rear ported desktop box for fe126en ?

[vladn]

I'd like to build compact desktop/computer speakers using fe126en driver. It will be powered by a tiny tube amp (1-2W class A triode PP) hence the choice of the driver.
My preferences are:
- cabinet width as narrow as practically possible;
- driver axis height about 1ft from the table surface;
- rear firing port/horn;
- reasonably easy construction.
Currently I am thinking along the lines of folded voigt pipe with rear exit port. Is there any tuned/tested design with similar parameters that I can reuse ?

[renfrow]

I've built several versions of this Folded Monopole design that I've been really happy with. In that thread there are several other single speaker variations that you might like.

Tom.

[chris661]

I built a later version of those

diyAudio Full Range Reference Project

They're awesome. Enough bass when near a wall, though too close and it loses definition...

I'm fairly sure you could move the opening to the back of the cabinet, though I'd get that confirmed before going off something I've said.

Chris

[vanofmonks]

I built a pair of the folded fe126. Not finished with them yet, need some stuffing and finish. Here is a pic. They sound nice except for a bit boomy on the bottom end, which I think stuffing will take care of.

[vladn]

Thanks guys. The last two suggestions are a bit wide for my needs, I'd much prefer narrow/deep configuration. Post #539 by planet10 from the folded monopole thread is interesting indeed but I am not sure how well it will translate to fe126.

[vanofmonks]

I just realized you are using the fe126en, which is different than either driver, but closer to the fe126e than the fe127e. So...

The one is post 539 is only about 0.5" narrower than the one in post 797 linked by chris661 that I built, if built with 5/8" ply as suggested. The fe127 cab is about 7 1/4" and the fe126 cab is 7 3/4". The one linked by chris661 is designed for the fe126, which is closer to the driver you have. Also, fyi, i have since posting stuffed the cabinets with acoustuff and it made a huge difference in the boomyness and cleaned up the midrange nicely. I had originally bought the fe126 for use in a horn, then decided I wanted them on the desk and these were the only small cabs I found that were designed for them. So, you will probably have better chance with the ones for the fe126e, but you may want to wait until someone designs specifically for the fe126en. Hope this helps.

Chris

[planet10]

For most practical purposes, from data collected to date, one can consider FE126e=FE126En. I'll get more data when the 20 En in process get to the bench.

dave

[planet10]

Originally Posted by vladn

Post #539 by planet10 from the folded monopole thread is interesting indeed but I am not sure how well it will translate to fe126.

It is not suitable for FE126e or FE126En.

This driver wants a horn. The little FE126 box in the diy FR ref thread can be considered a mass-loaded tapped conical horn.

dave

[chris661]

A suggestion... What're the chances of being able to mount the driver on the side panel of that cabinet? It wouldn't move the driver a huge amount, though I suspect the earlier baffle step could be a problem.

Chris - sounds like I need to try stuffing mine. My ears aren't perfect (previous best build involved cheap Visaton gear), so it sounds like there's more to be eeked out. Thanks.

Chris

[vladn]

Has anyone attempted building a true open mouth horn with compact (desktop) dimensions ?