I never met another engineer that didn't think he/she could do something better. But improving a fixed design is easier than starting a design from scratch. Look at the Klipsch Heresy. They made a bazillion of them but just came out with major redesign number 4.
Fascinated By GR Research Channel
Lately I've watched a number of the videos on GR Research's youtube channel and been very intrigued. If you aren't familiar with them, they design and sell some speakers, but most of their business is DIY speaker kits, and doing upgrades on customer's speakers. In the videos, they show how they measure the performance characteristics of speakers sent in and then explain the thought process and methodology of choosing improvements.
If nothing else, anyone wanting to better understand the technical section of reviews (e.g. John Atkinson's in Stereophile), would likely learn something watching.
Another interesting aspect of these videos is the clear untangling of various manufacturers' choices in balancing cost for performance and the sonic impact of various compromises.
Get your popcorn and check it out.
I'm also curious to hear of your experiences with any of their kits or products and if your findings match their messaging. I've always understood that better parts quality will improve sonics, but this channel demonstrates exactly how with great clarity...fascinating! Cheers,
Spencer
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I did not want to say but since @blkwrxwgn says he has an arrogant way about saying things which to me make me question his intentions. he runs a small operation compared to most speaker manufacturers, his cost basis are entirely different, and it is so easy to cherry pick and criticize everything. Can most speakers and every sound system sound and manufactured better absolutely. how does he even measure? And to be frank if he is so good do you think he and his kits would not get the attention from the media or big audio distributors?
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I agree with the OP. Very interesting videos. Even though some of the experts in this forum may disagree with some of the details of his statements, they generally fit my experience, and I especially like the way they are presented, as he points out the capacitors, resistors and inductors he is describing. Very informative for a non-engineer like me. He is not pushing his own repair kit hard. My experience is like he is describing - using some money on component upgrade from a local tech (or diy) is often very well worth it.
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I have personal experience with a one-off crossover rebuild that Danny performed last summer on my circa 1988 Tannoy FSM speakers. The speakers sounded pretty good before I brought them to him. He measured the existing frequency responses, cabinet resonances and crossover components. They performed poorly on the tests. He started over from scratch.
Once the new parts burned in -400 hours- the sound was much better. He also sold me some no-rez for the insides and suggested adding bracing inside in a couple spots.
Was this worth the $200 he charged? Heck yes. I also had the opportunity to hear his open baffle system with his amazing Dodd gear. The $4k his smaller Open baffle kit sells is a steal. I don't think there is an $8k speaker that comes close. Let's hope he is in business to make money otherwise his doors would close. I bought one of his power cables just to support his business. For the $300 I spent I have no complaints. He is one of the more Legit people in the industry. I love his exposees on brands people think are "High Quality". He shows the crap they use inside. Other Reviewers need to learn some of his skills. He is the Real Deal.
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