FR driver suggestions for HT line array

[Henkjan]

After thinking about it for some years, I want to move forward with upgrading my HT with a pair of line arrays for the fronts (I'll kill the centre). This way I can have the soundstage level with the screen (6' projector).

I had always planned for using the square Alpair6, but this is discontinued and Mark has no plans for making the gen2 with a square frame so I need to look for an alternative.

What are my demands:

• square frame (or round with straight edges) so the cones can be as close together as possible
• decent dynamics
• good sonic quality
• not too expensive

I'll probably place 12 drivers per line, making the line ~1m long (approx the height of the screen) but might increase this to 16 for extra area (if budget permits). I'm crossing over to the sub at ~100Hz now, using 2*8" for each front and centre and I rather not have less area...

Any suggestions? I have considered drivers like the Tangband W3-1285, which I like a lot, but this has very limited xmax (and has become rather expensive lately). The Audience A3 will probably blow the budget, so will the small Jordan. The classic Visaton FRS8 (used in the "twenty five" which started me on the line array idea, I love the big image that gives) is maybe on the low end of good sonically, if I use that one, I'll probably keep thinking I could have done better and the round Alpair 6p (sonically my favourite) has this large frame causing too much space between the cones.

[inrank]

Fountek FE87, Cheap, small frame, should reach 100Hz in a sealed enclosure.

[Henkjan]

Blue planet have the W3-926SD on sale, anyone experience with this driver?

[oLjud]

Fatial Pro has both 3FE20 and 4FE30 that I been very interested in to use in LA.

FaitalPRO - Professional Loudspeakers Made in Italy

[norman bates]

the tc9 (3.5" with copper cap) availiable at madisound and partsexpress, and very inexpensive. Someone used 8 and was impressed, but very small vertical sweet spot.

Norman

[Henkjan]

Do you mean this Vifa?
Vifa TC9FD18-08, 3.5" Full Range: Madisound Speaker Store

found it also on this side of the pond:
Vifa TC9-FD18/08 - RumoH - Caps, coils and speakers
with different parameters....

[Henkjan]

if I keep "nothing can replace square inches except more square inches" I am looking at 4" drivers now. The TB-1320, the bamboo cone, looks like a good candidate, any thoughts?

[larryldspkr]

I have used the TB 1320 in a small ported box with good results! It is well made and seems pretty rugged, good sensitivity nice cast frame! I use a 1MH coil with 4OHM resister for BSC. I bought these before the price of neo-magnets went up! Alpair CHR 70.3 might be a better alternative, good sound great price and no filter needed. My current favorite!

Larry

[norman bates]

I'd go with the tc9, the bamboo is pricy.

[norman bates]

4 x 4" bamboo (around $30) have about the same area as an 8". I have used them, they have a bit of sharpness that you get used to quickly. It is not annoying like shout (1-3khz) or s's and t's (8khz).

You may want to look into combing and line arrays.

Norman