OT Titanium

[Old Guy]

I have NEVER liked larger titanium frams, as in larger than one inch size. I had a rather unpleasant confrontation at LH due to daring to suggest JBL may not be the best.

So I found this interesting. Admittedly the source is Radian. I'd love to see the original research.

Debunking the Titanium Myth

Much hoopla and marketing hype has been made about the virtues of Titanium as a diaphragm material. It is interesting to note, however, that in lab tests conducted over a decade ago by Dr. Eugene Patronis at the University of Georgia Tech, some surprising results emerged. In an A- B comparison between a Radian 4? diaphragm and 4? Titanium diaphragm in a non-Radian compression driver, there was twice as much 2nd and 3rd order harmonic distortion in the Titanium unit as there was in the Radian diaphragm. In addition, the Radian diaphragm had more extended high frequency response than the Titanium unit.

[fpitas]

You're not alone in not liking the sound of titanium. From comments I've seen over there, some of the JBL guys agree with you, too. The TOTL JBLs have beryllium or magnesium diaphragms these days. And since you mention Radian, they now have a beryllium diaphragm version of the 475PB available. I think the only thing going for titanium is that it takes a lot of abuse in PA applications.

[Old Guy]

I think the only thing going for titanium is that it takes a lot of abuse in PA applications.

Some of it being verbal.

The issue seems to be artifacts created at breakup. The larger the fram the worse the breakup. Stiffening ribs are common these days but only help a little.

[fpitas]

The judicious application of aquaplas was the JBL answer for a while. That seemed to be more of an art than a science.

[Audio_by_Goodwill]

The real key to eliminating standing waves is to make the cabinet shorter. That way the waves will have to sit.

HAHA........I had to read that twice before it sank in!!!

[GM]

Which makes them squeal at a higher pitch............

GM

[Old Guy]

HAHA........I had to read that twice before it sank in!!!

Old guys have precious few amusements. Stuff like this relieves the boredom. Unfortunately 99% just get a confused look.

One of my favorites was O. Gadfly Hurtz AKA Paul Klipsch

[fpitas]

I've already ordered my power resistors.