FE126E - F120A - FX120 Comparison , can you help

[ken mead]

I already have FE126E and they have about 100 hours and I like them alot.

Now I would like to know if the FX120 and the F120A are better

Can anyone comment on these 3 speakers as a comparison of sound quality.

Thanks

[planet10]

Soon.... mine will be an all EnABLed trio thou

dave

[kmaier]

Well, I have all 3 drivers here... and in the following enclosures:

FE126E - Ed's Hornshoppe horns

FX120/F120A - 10-liter ported enclosure on stands.

First, the FE126E is a different animal from the other two... higher sensitivity by a good margin but much less expensive with a stamped frame and ceramic magnet.

The FX120 and F120A shared some common components: die-cast frame, cone and alloy dustcover (different color on front, rear is the same). The main difference is the magnet assembly, the F120A being alnico and over twice the price of the FX120.

So, how do they sound (in my view)?

FE126E - well-known (all around) performer, very good bang for the buck and is flexible in varied designs. It's get loud with little input.... but I don't like the fact that it develops what I call "upper midrange shout" if driven too loud (starts shouting at 1-watt).

FX120 - an expensive driver (~$106) with a nicely done die-cast frame, cone assembly, etc. with a large ceramic magnet. Less sensitivity (so more power required for similar levels) but a much flatter response. Also note different enclosure... not recommended for a rear-loaded horn. In short, a more refined sound IMHO. Less fatiguing for long listening periods and better resolution.

F120A - a very expensive driver at ~$227 each. Main difference from above is the alnico magnet assembly, but the surround is also slightly different. Overall freq response similar but a bit flatter and rolls off a bit earlier on top. Sonically, this is significantly better! Alnico retrieves the low-level detail much better. You just need more power with these, 8+ watts but SET preferred. These are my first choice (small) Fostex drivers, but alas only 89dB.

Regards, KM

[ken mead]

looks like you get what you pay for.
even thou the drivers are all targeted to different enclosures

[planet10]

Originally posted by ken mead
even thou the drivers are all targeted to different enclosures

FE127e is probably a better comparison as far as intended cabinets go.

dave

[mp9]

kamier, how do the f120a & fx120 surrounds differ and are they both made of the same type of foam?

[kmaier]

The F120A has a foam surround which is very fine cell and a gray color. The FX120 also has a fine cell foam surround but is black in color. The question: Is it just a dye added or is it a different foam?

The cone appears to be the same Kenaf paper as the rear of both cones look the same. The FX120 has what appears to be a clear coating on the front of the cone. The F120A has a near-black color coating on the front of the cone. Again, the question: Is it just a dye added or a different coating?

One thing is certain... the F120A wins the listening test hands down.

Regards, KM

[gmilitano]

Originally posted by mp9
kamier, how do the f120a & fx120 surrounds differ and are they both made of the same type of foam?

Originally posted by kmaier
[B]The F120A has a foam surround which is very fine cell and a gray color. The FX120 also has a fine cell foam surround but is black in color. The question: Is it just a dye added or is it a different foam?

I have the FX120 and to me the surround looks and feels a lot more like rubber than it does foam.

Originally posted by kmaier
One thing is certain... the F120A wins the listening test hands down.

This fellow seems to like the FX120 over the F120A

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showt...98#post1458998

While it is hard to tell from the freq resp on the data sheet, the FX120 *looks* a little smoother and more extended.

[marchel]

Would it be possible to tweak the fx120 to make it even better? What are the weaknesses in its design that could be improved by DIYers?

BTW, What do you think is the best box for the fx120?

[planet10]

Originally posted by marchel
Would it be possible to tweak the fx120 to make it even better? What are the weaknesses in its design that could be improved by DIYers?

I would say yes... for starters, lose the plastic boot and shape the rear of the driver. I will be EnABLing mine.

BTW, What do you think is the best box for the fx120?

Which box is best depends on your goals.

From the factory specs it should fit in the same, or close to the same, boxes as the FE127


dave