A7.3 with helper suggestions wanted

[sts9fan]

I just got a pair of Mark Audio A7.3 and was thinking of using them with a helper woofer. I will still use my subs for the deep stuff. I was thinking of a two module system with both being sealed. Use the A7 from somewhere around 180hz - 300hz* up and the woofer and subs below that. I guess I would want a 7" or 8" woofer. What do people think of this idea?* Any suggestions on woofers that would be <$200 /pr?
Kris

[chrisb]

Originally Posted by sts9fan

I just got a pair of Mark Audio A7.3 and was thinking of using them with a helper woofer. I will still use my subs for the deep stuff. I was thinking of a two module system with both being sealed. Use the A7 from somewhere around 180hz - 300hz* up and the woofer and subs below that. I guess I would want a 7" or 8" woofer. What do people think of this idea?* Any suggestions on woofers that would be <$200 /pr?
Kris

Kris - I think you're on the right track - for the 2 or 3 octaves proposed, your probably don't need an industrial strength room shaker (that's what the "subs" are for) . Something like the CSS SDX7, Silver Flute W17RC38, Peerless 830946, Vifa (now labelled ScanSpeak I think) P17WJ should be on your short list. No doubt other folks will add other candidates.

[dave_gerecke]

Hey Kris, chrisb has some great suggestions. I would also mention the Vifa(again now ScanSpeak) P21W 8" driver. If you look around Chops has a thread in the fullrange section using the P21W to support the bottom end with a Fostex FE-103 variant. That may give you some ideas for design also.

Peace,

Dave

[dave_gerecke]

Correction here, chops thread on the FE-103 used with the P21W is in the multiway section of the site. Sorry about that error. Still a good thread to read.

Peace,

Dave

[zman01]

Chrisb,

Taking the helper woofer concept one step ahead, would sub-woofers be able to integrate directly with something like an A7? I understand I'll have to cross lower (100-120 Hz maybe), but what do you think on integration? 2 small subs using either of these:

http://www.tb-speaker.com/detail/1208_03/w5-1138sm.htm

http://www.tb-speaker.com/detail/1208_03/w8-1363sb.htm

Of course the condition is that there should be no detriment to the Alp 7 sound overall . Crossing lower means SPL will get somewhat limited vs using with a true mid-bass, but that's ok with smaller room sizes I guess.

-Zia

[Bob Brines]

Originally Posted by zman01

Taking the helper woofer concept one step ahead, would sub-woofers be able to integrate directly with something like an A7? I understand I'll have to cross lower (100-120 Hz maybe), but what do you think on integration? 2 small subs using either of these: Zia

This is exactly what I am doing with my A7.2's. I am using the A7's as HT mains (small) crossed to a single Peerless 10" 850146 (this is a wonderful driver and it's a shame they are out of print) @120Hz. Once the levels are adjusted, it works great. Dual subs would be better, but I am happy with what I have.

Bob

[zman01]

Bob,

I now have my eye on the SDX7. My initial plan was to go for a driver around $50-$60, but looks like I will have to stretch a bit. And yes, dual subs..

[chops]

Originally Posted by dave_gerecke

Hey Kris, chrisb has some great suggestions. I would also mention the Vifa(again now ScanSpeak) P21W 8" driver. If you look around Chops has a thread in the fullrange section using the P21W to support the bottom end with a Fostex FE-103 variant. That may give you some ideas for design also.

Peace,

Dave

Originally Posted by dave_gerecke

Correction here, chops thread on the FE-103 used with the P21W is in the multiway section of the site. Sorry about that error. Still a good thread to read.

Peace,

Dave

Thanks Dave!

This is true, these Vifa P21WO drivers are wonderful sounding and can cleanly extend rather high, upwards of 2kHz. However, I'm only running them to around 700Hz, crossing over to the Fostex FE103E drivers.

The really nice thing about the Vifa drivers is that in the right enclosure, you don't need a sub at all. In my 2.34cf ported enclosures which are tuned to 29Hz, I get solid, detailed, musical bass all the way down to 20Hz or so. They dig every bit as deep as my NHT 2.9's but actually sound better doing so than the NHT's!

Just some food for thought...

[dave_gerecke]

Originally Posted by chops

Thanks Dave!

You're welcome! That thread has given me some ideas, and I figured it would help sts9fan also.

Peace,

Dave

[chops]

Originally Posted by dave_gerecke

You're welcome! That thread has given me some ideas, and I figured it would help sts9fan also.

Peace,

Dave

It could help sts9fan. It's sure helped me out a ton!