Anybody out there replaced their Merlin RC networks with something else? |
The parts are wired in series, the network itself is wired in parallel, "bridging" (as corrected) the tweeter terminals. If they impart no sound character, why have some people commented about an improvement in exchanging components of the same values? |
I'm less interested in playing with values than playing with components. I am hoping for some insight into what impact it might have. |
The edginess is minor and infrequent and not an issue I'm particularly concerned with. I mentioned it in passing. I brought up the Zobel network as a possible simple and inexpensive performance tweak, like a duplex outlet. The edginess I cited occurs typically with specific recordings and likely is related to transfer or mastering. |
Fyi, I'm currently running a ss integrated. |
Moreover, why has Merlin Audio (now defunct) experimented with their network components, before settling on the Dueland/Caddock combo? |
Correction: BRIDGING the tweeter terminals |
Rereading my initial post, I se that it was misleading. If changing the networks could eliminate this minor issue, I would be pleased, but I'm not expecting it. What I'm looking for is a little more body, relaxation and air. |
Audiokinesis... no, "my bad." Thanks for your input about off axis energy, I'll check it out. |
I considered that but it's an expensive upgrade, expensive enough to consider replacing the speakers altogether, not least of which because of the time required to open the sealed enclosure and remove and replace the extensive bracing. Instead, I thought it might be worthwhile intestigating replacing the Zobel as a inexpensive alternative. I'm generally pleased with the speakers, but want to get a sense of what the Zobel with its potential components contributes to their sound. |
Rich, My MMIs are Serial numbers 4168, if that tells you anything. Your information is interesting, but it tells me nothing specific about how the RC networks and their particular components affect the sound, nor anything about how swapping components might do so. |
I am experimenting with placement, however, this doesn't address my basic question which is, How much and in what specific way does the Zobel network and its component variables affect the sound of the speakers? |
To reiterate, the speakers sound better with the Zobel networks engaged. The networks consist of a Dueland capacitor and a Caddock resistor. What if I changed the capacitor, say, to a Jupiter copper foil and/or the resistor to a Vishay Z foil? As long as the values are equal, would this change the tonal characteristic of the drivers or internal crossover, and if so, wouid it be a negligible change or a palpable one? |
As I stated, I already have the Dueland networks -- the Merlin Master RCs. Evidently some people have replaced the Dueland caps with Jupiter, however, no one has responded to my queries as yet about the difference in sound. In one instance, a chap used a Jupiter in lieu of a Hovland, but he seems incapable of articulating the improvement he notred in specific terms. |
Confirmation bias is rampant everywhere, not just nor especially in HiFi. |
