3" full range driver for nearfield monitoring: audible physics ar3k, or....?

[erikb1971]

Hi All

I am researching to build a 2.1 nearfield monitor system. Small Satellites (1-3 liters) and a sub woofer. Slowly, I am leaning towards a full range 3"-5" driver for the satellites. Originally I was looking at the Tang Band W3-1878, but I came across this review: audible physics AR3K vs tangband w3-1878 - DIYMA.com - Scientific Car Audio - Truth in Sound Quality

Anyone experience with any of these? Or an idea for a different angle?

Looking forward to your input!

Erik

[mondogenerator]

hi. I have no experience of either driver but i have the tangband w3 1285sg and alpair5. Both have particular merits. The downside to the tb is the low xmax but the wouldnt discourage me from trying it in a compact 2.1 pc setting. The A5 is far more bass capable, the qts being the dominant reason. Since levels arent stadium like, im sure the driver would be worth a look, but fear not the tb is probably fine

[boris81]

Mark K did a project with that driver.
Audioheuristics | The site formerly known as Mark K's Speaker Pages

He always has tons of measurements and good advise.

[ThyDntWntMusic]

[Tom V]

But honey! They sound great!!

[Tom V]

And the best part is, they are speakers and hookah pipes, COMBINED!!!

[erikb1971]

Originally Posted by Tom V

And the best part is, they are speakers and hookah pipes, COMBINED!!!

And you can store lots of food in there!

[buzzforb]

The MA 7.3 is audiophile quality used nearfield. I am in the process of testing it for in room system where it may need low end help. Finishing next, slightly larger enclosure. I will let you know. Nearfield in tiny cabinets, appx. 6" x 10", they sound wonderful. $170 for a pair.

[erikb1971]

My original shortlist was:

1. Xenums. Proven concept, nice size. 50 euro + cossover Pictures by wolf_teeth_speaker - Photobucket
2. Full range Mark Audio Alpair 7 3gen. Slightly bigger, 75 euro no crossover
3. Full range Tangband W3-1878. Very small, 95 euro no crossover
4. Coaxial Seas prestige L12 RE. 140 euro + crossover

Mark from MA adviced however to to have a 5 liter enclosure for the alpair 7.3... or use more filtering, or use the alpair 6... but iam still in doubt on all of those and the ar3k...

[mondogenerator]

the A6 is better for ultimate low end extension, if i recall correctly, and is just as suitable for a nearfield application where out and out volume isnt necessary.

When i ordered my A5's, I was unable unfortunately to obtain the A6's, and so I settled for the higher Fs of the A5 grey. In practice, im really not sure what real difference would be noticable between the A5 and A6.

winISD gives me ~3-5 litres (when fiddling with rolloff, Fb etc) for a vented A5 enclosure. Messing with the tuning can yield an F3 around 70hz, with a rise in SPL below that, due to the high Qts. I do agree however that an A7.3 would be an interesting project, and would leave more scope for EQ'ing the bass a la Linkwitz Transform.