Jim Shearer's Fostex FF85K and Eminence Alpha 15A Open Baffle Speaker

[PeteMcK]

Comparing the FF85K with the Visaton FRS8M - they're virtually identical in all parameters, except that here in Aus the FRS8M is lees than half the cost of the Fostex.
The differences are in the detail of the FR graphs, the FF85K having a broad shallow dip in the 1-3K region, and a gently rising peak from 10-20K; the FRS8M has a bit of a peak at 10K, otherwise very similar to the Fostex. I'd say it'd make a good alternative.

[ttan98]

Originally Posted by PeteMcK

Comparing the FF85K with the Visaton FRS8M - they're virtually identical in all parameters, except that here in Aus the FRS8M is lees than half the cost of the Fostex.
The differences are in the detail of the FR graphs, the FF85K having a broad shallow dip in the 1-3K region, and a gently rising peak from 10-20K; the FRS8M has a bit of a peak at 10K, otherwise very similar to the Fostex. I'd say it'd make a good alternative.

where do you get them, Visaton FRS8M?

[PeteMcK]

Visaton Speakers - Soundlabs Group

[ttan98]

Originally Posted by PeteMcK

Visaton Speakers - Soundlabs Group

They are in stock in Melb., will try to get a pair to try, if they are any good will let you know.

[chuyler1]

At half the price, i'd be interested to see how they perform. Would they be a suitable swap in a uFonken enclosure? The uFonkens are so cute and fun to make, I wish I could make more as gifts...but the price of the FF85K makes them an expensive gift.

[planet10]

Maybe Scott will chime in... he has a pair of uFonken (Built here and shipped over) and i believe also tried the Visaton, My impression from his comments were that the Visaton is nowhere near...

I've not looked at the FR8 (not readily available here), but ihave done mFonken size boxes for many drivers -- with 1 exceptioneach one required different tuning for each different driver (EL70 & Alpair 6 use the same tuning)

dave

[Scottmoose]

I've had a pair of the FRS8Ms through here a little while ago. In fact, I've still got them in their boxes somewhere. In out & out performance terms, the FF85K is in a completely different class (although note that mine have Dave's full treatment). The Visaton's reasonable for the price. Sound-wise, it's acceptable -if you'e making some cheap speakers as gifts, you could do worse.

[ttan98]

Originally Posted by Scottmoose

I've had a pair of the FRS8Ms through here a little while ago. In fact, I've still got them in their boxes somewhere. In out & out performance terms, the FF85K is in a completely different class (although note that mine have Dave's full treatment). The Visaton's reasonable for the price. Sound-wise, it's acceptable -if you'e making some cheap speakers as gifts, you could do worse.

From the speakers spec alone the 2 drivers seem identical, assuming the spec from FRS8M's manufacturer is accurate. You notice a difference in the sound reproduction, can I surmise that this is caused by the different materials used to build these two drivers? I strongly suspect so.

[Scottmoose]

Neither published spec. is entirely accurate, but the Fostex is using much higher quality materials, built to a higher standard, in a rather more advanced way -dust-cap is attached to the VC, surround used in the ESigma range etc.

[planet10]

Originally Posted by ttan98

From the speakers spec alone the 2 drivers seem identical

Factory specs MAY give you a vague idea of a driver's performance...but as often as not, NOT. Largely because they are VERY incomplete.

dave