Audio Standard By Fisher STE-F3

 Fisher STE-F3

This guys have monster 18" woofers 5 ways! An absolute rarity by modern hi-fi standard. These monsters produced great dynamics and scale, the bass is big but is not as deep as a one will expect from a woofer this big. They are quite forward sounding in general (typically Japanese) with good clarity in the mid region, not overly hot-top in the high frequencies. 

For: Casual listening especially in bigger rooms or a garage or a conversation starter!

Rogers Db101 in custom build box

Rogers Db101 in custom made box

Many years ago, I have always wondered if speakers could sound better in bigger box, my hands gets terribly itchy when i was listening to my Rogers Db101 one day. Almost immediately, i dismantled the drivers and crossovers and prepare the woodworking materials. Spending the next few days building the new box with thick MDF and solid wood plank. I increased the internal box volume to around 13L with a 2" port located at the back tuned at 65hz. The bass and tweeter units were mounted from the back of the baffle secured by a piece of wood holding the drivers in place without using any screws.

The end result? the sonic signature was still recognisable as a Rogers Db101! understandably due to the electrical components were just a carried over without any modifications. But the main difference was that they now sing like a grown-up adult rather than children singing karaoke. The most noticeable improvement was in the mid band that has more body and dynamic compare to the original housing. The low end extension has also improved quite a fair bit, i am happy to listen to them without the help of a subwoofer now.

In conclusion, i am very happy with the sound and i think they look gorgeous.

Ciare CH250

Ciare CH250 adding custom wooden phase plugs

Drivers with phase plug designs always attracts my attention for some reason. I find them look aesthetically sharp and precise even if they are not playing, and they are child proof too! Dust caps however, as the name suggest, the duty is to protect dust or any alien objects from entering the voice coil gaps. My experience in adding phase plugs to some of my mid or full range drivers has always been positive in terms of aesthetic and sonic reproduction. 

Below are the pictures showing the process from removing the dust caps, milling the wooden phase plugs using my makeshift wood turning lathe and the final work.

Acoustic Research AR310 refurbishment

Acoustic Research AR310 refurbishment

Coral 8A in custom bass reflex enclosure

Coral 8A speakers in big bookshelf design

I made them a couple of years back during a short holiday to venture in to the world of full range sound. My priority was to build a simple and not too bulky box in the shortest possible time hence i opted for this big bookshelf bass reflex design. The Corals have wooden phase plugs installed months ago without a proper enclosure until now. Building the box was relatively fast and easy but the finishing works was a bit of a nightmare due to my decision to use natural oak veneers for the finishing. It was painstaking to match the grains and join the seems carefully piece by piece, sanding and apply clear coatings. The end results was quite satisfying when they finally made to my living rooms where they start to sing loud and clear, The only shortcoming however, if i must say, it was the bass department that didn't really justify given the size of the driver (8"), i think it could have been much better if they were housed in proper horn loaded cabinets.

Adding Phase plus to Coral 8A

Adding custom made wooden phase plug to Coral 8A driver