Alpair 7

Which do you prefer?

  • Alpair 7 metal

    Votes: 4 23.5%

  • Alpair 7 paper

    Votes: 13 76.5%
  • Total voters
    17
  • Poll closed .
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M Gregg

M Gregg

Disabled Account
Joined 2010
Hi a while ago I built some speakers using Alpair 7.

Unfortunately the dog has clawed one of the cones..:(

So I have been looking at buying a couple of new Alpairs.

The question is what is the latest specification and I also notice there seems to be a "P" version using paper cone.

So the question is what is the latest spec and what is the "best version of the Alpair 7" thanks.

Another question is what is the sound difference with the paper version?

Being out of touch I assume they are still 6 ohm? Shame they never did an 8 ohm version.

The Pic shows the enclosure I am using.

Regards
M. Gregg
 

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M Gregg

M Gregg

Disabled Account
Joined 2010
I think what I'm hoping for,

Is the best one to buy and which version is the "Best" I have (had the gold cone version and was very happy :( I assume its the early version).

Is there a significant difference with the paper version?
I also notice a warning about the sun and UV with the paper version..all new to me so any thoughts would be great!

I can't believe they are damaged...:apathic::bawling: I cant BELIEVVVVVVE it. LOL what a PITA.....

So I'm consoling myself with ...well the new versions might be better..:eek:

I will have to add some type of CLAW protection I guess. Please excuse my sulking...:D I would *******ZZZ!!!!!!@@@ however its not going to help!
All those hours of super careful break in!!!!!

Expletives over ..I think.. :D...Lots of thumb twiddling while I await for some kind person to advise..:D

PS does anyone have a magic wand I can have use of for a few seconds?

Regards
M. Gregg
 
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Scottmoose

Scottmoose

Member
Joined 2005
wodendesign.com
The current versions of the A7 are superior to the original (plus have the built-in arrestor to limit travel). They remain nominal 6ohm drivers. As to which is 'best' -neither. They're different. The 7P has only just been released; sensitivity is a couple of dB higher, Q is a little lower. The metal cone version edges it on LF output, but it's not a vast difference. The paper cone model has more of a lift at the top end so it's a brighter sounding unit in some ways -since the metal cone model has a lift lower down though, these things are to an extent relative.

If you've a low power amp, the 7P would seem favourite given the extra couple of dB in hand. As noted, don't put them in direct sunlight though. That really goes for any speaker: in the medium - longer term, they really won't thank you for it. However, if you liked what you had originally, I'd stick with the metal cone driver unless you feel like you want a change.
 
M Gregg

M Gregg

Disabled Account
Joined 2010
Thanks so much for all the links and help!

In the past paper cone was regarded as the best..I'm tempted to try them.

However the bass was good for the originals metal cone, is the bass as good with the paper version?
I note you say the bass is better with the metal cone..however how much different..I know it's difficult to put it over.
Its OK I'm reading the comparison link..thank's

Regards
M. Gregg
 
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S

sayrum

Member
Joined 2011
Hello
i am sorry for the broken driver.
Now what to get as a replacement?
Imho a great example of a typical problem of Marksudio drivers: not possible to buy replacements after a short period of time....
So as a replacement you can buy two new MA drivers (when only one is broken afaiu) and the old cabinet is not ideal for the new MA driver. So why buy Ma drivrrs again? The next time a drivers gets damaged you have to hunt for another pair and have to put them in a not ideal cabinet again.
:mad:
Dosen't make sense imo.
There are many different alternatives on the full range market (Tang Band, Visaton, Wavecor, Monacor and Vifa/Peerless to name a few) which have drivers available for many years ;)


Regards
 
Z

zman01

Member
Joined 2011
Saryum,

Depending on box built by OP the new drivers might be usable, as frame size of the new drivers both Alpair 7.3A metal and Alpair 7P remain size.

From the image posted by OP those cabinets looks like Golden Ratio dMar-Ken - if OP can confirm that and which set of plans he used, the designer (P10) can suggest if cabinets are usable for latest revision of driver.
 
Scottmoose

Scottmoose

Member
Joined 2005
wodendesign.com
For a quick glance at the pictured box & assuming it's one of Dave's 'ken series, I suspect the current 7.3 should go in with alignment changes being fairly minimal. The 7P (completely new driver, no prior versions) will probably also work, albeit with a slightly more damped bottom end. Dave will be able to confirm.
 
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planet10

planet10

frugal-phile™
Joined 2001
planet10-hifi.com
Paid Member
The dMar-Ken for the A7 is tuned lower than for the A7.3. If you can get a drill inside the box there is a tidy way to retune the box (if you desire). It is possible to retune from the outside but it is not as tidy and would require some care with stands. email me if you would like details.

The A7p is too new for many to have an opinion on their performance. My batch is on my desk awaiting T/S testing.

dave
 
planet10

planet10

frugal-phile™
Joined 2001
planet10-hifi.com
Paid Member
sayrum said:
Now what to get as a replacement?
Imho a great example of a typical problem of Marksudio drivers: not possible to buy replacements after a short period of time....
Click to expand...

A particular issue as Mark relentlessly improved the driver performance. The rate has slowed down considerably as he finds less & less to improve.

This is not an issue unique to MA. Almost every TB driver i have looked at, the driver was changed or discontinued before i had the prototypes done.

dave
 
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