Is this driver still available - perhaps outside of continental NA? A quick check of Parts Express site shows as "unavailable" - which as Steve Deckert noted re the W5-1880, could well mean " Dear customer - thanks to combination of inflated pricing due to use of rare earth magnets, and the resulting low consumer demand, we've decided to stock items from this supplier with higher inventory turnover potential --our bean-counters say you're welcome "
Notwithstanding one's philosophical position on the merits of Neo for speaker applications, this does look like an interesting driver.
I will have to agree about the F200A (& for that matter the F120A) - I heard a pair of the former in naked open air operation at Bud Purvine's house a couple of years back - scary midrange and surprising top end extension. Of course as played there, or in OB application, you'd definitely need some bass support
You also have played with all the current mark audio line, just to put things in perspective even though there no 8inch in the mark line, how do they compare to the tang band? especially the bigget one, the alpair 12p?
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Based on his recent posts on the subject, I think Bob's opinion of the 12P would place it on his list of "favorite" drivers in this approx size range - provided you've got space for the required enclosure, certainly a better candidate for full range application than the 7s, and we'll soon see about the new 10.3A and 10P.
If you're talking about the W8-1772, after my spouting off earlier about their availability status, I see I missed that PE lists them as expected in stock approx June 18th - but at even at the discounted price of $205 ea, that's still almost 1/3 more than the 12P .
Hi Bob, I've used the Lowther DX4, Fostex F200A, FE206E, FE206ES-R, FE208ES-R <---my personal favorite Fostex driver. Presently I'm using the Dayton PS220-8 drivers in Sachiko cabinets, but it should work well in any cabinet designed for the FE206E driver! The Dayton "as-is" out of the box is lifeless, but with the proper cone treatment, smokes even my $1.8K FE208ES-R drivers! People should buy a pair of these Dayton's and play around with your favorite cone treatment!
Thetubeguy1954 (Tom Scata)
You're right! Guess my memory is failing. My recollection of it was that I didn't see all the parameters, so I passed it by. Or maybe I know something now that I didn't back then.
Thanks, Jim
It's really hard to make direct comparisons when I don't have the drivers at the same time. For obvious reasons, I don't keep demo's of each of my speakers. And, I just had a fire sale to clear out what I had. However, I am currently building a 1772 MLTL and I have the A12P demos on hand. While the TB's won't be fully broken in, I should get the general idea. Call back in 2-3 weeks.
Bob
Bob
ok, I will for sure! I cant wait to see your opinion because the tangband and the alpair 12p are probably the two modern contenders in their price range.
the best would be someone who tries the tangband, the alpair, the supravox and the best fostex
What was your credit card number again? I'd be happy to volunteer on your dime
Seriously, while the Tangband and A12P might still be considered reasonably affordable to DIYers herein, the Supravox and "best Fostex" - presumably meaning the F200A at over $450 each, do take this into rarefied territory.
I've only heard 2 of these drivers (A12P and F200A), and if room for appropriate enclosure wasn't an issue, would have to give the Alpair the recommendation for value.
I can tell you this: The 1772 can be run harder than the A12P. So, if you have to do hard rock -- God only knows why you would want to do that -- the TB would be the way to go. If you are into tubes, vinyl and vintage sound, go for the F200A.
The 1772 and the A12P both have very good top ends, the TB amazingly good off axis for an 8"er. But the TB requires quite a bit of EQ to sound right. the A12P only needs a tough of warmth at the bottom.
Bob
The 1772 and the A12P both have very good top ends, the TB amazingly good off axis for an 8"er. But the TB requires quite a bit of EQ to sound right. the A12P only needs a tough of warmth at the bottom.
Bob
thanks!
Did you finished building the mltl for the TB? Are both as good if not pushed too hard. I do not listen to loud level at all, not even close...
of course I did!And you didn't take a picture of the drivers in their enclosures.
jeff
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This is my dads collection! Im quite lucky to have access to his speakers.Wow, they are in very good condition. You gotta love the "orange squeezer" phase plugs. That's quite an interesting collection of speakers.
jeff
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