Eminence Beta-12LTA alternative - Fane Sovereign 12-200LT

[BHTX]

Given the popularity of the Beta-12LT/LTA, I figured I'd finally post this, just in case. T-S parameters are a bit different than the Beta-12LTA. Qts is a fair amount higher, for example. The latest pdf from Fane now states Xmax of 5.2mm, it used to say 3mm IIRC. So, not sure how much importance I'd place on that, personally. Anyway, it can be bought from MCM. I'll also link to pdf's of measurements for both the Fane and Eminence drivers. I should probably mention that I don't have personal experience with either of these drivers, but from looking at the graphs, one could guess that the Fane might have slightly less of the common midrange shout characteristic, and more even output in the 3k-5k range.

12-200LT page: Fane International Ltd Loud Speakers
Beta-12LTA page: Speaker Detail | Eminence Speaker
12-200LT measurements: http://prodance.cz/protokoly/fane_sovereign_12-200lt.PDF
Beta-12LT measurements: http://prodance.cz/protokoly/eminence_beta_12lt.pdf
MCM product page: Fane International Sovereign Series 12 Inch Prosound Woofer | SOVEREIGN 12-200LT (SOVEREIGN 12200LT) | Fane International

 

[Godzilla]

The drivers look similar and have similar curves but the fane appears to be smoother. I'd try it for sure! Probably better than 12lta for ob based on it's qts spec... where my 12lta's will likely end up.

 

[Chaz H]

One question is how the Fane will measure after adding a phase plug...

Are both drivers DVC?

 

[BHTX]

One question is how the Fane will measure after adding a phase plug...

True. However, I also question how the Eminence will measure after adding a phase plug. Does anyone have measurements?

Are both drivers DVC?

I'm pretty certain they're both SVC.

 

[Chaz H]

BHTX, there are measurements of the 12LTA minus dust cap, with phase plug, and eventually without whizzer in Zilla's thread. I can't remember who posted them, but searching within the thread should pull them up. Anyway, there's probably not much reason to doubt that the Fane driver would benefit just as much from dust cap removal and the addition of the phase plug, but I'd love to see the result all the same!

 

[Andrew Eckhardt]

Regarding Xmax, the Fane data says gap height 8mm and coil height 11mm, so if true, Xmax = 1.5mm.

There's no explanation for 5.25mm Xmax, unless the coil suddenly got 18.5mm long, which might put the Q where it is compared to the Eminence, but I'm being hopeful I think...

 

[BHTX]

BHTX, there are measurements of the 12LTA minus dust cap, with phase plug, and eventually without whizzer in Zilla's thread.

Found 'em. Thanks. For convenience, here's a link to that post:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/full-range/179161-beta-12lta-3cf-box-port-size-2.html#post2429767

Regarding Xmax, the Fane data says gap height 8mm and coil height 11mm, so if true, Xmax = 1.5mm.

There's no explanation for 5.25mm Xmax, unless the coil suddenly got 18.5mm long, which might put the Q where it is compared to the Eminence, but I'm being hopeful I think...

Thanks for the useful info.

 

[freddi]

"Posted by djk (M) on July 14, 2007 at 06:05:48
In Reply to: RE: has Eminence ever built 3mm C12cx? posted by freddyi on July 13, 2007 at 16:23:19
The coil is 0.5" long, the top plate 0.375" thick.
While the coil overhang is about 1.6mm, the 70% Bl point is about 4mm.
(Lc - Hg)/2 + 1/4(Hg) = x-max (70% Bl)."
-so 12LTA would be ~2.9mm at 70% BL

 

[gadut]

The drivers look similar and have similar curves but the fane appears to be smoother. I'd try it for sure! Probably better than 12lta for ob based on it's qts spec... where my 12lta's will likely end up.

have you ever compared both of them? I have the Fane but no 12LTA available here, just wondering how they perform on OB