/Rythmik Audio servo sub array for below 250Hz crossover to the Magnetar's.

Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: Nick B on April 13, 2021, 05:47:21 PM
The first production style pair of the Magnetar open baffle planar speaker built and wired up for listening trials.

The dspNexus 2x8 is doing the DSP crossover for the speakers and the Orchard Audio Starkrimson monoblocks with modified gain will drive the planars directly.  Using 18in of Analysis Plus Clear Oval 14 awg speaker cable to the amps.

Will be using the GR-Research/Rythmik Audio servo sub array for below 250Hz crossover to the Magnetar's.

Glad I clicked on the enlargement...that looks great, Rich  :thumb:
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on April 13, 2021, 05:58:27 PM
Nick,
Thanks!  Been a long gestation period!

The fun part is the DigiBUSS from Dave arrived today!  That will provide clean AC power to the system! :thumb:
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on April 18, 2021, 04:06:23 AM
The listening room redo beginning with the Magnetar speakers setup on Pangea 32" stands.  The Orchard Audio Starkrimson monoblock amps sit on the rear of the baffle.  Will use a 3x12 configuration of the GR-Research OB servo subs with a single Rythmik Audio HX300-12OB servo amp.

The dspNexus 2x8 is the entire front end for analog and digital sources.  It will also do RIAA phono EQ with a flat gain preamp in front. 

Will be setting up my updated Oracle Delphi MKI table for use with the modified DSA Phono One preamp that provides flat gain with balanced outputs to drive the ADC's in the dspNexus 2x8.  The SME Series III arm with Shure Ultra 500 phono cartridge with Shure Micro Ridge stylus.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: Nick B on April 18, 2021, 09:00:28 AM
The listening room redo beginning with the Magnetar speakers setup on Pangea 32" stands.  The Orchard Audio Starkrimson monoblock amps sit on the rear of the baffle.  Will use a 3x12 configuration of the GR-Research OB servo subs with a single Rythmik Audio HX300-12OB servo amp.

The dspNexus 2x8 is the entire front end for analog and digital sources.  It will also do RIAA phono EQ with a flat gain preamp in front. 

Will be setting up my updated Oracle Delphi MKI table for use with the modified DSA Phono One preamp that provides flat gain with balanced outputs to drive the ADC's in the dspNexus 2x8.  The SME Series III arm with Shure Ultra 500 phono cartridge with Shure Micro Ridge stylus.

Very nice setup including your phono.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on April 18, 2021, 06:02:53 PM
Thanks Nick!

Got the HAL MS-6 Music Server and dspNexus 2x8 setup and trying out the Magnetar DSP crossover with the new baffles and new monoblocks.

Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: P.I. on April 18, 2021, 06:13:48 PM
The listening room redo beginning with the Magnetar speakers setup on Pangea 32" stands.  The Orchard Audio Starkrimson monoblock amps sit on the rear of the baffle.  Will use a 3x12 configuration of the GR-Research OB servo subs with a single Rythmik Audio HX300-12OB servo amp.

The dspNexus 2x8 is the entire front end for analog and digital sources.  It will also do RIAA phono EQ with a flat gain preamp in front. 

Will be setting up my updated Oracle Delphi MKI table for use with the modified DSA Phono One preamp that provides flat gain with balanced outputs to drive the ADC's in the dspNexus 2x8.  The SME Series III arm with Shure Ultra 500 phono cartridge with Shure Micro Ridge stylus.
Rich, you need more stuff  :thumb:
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on April 18, 2021, 06:32:13 PM
Dave,
LOL!!

Rich
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: P.I. on April 18, 2021, 07:11:23 PM
 
Dave,
LOL!!

Rich
:beer:
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on April 19, 2021, 03:15:57 AM
Dave,
Hopefully soon for the libation in person! :)

The system is now setup as follows:

The dspNexus 2x8, HAL MS-6 Music Server and Orchard Audio Starkrimson monoblocks are all plugged into the DigiBUSS MKII that gets AC power from my BlunderBUSS.  Power cables are TWL customs made by Pete for me for the system.

Have the Magnetar DSP crossover block diagram loaded on the MS-6 and downloaded to the dspNexus 2x8 and it is running.  The dspNexus and MS-6 have been running for 24 hours to check stability and everything is fine.

Next, power up the monoblocks and just listen to the Magnetar OB planars to see how they sound before integrating the 3x12 Servo Sub arrays.  I have REW installed on the MS-6 and will be using the iMM-6 measurement mic for response and main to sub integration checks.

Fun stuff!
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: Nick B on April 19, 2021, 08:53:32 AM
Dave,
Hopefully soon for the libation in person! :)

The system is now setup as follows:

The dspNexus 2x8, HAL MS-6 Music Server and Orchard Audio Starkrimson monoblocks are all plugged into the DigiBUSS MKII that gets AC power from my BlunderBUSS.  Power cables are TWL customs made by Pete for me for the system.

Have the Magnetar DSP crossover block diagram loaded on the MS-6 and downloaded to the dspNexus 2x8 and it is running.  The dspNexus and MS-6 have been running for 24 hours to check stability and everything is fine.

Next, power up the monoblocks and just listen to the Magnetar OB planars to see how they sound before integrating the 3x12 Servo Sub arrays.  I have REW installed on the MS-6 and will be using the iMM-6 measurement mic for response and main to sub integration checks.

Fun stuff!

Sounds great, Rich. How many outlets on that DigiBUSS?
Nick
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on April 19, 2021, 01:29:56 PM
Dave,
It has the standard 6 outlets (three duplex socket) installed.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on April 20, 2021, 03:35:36 AM
Doug,
Yes, the servo subs in the open baffle H-Frame with the HX300-12OB servo amp goes up cleanly to 250Hz at 6dB down for a Linkwitz-Riley style XO.  I am using an 8th order L-R acoustic alignment between the subs and planars.  The servo sub H-Frame cavity resonance is at 300Hz, so before that is the upper limit of this design.

I tried this style XO by splitting the input with a simple test by taking a L-R 8th order low pass and high pass filter in the dspNexus 2x8 and summed the outputs together to get an all pass filter to feed the DAC's.  You could not tell the difference between a direct connection and the all pass crossover feed.  I used planar headphones as a test for this to hear differences and there were none.  This is not a garden variety DSP system, which most are.

I am listening to it now and there is no problem with OB planar to OB servo sub integration.  I adjusted the time delay to match up the distance offset from planars to subs and sound excellent.  Low mids and bass and no bloat in my room.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker and servo subs
Post by: HAL on April 30, 2021, 02:03:16 PM
Today was build two more 1x12 modules for the modular servo subs.  The existing stack is a 2x12 and for a new project going to a 3x12 configuration with the original servo amps. 

These are the two open baffle H-Frame modules after glue-up and clamping.  Once they are dried, will go to painting next week.
These are available as flatpack kits from Reference North Audio and can be shipped as needed.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on May 01, 2021, 08:33:14 AM
The servo sub open baffle H-Frames are dried and ready for painting.
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: Nick B on May 01, 2021, 09:15:17 AM
The servo sub open baffle H-Frames are dried and ready for painting.

Lookin’ good, Rich. I’ve never learned  (or had the patience or desire)  how to do woodworking. Hats off to you and the guys will this skillset  :thumb:
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: HAL on May 01, 2021, 10:05:24 AM
Nick,
I do not do woodworking at all.

Jay does all the CNC woodwork.  All I am doing is using glue and clamps.  Easier than building a piece of IKEA furniture.  I know an auto paint shop that does the paint.  Once the 1x12's are painted, just drop in the subwoofer, put in screws and wire them up to the Speakon connectors. 

I will build them if needed and ship.  Fun stuff to do and sound great!
Title: Re: Meet the HAL Magnetar open baffle planar speaker
Post by: Nick B on May 01, 2021, 09:00:05 PM
Nick,
I do not do woodworking at all.

Jay does all the CNC woodwork.  All I am doing is using glue and clamps.  Easier than building a piece of IKEA furniture.  I know an auto paint shop that does the paint.  Once the 1x12's are painted, just drop in the subwoofer, put in screws and wire them up to the Speakon connectors. 

I will build them if needed and ship.  Fun stuff to do and sound great!

Rich,
You still end up offering great products. I never learned how to glue properly and don’t have all the clamps either. I went to college prep high school. Never learned any of this properly, but had a college friend who taught wood shop at high school level.
Nick