DIY Loudspeakers: HOME INDEX UPDATES RESPONSE WHAT'S NEW
FUSION BAD
(Bi-Amp/Dsp)
Copyright 2018 © Troels Gravesen
This page describes the second version of the FUSION speaker. We here have a dedicated amplifier Hypex FA251 running the bass driver and we have the passive low-pass filter replaced by DSP. It goes like this:
You have a preamplifier
with either a single or double single-ended output(s), a preamp with
either a single or double balanced output(s). All goes. Your main power
amplifier may have a single-ended or balanced input. All goes. What you
may need is this:
This doubles your preamplifier outputs. More on this
here.
Next you need cables, either fully balanced or
single-ended to balanced to connect your
preamplifier with your main power amplifier and Hypex plate-amp/dsp.
The critical point here is to know the gain of your main amplifier.
Obviously this should be the same as the setting for the Hypex module
and the gain of the Hypex amps can be adjusted to almost anything, so any
scenario should be possible.
The Hypex FA251 software is available here. And here.
If further gain setting is needed this can be done in the Hypex Filter Design software. When you have installed the filter design software, connect the Hypex module and remember to set the unit to bridged mode. Then you click on filter design and open the file found on the memory stick. Here you can go through the three presets and further adjust gain if needed.
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For the bridged FA252 I measure a gain
of 24 dB, connected fully balanced. There are three levels in
the FA252 program giving 24, 26 and 28 dB respectively. This
will match most power amplifiers, but further adjustments can be
made when setting up the plate-amp. |
2019:
If you do not have a
preamplifier with line-out possibilities, then the Hypex FA251 or FA501
will be easier options. These modules take high-level input from the
speaker cables and go to webpage on FA251
here.
Standard kit includes FA251. Should you want
FA501, please tell Jantzen Audio when ordering.
Above the Hypex FUSION FA252 module occupying the former
mid-tweeter section.
The passive crossover is moved to the inside rear panel above the ports.
In bridged mode the bass speaker is connected to red (+)
and blue (-).
Connecting FUSION-BAD to my EAR-868 preamp from SE to BAL cable didn't
require any adjustments of the Hypex gain, but you may have to do so to
balance bass and MT section.
RCA to XLR cable. Connect plus to 2 and minus (1) to ground (3) on the XLR plug.
This connection has caused Hypex to publish this report: AN_Legacy_pin_1_problems.pdf
It's a looong story - and suggests this, should you have any hum
problems.
Left: Passive crossover in place on rear panel above ports.
Beryllium version.
The mid-tweeter section is the same as for
the passive 3-way.
If you use a tube amp for the MT section you may add a 1 kOhm resistors across speaker terminals or on the crossover board as some tube amp designers have concerns about a tube amp running a pure capacitive load. I never had any problems with this from my GlowMaster or EAR 861.
Useful links (Please
follow all links before e-mailing!):
http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/tips.htm
http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/tips.htm#CONSTRUCTION_OF_CROSSOVERS
http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/crossovers.htm
http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/LCR-RC.htm
http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/Inverted-Polarity.htm
http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/choices.htm
http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/power-handling.htm
You can buy the kit with or without the drivers - or some of the drivers
if you already have some.
You can use the SBA Beryllium TW029BN-B dome (4 Ohm version) without
changes to crossover.
Please ask Jantzen Audio
for options.
Should you want to make the front grille, order 2 sqm cloth in the
colour of your taste.
Also order grille pegs and grille catchers. See Jantzen Audio website
for options or order neodym magnet on eBay.
The bass drivers can be had from various
sources, e.g.:
http://www.lean-business.co.uk/eshop/bms-12n630-12-600-watt-neodymium-speaker-8-ohm-p-2566.html
(217 £)
https://www.thomann.de/de/bms_12n6308_ohms.htm?ref=search_prv_6 (246
€)
Both very reliable dealers to my experience.
All kit and component prices may be subject to change and are always to be confirmed by Jantzen Audio Denmark.
Go to Jantzen Audio website for purchase
Download Kit
Sale Presentations:
Should you want the Hypex FA501 in replacement of FA251, please tell Jantzen Audio when ordering.
All technical questions to troels.gravesen@hotmail.com
All questions regarding purchase of kits, please mail Jantzen Audio at contact@jantzen-audio.com
Visitor quote: "Very realistic dynamic presentation, maybe partly due to amplification. Superb integration of mid and tweeter, never heard a hifi-loudspeaker with such homogenous integration of drivers."
I goes without saying that 500 watts for the
bass driver has its impact. These Hypex plate amps/DSP holds the bass drivers
in an iron fist. The FUSION-BAD is not a necessarily a badass,
but it can certainly shake your guts if needed.
My tube amps feel very comfortable only driving the mid-tweeter sections
and I can play even louder than before. The boost at 30 Hz added to the
transfer function of the low-pass filter further adds to the perceived
soundstage of the system. A 2nd order high-pass filter has been added at
20 Hz for those who favour vinyl playback.