FaitalPRO 3FE20 sensitivity?

BHTX · 24th May 2011, 08:45 PM

Been looking at 3-4" full range drivers. It'd be used in a small 3 way with separate woofers (so 4-way really), all simple 1st order electrical, attempting to meet a 1st order acoustic as far as possible (around 100, 1k, and 10khz).

The FaitalPRO 3FE20 and 4FE30 caught my eye a while back, but I'm very suspicious of the 3FE20's sensitivity rating. IIRC, the last time I modeled it, sensitivity from T-S parameters yielded around 86 dB/watt. Looking at the graph on their website, it does indeed reach 91 dB. So, does it have a rising response characteristic? Or, are they really just cheating as badly as Monacor (and others) by lying about both the sensitivity spec AND manipulating the graph to show it? I figure it must be one of the two. If it's the former, I could deal with that. If it's the latter, I'll scratch it off my list.

I'd be really interested in hearing from anyone who has used this driver and any measurements they might have.

FaitalPRO - Professional Loudspeakers Made in Italy

Scottmoose · 24th May 2011, 09:25 PM

Calculating from their T/S specs. (several of which look rather too pat to be entirely believable IMO) you're looking at a reference efficiency of 0.28% & a sensitivity figure of 86.49dB 1m/w, or 87.6dB 1m/2.83v.

Manufacturers often take an average figure for the SPL (some pick the highest point, even if it's a major breakup), so make of that what you will. Personally, I'd always err on the side of caution.

freddi · 09:46 PM

I've got a 4FE30 in a mini-Karlson - am breaking it in on a Jimmy Witherspoon DVD-A - meters peak around -12 or do at a decent level with 0 = 375 watts into an 8 ohm load - for this type driver and the coated cone, it has good HF - I want to loosen it up but don't wanna cook the tiny coil - these meters are really crappy - its more like -17dB peaks at a good level for blues listening

freddi · 05:12 AM

subjectively (in A-B comparison), 4FE30 in a mini-Karlson is a good deal punchier, louder and better extended on top than the MCM 5" monitor (~like Dayton's PA130) mounted in a paper mache "reflex-head" in A-B. 4FE30 might be worth consideration. They sell for $32usd each.

freddi · 8th October 2011, 07:07 AM

BHTX · 8th October 2011, 10:18 AM

Nice. Thanks for the info freddi!

24th May 2011, 08:45 PM	#1
BHTX diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2006	FaitalPRO 3FE20 sensitivity? Been looking at 3-4" full range drivers. It'd be used in a small 3 way with separate woofers (so 4-way really), all simple 1st order electrical, attempting to meet a 1st order acoustic as far as possible (around 100, 1k, and 10khz). The FaitalPRO 3FE20 and 4FE30 caught my eye a while back, but I'm very suspicious of the 3FE20's sensitivity rating. IIRC, the last time I modeled it, sensitivity from T-S parameters yielded around 86 dB/watt. Looking at the graph on their website, it does indeed reach 91 dB. So, does it have a rising response characteristic? Or, are they really just cheating as badly as Monacor (and others) by lying about both the sensitivity spec AND manipulating the graph to show it? I figure it must be one of the two. If it's the former, I could deal with that. If it's the latter, I'll scratch it off my list. I'd be really interested in hearing from anyone who has used this driver and any measurements they might have. FaitalPRO - Professional Loudspeakers Made in Italy

6th October 2011, 09:35 PM	#3
freddi diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2005	I've got a 4FE30 in a mini-Karlson - am breaking it in on a Jimmy Witherspoon DVD-A - meters peak around -12 or do at a decent level with 0 = 375 watts into an 8 ohm load - for this type driver and the coated cone, it has good HF - I want to loosen it up but don't wanna cook the tiny coil - these meters are really crappy - its more like -17dB peaks at a good level for blues listening Last edited by freddi; 6th October 2011 at 09:46 PM.

8th October 2011, 05:03 AM	#4
freddi diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2005	subjectively (in A-B comparison), 4FE30 in a mini-Karlson is a good deal punchier, louder and better extended on top than the MCM 5" monitor (~like Dayton's PA130) mounted in a paper mache "reflex-head" in A-B. 4FE30 might be worth consideration. They sell for $32usd each. Last edited by freddi; 8th October 2011 at 05:12 AM.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Faital Pro 3FE20 - anyone here try this interesting driver?	freddi	Full Range	13	3rd January 2012 05:38 AM
QSC Amps and FaitalPRO drivers	azngotskills	Swap Meet	7	4th March 2010 02:27 AM
FS Pro Audio drivers from B&C and FaitalPRO	augerpro	Swap Meet	2	5th July 2009 03:46 AM
Sensitivity match in a 3-way system? all of equal sensitivity? or bass is 6db more?	rhythmdiy	Multi-Way	5	5th November 2007 11:33 AM


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

24th May 2011, 09:25 PM	#2
Scottmoose diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK	Calculating from their T/S specs. (several of which look rather too pat to be entirely believable IMO) you're looking at a reference efficiency of 0.28% & a sensitivity figure of 86.49dB 1m/w, or 87.6dB 1m/2.83v. Manufacturers often take an average figure for the SPL (some pick the highest point, even if it's a major breakup), so make of that what you will. Personally, I'd always err on the side of caution.

8th October 2011, 07:07 AM	#5
freddi diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2005

8th October 2011, 10:18 AM	#6
BHTX diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2006	Nice. Thanks for the info freddi!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read