Fostex 108 Small Enclosure

[Ronmeister]

Hi All,

After making my introductions... here's my first attempt at advice-seeking...

I have a pair of Fostex FE108 Sigma's in the cupboard, unused, and would like to build a good, possibly temporary, small enclosure for them. Ultimately I would prefer experimenting with the Frugal Horn and/or MJK's OB design, but at this time I only have space for a bookshelf type enclosure. Something like the "Fonken" or "Solo" would be perfect.

They would be placed on existing heavy furniture at ear-height. The room is small, 28m2 or so, the distance to the listener no more than 3,5 meters. The distance from the back wall would be 40 cm or so, they would be 1,5 - 2,0 meters from the side walls.

Due to the temporary nature (depending on the outcome) of the project, as well as the simple nature of the music they will play (light jazz, vocal, acoustic guitar for example) I don't mind compromises with bass; it's imaging I'm really after.

The speakers would be driven by either an ECL82 PP amp of approximately 8 watts or a KT88 SE of 10 watts or so. The (unfinished but playing) CD player is featured in my "introduction" post.

The reason I could not find any examples could well be related to my limited search prowess or the fact that it simply can not be done... Either way, I'd appreciate a nudge in the right direction or post, or some advice...

Ron

[Jim Shearer]

I don't know about bookshelf cabinets for the 108eSig, but if you can spare just a little bit of floor space, then try a Metronome. I love my 108eSig Mets!

You will find a few threads about Mets, incl the one I did "My Metronome Experience." (I was new to the forum & didn't know that it was SOP to add onto existing threads on the same topic.)

Cheers, Jim

[rjbond3rd]

Hi Ronmeister, your situation is very similar to mine (small Fostex FR in two small cabs plus a sub, on stands, from 2 to 8 watts).

For maximum imaging, don't you have to be able to pull them way into the room? That's what I've found (that, plus a very narrow baffle). It works great, if stands can be worked in. (I haven't heard the Metronome yet.)

Also, just to confirm, you have the older discontinued FE108-Sigma, rather than the newer, current FE108E-Sigma?

[serenechaos]

another "don't know about bookshelf cabinets , but if you can spare just a little bit of floor space" that may be a waste of your time...

what may be seen as a small floor standing speaker;
or seen as a very small cabinet, glued to a stand,
is Nagaoka's Swan.
Some say they're ugly, I really like 'em, they're my wife's favorite. Very detailed w/ 108s, great imaging when you get them in the room right.
Usually don't even use a sub with them.

[planet10]

Originally posted by Ronmeister
Fostex FE108 Sigma

Sigmas or eSigmas?

dave

[Ronmeister]

Originally posted by rjbond3rd
Hi Ronmeister, your situation is very similar to mine (small Fostex FR in two small cabs plus a sub, on stands, from 2 to 8 watts).

For maximum imaging, don't you have to be able to pull them way into the room? That's what I've found (that, plus a very narrow baffle). It works great, if stands can be worked in. (I haven't heard the Metronome yet.)

Also, just to confirm, you have the older discontinued FE108-Sigma, rather than the newer, current FE108E-Sigma?

Very true, you do need room to create an image. Unfortunately I do not have much space to play with. It's a small room, with limited options. If I'd move them more forward they'd be head-phones... kidding... It is what makes this challenging, the limited space, the size and placement of the cabinet etc. Ultimately we might decide it's impossible...

As for the type, it's the E-sigma, late 2007. My apologies...

Have a happy and healthy new year of course!

Ron

[rjbond3rd]

Hi guys, here are a couple crude attempts. Don't take these very seriously -- maybe very basic starting points, as I am a newb. First, in WinISD...

[rjbond3rd]

And now in MJK: The best I could do is a box barely big enough to hold the driver: internal dims are 5.25" x 5.25" x 2.5", the port is a diminutive 0.375" x 0.75" located 5 inches from the top, and 4 ohms series resistance was required.

I'm not suggesting any of this is a good way to go -- it seems insane, in fact. But it's what I could churn out with my limited experience. Maybe a guru will be kind enough to weigh in on this.

[serenechaos]

Originally posted by rjbond3rd
[BI'm not suggesting any of this is a good way to go -- it seems insane, in fact. But it's what I could churn out with my limited experience. [/B]

I don't have MJK anymore; let it lapse, now can't renew it oh well...
Anyway, I built a tiny box like that, which I modeled in AJ a couple weeks ago for a FE138.
A suprising amount of bass for something so small, but it sounded like, well, box colored--
It took about ten minutes for my wife to ask when I was going to put the swans back...
I'm thinking they might make nice bird houses...

Hope you have better luck than I did...

[Scottmoose]

It's not a great idea to run these units in a regular box-speaker. However, if you really can't do anything else, I'd try this mini MLTL.

Internal length 18in, CSA 33in^2, Zdriver 7.5in, Zvent 17in, vent 2in diameter x 1.75in long. Line cabinet with 1in acoustic fiberglass or stuff the entire box 0.5lbs ft^3.