I recently got some Lii Audio F15 full range drivers. I intend to make some proper baffles from hardwood in the future. But in the meantime I fashioned some some 3/4 inch plywood sheets to hold them and 'break in' the drivers. This is the first time trying full range speakers and open baffles.
I notice something about the sound that is quite annoying.
I am struck how a lot of tracks now sound very different, with instruments seeming to disappear or are playing in a different room of the studio than the rest of the band. Example the harpiscord jangling in the left channel of Van Morrison's Cyprus Avenue is very faint, almost not there, very recessed. Or the lead guitar on Neil Young's Unknown Legend from Harvest Moon, which is like a distance echo. Again Bob Dylan's voice on Queen Jane Approx is fantastic but the rest of the band seem to be recording room next door. This from a mint copy MFSL vinyl of Highway.
This very off putting. Is there something very easily explained going wrong? I am delighted with the sound of Stan Getz's sax on the Girl from Ipanema. Its the best I ever heard. Jazz albums seem to be working OK
I don't know why this might happening. I am thinking that this is something to do with my temporary plywood holders? There is about 3/4 of an inch of ply baffle to the left and right and to the top of each driver. I am now reading about cancellation and think this could be an issue. Would wider baffles help return the full sound. Might it also have to with footprint of the speaker? I simply slotted a cut-off 3/4 inch into the baffle to create a + footprint? I understand that having a more substantial footprint would lend more bass but would it also contribute to bringing out these recessed instruments?
I have checked that the wires to and from the amp are working. The amp is a tube amp that can drive the speaker to a very loud volume. I dont think the problem comes from this area.
I would appreciate any comments before I start into making the heavy and more final baffles