Small speakers for a small tube amp

[jeppix]

Hello everybody!

I'd like to make some speakers for my small tube amp (2+2W).

I know I need big speakers (hi sensitivity) for small tube amp but I have a small room and my wife doesn't like big speakers (as all wifes, I think ).

So I need a compromise!

Looking on internet I found some project:
- Jordan JX92S/Aurum Cantus G2si mini monitor (Dr. Griffin) here on diyaudio: the project hasn't big sensitivity but I think the combination Jordan and Aurum Cantus is quite good for me
- Mini dcaav with Hi-Vi B3n or Tangband W3-871s (http://www.webalice.it/loziopino1/Sito/Home.html): this one is more computer speakers than hifi speakers but it's a real small project.

Can anyone help me with the choice? Other suggest are welcome

Thank you and I apologise for my awful english...

[chrisb]

Originally Posted by jeppix

Hello everybody!

I'd like to make some speakers for my small tube amp (2+2W).

I know I need big speakers (hi sensitivity) for small tube amp but I have a small room and my wife doesn't like big speakers (as all wifes, I think ).

So I need a compromise!

Looking on internet I found some project:
- Jordan JX92S/Aurum Cantus G2si mini monitor (Dr. Griffin) here on diyaudio: the project hasn't big sensitivity but I think the combination Jordan and Aurum Cantus is quite good for me
- Mini dcaav with Hi-Vi B3n or Tangband W3-871s (http://www.webalice.it/loziopino1/Sito/Home.html): this one is more computer speakers than hifi speakers but it's a real small project.

Can anyone help me with the choice? Other suggest are welcome

Thank you and I apologise for my awful english...

yur English is just fine


If you can take advantage of corner loading, something like the Frugel-Horn with Fostex FE126E might be worth considering. A well implemented BLH design such as these can certainly sound much bigger than they look.

see photos at link below


For something with a few dB less sensitivity, but far more flexibility of enclosure styles and volume (and accordingly higher potential Wifey Acceptance Factor) , the FE127 is also worth looking at. Your 2 watts might seem like not much power, but I've heard a lot of flea power tube amps with far more "leverage" than their numbers would suggest.

[chuyler1]

I just posted a brief review of the Miniwatt amp (2.5 watts x 2) powering the FE126eN frugelhorns. SET, Push Pull, or T-Amp best to drive Frugel horns?

They are pretty sensitive drivers and I am amazed at what such little power can do...but the combo falls a little short in big rooms with lots of people talking. I typically listen to them in a small bedroom (8 x 10 feet) and 2.5 watts is more than enough to produce complaints from the wife about it being too loud

[Scottmoose]

As Chris said, nothing wrong with your English. Think positive old bean.

The 126 or 127 would be a good option. You don't say how large you can go, or how much you can spend, but an FE207E in something like Bob's FB20 might do: http://brinesacoustics.com/Pages/FB-20/Main.html

[jeppix]

Thank you for all replies.

I prefer something in bookshelf version because I have a quite long sideboard so I'd like to place the two speakers on it on the edges, but Frugel Horn have a fantastic look
I printed out the pdf and now I study I think I must go with a Level 1 or Level 2a because I haven't a lot of space.

Thanks

[planet10]

Your best bet for small & efficient speakers is mFonken. I'm just starting to get some good reports back from Korea on the MiniWatt + mFonken. If you can go bigger you can get more bottom (same driver). If you can get as big as Frugel-Horn & you have corners you gain a couple dB as well.

dave

[jeppix]

Hello,

good and easy design the mFonken and FE127e are good speakers with high SPL (91db).

I will try to build a pair.

Thanks

[jeppix]

To Planet10:

I've found two project of mFonken: 1v1 and 1v1.1
Which is best?
Thanks

[chrisb]

Originally Posted by jeppix

To Planet10:

I've found two project of mFonken: 1v1 and 1v1.1
Which is best?
Thanks

The 1v1.1 ( 2009) is the most recent version; normalized as part of a flat-pak kit series with versions for several Mark Audio drivers.( CHR70 / EL70 / Alpair 6 )

The driver magnet brace and port slot dividers for vented versions are the variables.

Having built/listened to all of the above I can certainly comment on the ease of assembly, or my own personal taste* but as to "best" sound, that's a much tougher call.

* with low power tube amps, the Fostex shines, while with higher powered SS (particularly class T that I've heard to date), the Mark Audio / CSS EL70 comes into its own.

[jeppix]

Hello everybody

Now I've a problem

The suggest wood is baltic birch plywood but I can't find it so I've two options:

1. MDF, that is an hard wood and I'm afraid for the magnet tight against the brace

2. poplar playwood that is a quite soft wood and I don't know if it's suitable for the project.

Thanks for advice