Pragmatic Full Range

[Jesbull]

Hello, I am new to DIY speakers and I would appreciate your advices.

I am looking for an easy and affordable first build. I've been seduced by the simplicity of Fostex drivers. By all that I read, I would be inclined to build either a BIB or bass reflex.

I listen to Techno 40%, Classic 30%, Anything else 30%.

I want to put the speakers on my old Pioneer SA-9900 110W/ch. The room size is 10 feet high, 12 wide x 30 feet long.

I fear I might blow any of the 4" Fostex. I can "attenuate" the output of my Pioneer with the -30db switch in front but i don't trust the wife or kids...

Which full range speaker / enclosure plan do you recommend?

[planet10]

I don't know that a Fostex FR & that amp will be happy with each other... i would expect the Fostex to show the worst of the Pioneer. You might want to consider a less efficient FR (which by Hoffman's iron law, could mean more bass extension as a bonus).

dave

[Jesbull]

I had concern about blowing the Fostex but I didn't grasp the theory of a good pair of speaker that could worsen my setup; and that a cheaper pair would "hide" my Pioneer weaknesses...

Anyway I liked the Fostex for their quality but mainly because having the plan to design the enclosure were provided, tested and proven.

So since Fostex seems overkill, I am open to any other full range driver / enclosure suggestions that would fit nice with this amp.

[gurley123]

Seems like the Mark Audio CHR-70 might be a good fit. There are a couple of plans for this one and with it's lower sensitivity and lower FS seems like it would fir the bill nicely.

[preiter]

A 3-4" speaker is not going to do a very good job on techno. I would either pair it with a subwoofer (actively crossed), or go for a larger driver.

Another question I would have is whether you think this is a one-time thing or the start of a hobby? If this is the start of a speaker-building hobby for you, then a simple, cheap fostex build is just the thing to get your feet wet.

It doesn't matter much if they are just right for your music preference or your existing equipment, you will get a feel for what full-range speakers do well and you'll have a better idea what you want for your next build.

[Godzilla]

I agree with dave above that the fostex will not match up well with the pioneer solid state amp you have. Having not heard the Mark Audio drivers (i'm sure they are great based on what many have said and the pictures i have seen of their build quality) but a small driver may not be best suited for your room size. Without sounding like a broken record, i'd recommend the Pioneer B20 plus a super tweeter in a large bass reflex box.

http://www.zillaaudio.com/pioneerb20-piezo.htm

The box can be made to nearly any reasonable dimensions and an optimal port size can be determined. I even like the way it sounds sealed but think in your room it would be better to go ported. You can even consider the Half Chang speaker using the Pioneer B20 and upgrade later to a Fostex 207e if you get bitten by the upgrade bug... and upgrade your amp, cable, cd/dvd player, etc...

Godzilla

[planet10]

Originally Posted by Jesbull

Anyway I liked the Fostex for their quality but mainly because having the plan to design the enclosure were provided, tested and proven.

As long as you aren't talking about the Fostex Factory plans which have been proven more often than not to be all that good.

Almsot any driver recommended here has boxes designed for it.... often it is the case that the hardest part is to pick one of many.

dave

[planet10]

The B20 is certainly a good way to get your feet wet. There are a couple double driver CHR-70 or EL70 boxes that would likely do just fine in the techno dept but with much more finesse than the Pioneer (althou at a higher cost too). I am still quote amazed at how much LF energy these can generate.

dave

[InclinedPlane]

Since you were concerned you might blow the smaller fostex drivers....

I feel it necessary to point out that if you like high volume on your system, Jes, any fullrange driver with an untreated paper cone will 'peel the flesh from your inner ear' especially with techno. I advise untreated paper cones for low volume use only as they become harsh noise machines above that. That is why I like Gurley's advice for Mark Audio.

[LCole]

Get your feet wet? Try the Fostex FE103E back loaded horn (challenging first build) but install an MCM 5 1/4" woofer (p/n 55-1205). Impressive bass from a $12 driver although NOT to be used at ear splitting levels. Seems to compliment two-ways lacking that lower end. Probably could use a tweeter to sweeten it up as a stand alone unit.

I'm currently running a couple of these cabs with a two-way center (~thick walled 5 gallon plastic industrial cleaning fluid jug with a 4 1/2 FR Pioneer 'bass' coupled with a recycled cross-over and tweeter).

I'd place the cost at less then $70 total investment.

I've got to admit: there are nights (especially with jazz and vocals at lower to medium volume levels) that this set up is sweeter on the ears then my JBL 4425's seem to be.