new project for newbie

[fv]

Hello everyone, I am looking for recommendations, suggestions, alternatives, and build plans for a new project. I am somewhat handy and feel I could handle a fairly complex build. I would like to stick to something “tried and true”. This will be my first speaker build – although I have completed a subwoofer project (CSS SD-12 using CSS plans). I am looking to use a full range driver, although I do plan to augment the sound by adding horn tweeters. I will by using my subwoofer with these as well.
My choices for the drivers and horn tweeter are;
• Fostex fe206e full range driver + a Fostex ft17h horn tweeter – using a simple crossover (capacitor only)
• Fostex fe207e full range driver + a Fostex ft17h horn tweeter – using a simple crossover (capacitor only)
• Fostex ff225k full range driver + a Fostex ft17h horn tweeter – using a simple crossover (capacitor only)
The choice of these components comes down to perceived quality for the $$$.
Intended use; I sometimes like to listen to my music very loud – but what is more important here is fidelity of reproduction – I like to hear all the individual instruments as true as possible. Type of music – progressive rock – but my tastes vary to everything – except possibly country. Room size – about 13’ by 16’. Size – important to keep it down to something reasonable (wife acceptance factor) – max height about 36” to 48” (maybe). I will be playing these speakers on a conventional solid state stereo receiver (perhaps one day I will venture to a tube system – probably a DIY kit as a first attempt).
P.S. I am completely new to speaker building and forums – so please bear with me as I learn the ropes. Thanks.

[Scottmoose]

Frank,

First up, welcome to the forum. Hope you find it of use / help. And secondly, thanks for the clear description of what it is you're hoping to achieve & background -makes life much easier.

We have similar taste (most everything except country) & a leaning toward prog-rock. Speaking of which, I heartily reccommend Rick Wakeman's recent live DVD of The Six Wives of Henry VIII from Hampton Court Palace. But I digress.

My immediate reaction is that FR drivers are not the ideal choice for this type of music. Doppler distortion is one of the killers, along with power-handling. Although you've got a sub on the bottom end, helping take some of the pressure off, I'd still probably advise you look at some form of 2-way kit, especially as you're restricted in how large a cabinet you can handle, and the fact that you say you do like to crank things up on occasion. There are a few options there which could be very good indeed & still in keeping with the wide-band theme (small wide-band for the mids + treble & a couple of dedicated bass drivers for the LF for e.g.); if you can give us a better idea of your budget, we can probably help you narrow things down a bit more.

If you want to stick with the FR units, then something like an MLTL (looks like a vented tower-box) with the 207 would likely be your best bet in size-terms, coupled with tweeter & your sub (preferably another sub too).

[planet10]

People like all these drivers... it is more a matter of choosing the box. FE206 goes in Sachiko for instance (too tall, you'll need to look at Dallas II), FE207 goes in Change (Curvy or otherwise), FF225 doesn't have a lot of support.

FE206 is a bit more dynamic than 207 at the expense of some smoothness. Also mates better with the tweeter (ie rolls off at the top, 206 not so much. Both benefit from at least a little surgery.

Based on the FF125 and FF165 i have heard there is some HF artifact(s) from the big aluminum dustcap, that i have also heard in some of the aluminum cone FRs. I find this mildly annoying, some people are fine with it.

dave

[planet10]

PS: forgot to ask what amplifiers you have?

dave

[fv]

I am not stuck on any of the drivers I talked about - these were just some of the one'es I considered based on my limited knowledge - therefore I am open to consider other drivers / designs. With respect to my budget - I am looking at spending in the neighbourhood of $500 (CDN) for the various drivers. My amplifier is a Kenwood VR-4090. I also own a Mitsubishi DA-R17.

[planet10]

I would suspect the Fostex drivers would lay bare the artifacts of those SS amps. You might well be happier with Mark Audio Alpair 10 or 12.

dave

[fv]

I have been looking at the Alpair drivers, as you suggested, and the Alpair 12 looks really interessting. Would you have any plans to recommend with this driver? would you recommend adding a tweeter?

[fastbike1]

ZillaSpeak - Pioneer/Piezo Speaker - The Cheapest Exotic

[fv]

thanks fastbike1...this looks interesting...but I am not seeing something that calls out to me yet...

...does anyone have any opinions of B&C Speakers ?

[picowallspeaker]

You're following the right track with the B&C . They are stiff pro-speakers so if you want high quality and high SPL , you may take a look at their projects:B&C SPEAKERS