Need a suggestion (again)

[icor1031]

I need a speaker that I can use for near-field listening.

Currently, I have a pair of Dayton Audio $30 bookshelf speakers. They sound pretty good, but they don't do well below 122Hz and as I said, I want something for close listening (on my desk.)

The kind of speakers I like seem to be dayton, yamaha, polk.
I've tried Klipsch before, and I hate it. It's too dang harsh, too much trebel?

Well, I finished building a Dragon Foal about an hour ago. Unfortunately, it doesn't perform well under 120Hz or so unless I'm doing something wrong, but mostly: it sounds like klipsch. It hurts my ears. Obviously many like that, but I hate it.

Is that because it uses a metal driver?

Someone on this forum suggested that I build a martello. That also uses a metal driver, will it sound harsh? Although it also looked to be too large, from what I could tell.

Any suggestions? I'd like something that sounds softer, and does well down to 80-90Hz.
Thanks...

[planet10]

I have found many metal cone drivers to be hard on the top, but i did not find that in the FR88ex. It will also reach down below your requirement.

Another small driver that will go down low for this size driver and that may be to your taste is the Mark Audio Alpair6P.

Both will work in a 2.5 litre box.

Also before condeming the little HiVi let is break in, but i have noted that Zaph suggests a notch filter for a problem in the top, something that can band aid the problem but not eliminate it completely.

dave

[icor1031]

Okay, paper cone - nice. Holy crap expensive, but I guess that's what I have to pay to get good quality.

Markaudio Alpair-6P Paper Cone 3.5" Fullrange Gen 2: Madisound Speaker Store

...

Do you know any SPL/Hz charts with this guy? And where I can find a crossover design? I'm not smart enough to design my own.

Thanks.

[talaerts]

There is now quite an interesting new compact Tangband-based mini-horn, designed by the German magazine Klang & Ton. It gives output until 50hz. Obviously not for very loud music, but it should be good for you. One thing is unfortunate: the current price rise of neodymium magnets made the Tangband a lot more expensive.

Info in German (with picture) about the speaker:
CT 256

If this design interests you, you can buy and download the pdf version of the magazine here for the full plan:
https://www.hifitest.de/shop/magazin...011-epaper.php
There's also a test of several 8" full range drivers in the magazine.
2.39 euro is quite reasonable!

[icor1031]

Sorry, $150? is too much.

[brsanko]

The reason Klipsch speakers sound harsh is because the horn tweeters are far more dynamic than the box loaded woofers so as the volume goes up the woofer doesn't keep up making for a peak at the crossover frequency. I have designed several bookshelf sized rear loaded horns that do quite well down to 80-100hz and also play quite loudly. P.E. has a very nice 2" Tymphany full range driver for only $5 right now. I have them in my rather large compound horn towers and they do quite well down to about 65hz. I could very easily design a small horn to meet your requirements. If you like another driver I could design one for it as well. If you want it small use a small driver. For nearfield listening a 1" to 3" driver would be Ideal and 80-90hz at 120db wouldn't be too difficult. Let me know if you want me to whip somethink up for you.

[barackuda]

Originally Posted by icor1031

Okay, paper cone - nice. Holy crap expensive, but I guess that's what I have to pay to get good quality.

Expensive? 54 dollars is really I thing on the bottom range of some reasonable quality...and I think the MA range is very good price/performance driver....

How about Feastrex for couple of thousands dollars/piece?


I am considering to buy some FE 108E Sigmas to put them away until I have time for them... I am afraid they will stop producing them... and at €130/piece I think its still cheap...

Go with the MA's if you want some good sound. A lot of guys over here are using them with good results.

Google for "small exponential curved back loaded horn". I have heard them in Japan, with Visaton T100 drivers...and I could not believe there is no sub hidden somewhere... Realy went deep and punchy sound... perhaps the TI was a little harsh in higher frequencies, but imagine with the Fostex hmmm....me thinks....

[icor1031]

A completely different question..

Is it possible to use more than one driver and still have a good speaker for near-field listening? i.e. 6" + 1"

[icor1031]

PM sent, thanks for the offer to help.

Originally Posted by brsanko

The reason Klipsch speakers sound harsh is because the horn tweeters are far more dynamic than the box loaded woofers so as the volume goes up the woofer doesn't keep up making for a peak at the crossover frequency. I have designed several bookshelf sized rear loaded horns that do quite well down to 80-100hz and also play quite loudly. P.E. has a very nice 2" Tymphany full range driver for only $5 right now. I have them in my rather large compound horn towers and they do quite well down to about 65hz. I could very easily design a small horn to meet your requirements. If you like another driver I could design one for it as well. If you want it small use a small driver. For nearfield listening a 1" to 3" driver would be Ideal and 80-90hz at 120db wouldn't be too difficult. Let me know if you want me to whip somethink up for you.

[brsanko]

Originally Posted by icor1031

A completely different question..

Is it possible to use more than one driver and still have a good speaker for near-field listening? i.e. 6" + 1"

Sure it's possible but not preferable. here is the Speaker design I mentioned in the PM. The best studio monitors I ever heard played so clean detailed and loud.