LS3/5A with AB1

[KD]

Where should the ports on the AB1 face - the center (towards each other) or the side walls (away from each other)?

Which position is suggested by the manufacturer and is it the optimal one?

[hypertriode]

KD,
i get good results (cleaner bass) with the ports firing outwards. bass becomes muddled and loose and the soundstage is somewhat restricted with the ports inwards. at least in my listening place.
AB1 users speak out: benc, oscar, ed fausto, etc.

[rsm2a3]

me too! i prefer firing outward..with ls3/5a on target 4-pillar heavy stands, and the AB1 6inches behind, with 1/2 meter kimber4tc jumper.

[mozilla]

Guys, interesting post here. It might be good for the admin to add this to the LS3 thread..

KD, The best setup for the LS+AB-1 is called the Ki Method. It was developed by Malaysian Archiect Jo Ki who has over 15 mint pairs of the LS3/5A in his collection.

If you have not tried this, I can post a diagram.

[rsm2a3]

here's the unofficial LS3/5a support site

http://www.ls35a.com/

[KD]

Thank you. I shall try the Ki method, but I don't think I can do the same permanently. Mr Ki has obviously not met my wife.

[mozilla]

Let us know how it turns out.

There is a certail wiring diagram to do.

He also places both the LS3/5A stands & Ab-1 on a 2"thick x 12 x 24" marble slab. The AB-1 further sits on granite slabs so that its vibrations are not transmitted to the LS3/5a.

[KD]

More questions.

1) Without the AB1, I used to like the LS3/5a set on stands with slight toe in (but not "crossing in front of the listening space" as recommended by BBC). With the AB1 and LS3/5a on top, how would you position the speakers - toed in or directly forward?

2) Ki method is not clear how to position the LS3/5a either. Where does Mr Ki suggest the speakers face?

[mozilla]

Most LS3 users do not toe in the speakers. They are normally spaced 6' left-to right & halfway down the room.

[mozilla]

The Ki method has the LS3 on stands and the AB1 behind it by a distance equal to a CD jewel case.

Jo does not connect the LS3 to the AB1's inboard xover.

[KD]

Got it. Thanks.

[mozilla]

Let us know how it goes.... .

[BenC]

Hi KD,

Rigth now I'm using the Jo Ki method i.e., the LS3 is parallel connected to the AB1's with the latter 6 in' behind the the LS3's which are on stands.The ports of the AB1's are facing eaach other. The LS3's are not toed in but firing straight ahead. I'm using the 16 ohm tap of the ST70 to connect the LS3's. For lack of funds to get an Audionote speaker cable, I use a Belden 89259 DIY speaker cable here based on Jon Risch's recommendation From the LS3's binding post I use a Goertz M12 to connect the AB1's in parallel.

Before I had the AB1's, I was perfectly happy with my LS3's. But now, I don't think I can fully appreciate the LS3's without them.

BTW, what amp are you using to drive the LS3's-AB1's?

Cheers!
BenC

[vintage_dog]

Before I had the AB1's, I was perfectly happy with my LS3's. But now, I don't think I can fully appreciate the LS3's without them.

ben, where did you source the AB1?

[mozilla]

If you want to stictly follow Jo's LS3+AB1 tweaks, you'll also need a 2"x12"x24" solid marble slab between the floor & your LS+AB1. You'll also need 2 granite slabs (on spikes/footers) under each ab1 to further isolate it's vibrations from creeping back to the LS3.

Francis,

Rene told me about two weeks ago that he might have another AB1 coming.. or was that a Spendor LS3/5A?

[KD]

Initial conclusions from my experiment:

1) Without AB1, LS3/5A seems to work better slightly toed in, but with AB1, front firing is better (why?)
2) KI method (incomplete - without marble slabs) reduced "flabbiness" in bass
3) If not using KI method, spikes between LS and AB are better than no spikes for the sound, but bad for the wood
4) Columbia SPT-2 (12 inches) AWG 16 can make a good speaker cable between AB and LS when you have no other alternative.
5) KI method is NOT accepted by my wife. Too much clutter in the living room.


BTW, to test soundstage I played "Baby It's Cold Outside" from the soundtrack of "For The Boys"; Bette Midler and the guy are between the two speakers but NOT in the same place. LS/AB threw it perfectly. Only other time I heard this was with Quad ESL-63 a long time ago.

[mozilla]

I would start out without the AB1 by putting the LS3/5A about halfway out in the room, and about 6 feet apart (left to right).. I know this could lower the WAF but the LS really needs a lot of space to breathe to weave its magic.

In fact, the LS3 does not need back wall support. The least, the better. Is your setup close to the walls, then this may be the cause of some erratic bass humps you may encounter.

Tweak the setup a bit. A lot of LS3 users prefer them firing without toe in but your room acoustics may make it necessary to toe them in a bit.

Once you've tuned it, add the AB1's. The spikes on the AB1 decouple the sub's vibrations from the LS3 that's sitting on top of it. Try adding footers and some blue tac to avoid scratching the wood. Some just use plain blue tac. However, better sound can be achieved by separating the LS3 from the Ab1.

Achieving the best synergy between LS3 and AB1 especially with Jo's method is dependent on the cable used and the interaction with the room. This setup is very sensitive to the type of cable used between the LS3 & AB1. If you get this right, the AB1 & LS should mesh as a whole and give you full range sound with the LS's midrange & holographic imaging.

Jo suggests checking the mounting screws of the driver of the AB1. He also suggests using silver wire if bass humps are a problem. Adjusting their relative distances front to back & height) also affects sound as it tunes the timing of the two speakers.

Use your ears & listening tastes to tune it and you should be in for a treat.

[BenC]

ben, where did you source the AB1?[/quote]

Hi Francis!

Sorry for the late response. Got my AB1's from an officemate.

BenC

[dogears]

I read from http://www.hi-fidelity.com/ab1.htm that AB1's FR is 55Hz-120Hz. I was wondering if anyone here did a clone and if it reaches a lower FR - say 30Hz

[vintage_dog]

I would start out without the AB1 by putting the LS3/5A about halfway out in the room, and about 6 feet apart (left to right).. I know this could lower the WAF but the LS really needs a lot of space to breathe to weave its magic.

In fact, the LS3 does not need back wall support. The least, the better. Is your setup close to the walls, then this may be the cause of some erratic bass humps you may encounter.

Tweak the setup a bit. A lot of LS3 users prefer them firing without toe in but your room acoustics may make it necessary to toe them in a bit.

Once you've tuned it, add the AB1's. The spikes on the AB1 decouple the sub's vibrations from the LS3 that's sitting on top of it. Try adding footers and some blue tac to avoid scratching the wood. Some just use plain blue tac. However, better sound can be achieved by separating the LS3 from the Ab1.

Achieving the best synergy between LS3 and AB1 especially with Jo's method is dependent on the cable used and the interaction with the room. This setup is very sensitive to the type of cable used between the LS3 & AB1. If you get this right, the AB1 & LS should mesh as a whole and give you full range sound with the LS's midrange & holographic imaging.

Jo suggests checking the mounting screws of the driver of the AB1. He also suggests using silver wire if bass humps are a problem. Adjusting their relative distances front to back & height) also affects sound as it tunes the timing of the two speakers.

Use your ears & listening tastes to tune it and you should be in for a treat.

grant, this is very helpful indeed. my AB1 finally arrived this evening. it is in pristine condition it looks unused.

does the bi-wire option offer any advantage?