PSB’s Paul Barton (Part 2) - Measurements | Diffraction | Waveguides | Diminishing Returns

This week, host Jorden Guth continues his conversation with Paul Barton, founder of PSB Speakers. If you haven’t listened to season 3, episode 1 yet, do check that out first! In this second half of their conversation, the two discuss how the research at NRC contributed to the evolution of PSB speakers. Along the way, Paul gives the most cogent explanation ever of baffle diffraction and waveguides, and discusses how different driver materials affect the performance of a speaker.

Sources:

PSB Speakers: https://www.psbspeakers.com/

“PSB's Paul Barton (Part 1)”: https://www.soundstage.life/e/psbs-paul-barton-part-1-music-and-violins-starting-making-speakers-dr-floyd-toole-and-nrc/

Chapters:
00:00:00 Announcement
00:00:28 Introductions
00:00:44 Why the measurements matter 
00:06:07 Explaining diffraction
00:10:04 Waveguides are more than felt
00:16:21 Music break: “Scorched Earth” by Maya Belsitzman
00:17:59 Room correction and exotic materials
00:22:21 Exploring different driver materials
00:24:25 Diminishing returns and setting priorities
00:38:06 “Your Papa and Mama” by Dialgo