which full range design for RH84?

[vaughn]

So I've got an RH84 amp I built a while ago kicking around and within the limited power range I think it is actually the best sounding amp I have in the house.

I would like to build a set of full rangers that work well with the RH84 (read reasonably efficient and a kind load). I'm thinking something like the BIB or Sachiko, Chang etc. with an 8" driver. I would like to keep the cost down so no Lowther, etc. One other important note; the ceiling height in my basement, where my studio is, is only about 7'. Also the room is approximately 10' wide by 16' long. I will not be blasting these but would like something, like the RH84, that punches outside it's weight class.

Any suggestions?

[planet10]

The room is a bit small for Sachiko... Get yourself a set of FE167 (while you can) & build Fonken167. Treat the 167s if you want to go a step up.

I was happy with RH84 driving FonkenPrime with FE127eN (~3dB less efficient) in a much larger room (25x35x12) until i wanted to really crank it.

dave

[vaughn]

Thanks Dave,

I've built the Fostex recommended BLH's before for the 167's, I thought they were ok but the bass was really non-existent. I went to look at the 167 Fonkens on your website and it looks like they are a work in progress? I would like to get something that doesn't necessarily need a sub to sound full, but perhaps could be used with one at a later date. The 167 fonken might fit the bill...

any other suggestions?

[doorman]

Originally Posted by vaughn

Thanks Dave,

I've built the Fostex recommended BLH's before for the 167's, I thought they were ok but the bass was really non-existent. I went to look at the 167 Fonkens on your website and it looks like they are a work in progress? I would like to get something that doesn't necessarily need a sub to sound full, but perhaps could be used with one at a later date. The 167 fonken might fit the bill...

any other suggestions?

I've recently done a a pair of the Fonken 167's, (w/ Daves eN drivers/plugs)
They are not lacking in bass, and handily outperform a previous pair of MLTL's w/the 167's.
The bass is also tuneful and very well integrated in this enclosure.
Good Luck on your search!
Don

[planet10]

Originally Posted by vaughn

I've built the Fostex recommended BLH's before for the 167

Fostex has a BLH for the 167?

We;ve built a few of the Fostex recommended boxes and been underwhelmed by all of them.

Fonken167 plans are by request.

dave

[serenechaos]

I enjoy an EF86/EL84 (both SET & PP) w/ a pair of 108s in Nagaoka designed Swans; found fonkens "underwhelming."
As important, the wife loves the swans; anything else that's in rotation any amount of time, and the question comes up, "when are you going to put the swans back?"
different strokes for different ears...

[planet10]

Originally Posted by serenechaos

I enjoy an EF86/EL84 (both SET & PP) w/ a pair of 108s in Nagaoka designed Swans; found fonkens "underwhelming."

different strokes for different ears...

That 2nd bit is certainly true... good thing there is lots of choice.

Aren't the 108s in your Swan's the limited edition ones? Pretty much unobtainium outside of the used market in Japan.

And wasn't your experience with the Fonken under show conditions? Not the best place for a serious audition. I know Bud has sure been enjoying that particular set for the last couple years.

dave

[vaughn]

Originally Posted by planet10

Fostex has a BLH for the 167?

We;ve built a few of the Fostex recommended boxes and been underwhelmed by all of them.

Fonken167 plans are by request.

dave

Actually, your right, they were the 166's! They now reside with some friends of mine.

[Andrewbee]

w/ a pair of 108s in Nagaoka designed Swans

I just got a pair of used FE108 Sigmas this week and will be replacing the
FE108 E Sigma's in My Swans (finally)

RH84 is great, Swans are great.

Also great is B S 10 and BK10 with FE103e.

My wife also loves our Swans... refers to them as the "E.T." speakers, her favourites.

[serenechaos]

Originally Posted by planet10

That 2nd bit is certainly true... good thing there is lots of choice.

Aren't the 108s in your Swan's the limited edition ones? Pretty much unobtainium outside of the used market in Japan.

And wasn't your experience with the Fonken under show conditions? Not the best place for a serious audition. I know Bud has sure been enjoying that particular set for the last couple years.

dave

Yes; i liked the regular 108s enough that I got the large magnet versions; like them even better. And like the Swan better than Bibs, Sealed, BVR.
Tried a few boxes and drivers.

Yes; first experience was under show conditions; unfair, I believe a 300b was being used there, chrisb said it was a much better match, sounded wonderful, and that he was trading the speakers for the amp.
The only material I heard played there was "girl with guitar" type stuff, the first one my wife wouldn't sit through because it "took all the body out of the sound, made the guitar sound thin and generic," on and on.
I went back a few times, (had already bought drivers and BB).

Also unfair because most systems I was listening to in same place, conditions, etc, were more "refined;" actually played full range, much better dynamics, tonality, harmonic reproduction, instruments sounded like what they were, etc.
Hard to get a "feel" for a computer/bookshelf speaker after listening to some of what was there, (and having those sounds in aural memory), much of which was at a price point where the decimal point was shifted a place, or even two...

Later experiences confirmed what was first heard; fonkens, brs & bvrs are not my "cup of tea," and run my wife out of the room.
And I like 108s better than 126s, 127s, 138s, 166s, 167s, 168s, 206s, 207s...

some like 'em, some don't.
Again just a couple of opinions...