Tower style -- bass reflex

[jmar]

(If this is a repeat post -- sorry -- weird stuff happening).

Anyway --

After going back and forth trying to decide what I want to build I decided I want a tower "style" (for cosmetic reasons) (something about 36 - 40 " tall) and a bass reflex enclosure rather than the Tline or anything elaborate.

One design that looks good is the Jordan JX92S in a BR cabinet, which according to Jordan's website has the dimensions I'm looking for.

BUT -- what else can anyone recommend?

Certainly, the Fostex drivers are something that I read about over and over and I sure would like to try them but they seem to prefer a smaller, sort of "golden ratio?" enclosure and that I don't want.

Also -- and this may sound crazy to some, but I have always enjoyed a touch of reflected sound in my speakers (listen to a lot of classical music).

A BR design with 2 drivers, one that fires toward the ceiling or rear is something I would LOVE to see.

Saw the Fostex 2 driver bipole but read some unflattering reviews of it.

Thanks kindly for any suggestions.

[picowallspeaker]

A sealed dipole with a vent?

[planet10]

If you make a BR tall and skinny it inevitably becomes an ML-TL.

Have a look at the Castle microTower.

dave
dave

[rjbond3rd]

Hi jmar,

What are your efficiency requirements, or what is your amp like? Jordans and Fostex are very different, efficiency-wise.

Originally Posted by jmar

Certainly, the Fostex drivers ... seem to prefer a smaller, sort of "golden ratio?" enclosure and that I don't want.

Oh no, that's not true. Some Fostex go into elaborate horns, others go into tower-sized enclosures, etc. Actually, come to think of it, the Jordans go pretty well into small boxes (3-liter and 8-liter, as well as larger boxes).

Originally Posted by jmar

Saw the Fostex 2 driver bipole but read some unflattering reviews of it.

There are many different designs that fit that description

[chris661]

To throw something else into the mix:

Visaton - Lautsprecher und Zubehör, Loudspeakers and Accessories

[jmar]

This is EXACTLY what I'm looking for -- glad I asked the question. Tday today, so I'll have to come back and take a much closer look and print all this out.

I actually used to sell EPI speakers when I was younger, working in electronics retail and familiar with those microtowers.

I owned a pair of EPI 602's which were like a Bose901 (yuk) in appearance but sounded much better then the Bose.

Although the 602 reflected too much (and were rather "boomy), I have always liked the added dimension and sound stage of a speaker that had some reflected audio. (I know, purists would argue). BUT, that's the problem with speakers if you ask me.

When the image is so precise and phase coherent blah blah -- you are listening to SPEAKERS -- and fact is, the more precise this image, the more listener fatigue you have. (If you ask me).

It's like the great painters.

In my opinion, the impressionists are what it's all about -- no hard edges.

There is another speaker I ran across that is like this (Lowther 2.8 ambience?) -- is anyone familiar with these?

Also, what is the opinion on a rear firing vs top? Of course, if it's rear you would want the speakers away from the wall more. (I've also seen an angled top speaker).

I really want to do it right the first time and build the best sounding pair I can.

I do have a monomix subwoofer I may use as well.

[jmar]

I should be specific -- the Castle micro tower is what interests me.

[Scottmoose]

Presentation of a bipole & something like the Microtower, with a forward & upward firing unit, is similar, but has some differences; certainly the former requires more space. Personally I like the latter configuration -it's partly my fault that the micros have that layout as an option. From what you say that you like in presentation, this semi-omni configuration should suit you quite well.

FWIW, if the Lowther 2.8 Ambience is the box I'm thinking of, I'd avoid it. For a start, it's not a Lowther design (not that Lowther's own are always especially distinguished), and isn't especially well optimised.

Edit -since you obviously like an ambient soundstage, one suggestion I do have is that you try a basic Hafler circuit. If you're not familiar with it, get yourself a couple of additional speakers (don't have to be large, or expensive), and stick them somewhere unobtrusive behind you, or to the side. Wire the positive of the right hand speaker to the right hand positive on the amp, and the positive of the left hand speaker to the left hand positive on the amp. Then wire the negative terminals of the speakers together. What then happens is the rears will reproduce the difference signal (i.e. anything that is not common to both channels). Result: instant, fairly subtle ambient surround sound, that's very effective if you like that sort of presentation. Worth trying with a spare pair of speakers for the sake of 5 minutes and a couple of lengths of bell wire.

[planet10]

Originally Posted by Scottmoose

it's partly my fault that the micros have that layout as an option

Don't be shy. It is mostly your fault

Being influenced by isobariks of the day just reinforced the idea when you 1st mentioned it.

dave

[chrisb]

Originally Posted by planet10

Don't be shy. It is mostly your fault

Being influenced by isobariks of the day just reinforced the idea when you 1st mentioned it.

dave

Indeed Scott, please whatever measure of credit whenever you can - I just love these things as an addition to my collection.

Do they possess all the nuance and finesse of the FonkenPrime/FE127En, or the dynamics and density of soundstage of Sachiko/FE166? Well, not entirely - but they're certainly lotsa fun packed into a compact footprint.

Provided you don't get all Krenov or Stickley with your joinery and finishing, could you start cutting material after breakfast Saturday, and be enjoying music after dinner that evening? definitely