Fountek FR88EX 3" build

[malibujeff]

Here are some pictures of my latest build. I was going to wait until I had completely finished them, but I am still undecided on which way to go. This is my second speaker build and my first single driver. You can see my first build here :First build: X-LS mini-monitor

Thanks to Bigun for sharing his Martello plans. I am really enjoying the speakers and I would have to say they have exceeded my expectations. I probably have 150 hours on them right now. I am listening to them nearfield on my desk and the soundstage is really good.

 

[malibujeff]

A few more pictures.

Jeff

 

[malibujeff]

I have not glued the backs yet. Waiting to see if I need to add anything. I lined the inside of the speaker with several layers of wool felt. I may need another layer. We will see. Speakers are constructed from 1/2" BB plywood. CNC cut by a local cabinet shop.

 

[Bigun]

You've done a great job there, they look very good. Glad you're enjoying them.

 

[malibujeff]

A few more construction pictures for those interested. Used magnets to hold the grills

 

[malibujeff]

And finally the finished pictures. I found some walnut veneer on Craigslist for cheap so I got it. I used the iron on method and some wood softener. It worked pretty good good, but I bid have a few splits.

 

[malibujeff]

more pictures

 

[Bigun]

Wow ! they look absolutely cracking.

 

[AdamThorne]

What did you make the frame of the grill out of? Oh wait, those are the grills in post 5... ok...

They look real nice! Kinda hard to tell from photos sometimes, but the finishing looks like it really catches the grain well.

 

[kec]

Nice job Jeff!

 

[malibujeff]

What did you make the frame of the grill out of? Oh wait, those are the grills in post 5... ok...

Thanks, I found some 1/8" panel board at Lowes to make the grills. I actually cut away a lot more if it than the round hole you see in the pictures. I forgot to take a picture before I added the grill cloth.

 

[tuxedocivic]

That walnut looks to have much nicer grain than mine. So, how do they sound. I have a pair of FRs ready for use.

 

[mondogenerator]

very cool

absolutely love walnut....seriously jealous

I was considering going a similar route with a pair of TB W3-1285SG, but the low Q and 100Hz fs puts me off a little. I like this project alot!

 

[Bigun]

So, how do they sound.

They sound a lot better than such a small driver and box has any right to.

 

[dolphin123]

Which crossover is used in this project? I build this project in a few days..
0,33mH 8,2uF 4,7uF ?

 

[Scottmoose]

It's a single driver, so no electrical XO. The values you refer to are presumably the bafflestep filter.

 

[malibujeff]

Correct, no crossover used in this build.

FYI, I am still using these daily in my desktop system and still very happy with the results.

 

[pajazo]

I have a pair of fr88ex in 2,5l ported tuned to 70Hz. I have tested many options but found that they sound better with the notch. I'm using 15uF, .22mH, 4.7ohm which makes a bit narrower (more Q) notch than that posted above, but it's still centered at 2700Hz.

If you use them as desktop speakers, BSC is not absolutely necessary, but I have had best results with about 2dB BSC.

 

[dolphin123]

Ok thanks, I will do measurements and I will show here..

 

[DloKs]

Thanks for the great build thread - I think I've been inspired to attempt my first DIY speaker project!