Alpair 12 vs Alpair 10.2 and a little Fostex 166

[germpod]

I am looking at purchasing new drivers, and am wondering if there are any perks that the Alpair 12 has over the Alpair 10.2 other then the Alpair 12 being a bit more efficient? On the surface the Alpair 10.2 drivers have all the advantages, what are other folks impressions? Also, the Mark Audio break in recommendations make them seem like a very fragile driver, are they that much more fragile then a Fostex 166?

My system consists of an F5 amp with a B1 buffer pre-amp, currently pushing Fostex 126 drivers in BIBs. I am currently using my computer as a source, but will have a DAC in the near future. My living room is approximately 20' by 30' and they will very likely be in a BIB enclosure (I prefer the BIBs to both Harveys and Austin 126s in my room). At the opposite end of the room there is a door-way to the kitchen, but no door, so it opens to another room.

I like the how the FE126 drivers sound, except they do not do very well when turned up loud (shout). I am hoping to have my cake and eat it too and have speakers that I like the sound of like the Fostex, but that can be turned up when the mood hits. I am a big fan of single drivers, and am willing to live with their limitations, I am just trying to find a driver that minimizes those limitations. I like all sorts of music, and am willing to live with single driver limitations regarding rock, though again, I am trying to minimize those limitations.

I have been debating the three drivers mentioned above for weeks now, and all feedback is appreciated.

https://www.madisound.com/store/prod...oducts_id=9033

https://www.madisound.com/store/prod...oducts_id=8863

[Scottmoose]

No, the MA drivers are not fragile (far from it, they're quite robust as wide-band drivers go), but Mark's recommendations are the best way of getting them to the optimal condition, and a reminder that common sense should be applied. You don't thash the bollocks off a brand-new car do you?

They're very different units, with different priorities, so it's a bit apples & oranges TBH. All are excellent drivers within their design remit, so it will also depend on what you want to be doing with them.

[germpod]

Thanks Scottmoose regarding them not being fragile. That takes one element of worry away.

The biggest challenge in DIY is I can not go to the store and listen before I purchase, so I have to depend on specs from the manufacturer and opinions from this forum. I am not complaining, just saying it is a bit of a challenge. Every purchase is a leap of faith of sorts.

Ed Robinson

[Godzilla]

In your sized room i would suggest thinking about using 8" drivers in a BIB... like the Fostex 225, 206 or 208... add a tweeter too. Whenever i go from smaller to larger drivers i notice an increase in clarity when turning up the volume... Never heard the MA drivers tho. I'm sure they must be great.

[germpod]

Thank you Godzilla, I will look into the 8" Fostex, though I sort of have my mind on the Mark Audio drivers and am trying to figure out which one between the two mentioned.

Your Zillaspeak site has helped me a lot with my BIBs, especially the so easy to use pictures and BIB calculator.