Fullrange Dipole, sort of!

[FozzZ]

Hi all.
I am looking for a fun project to keep me busy over the coming winter. I would like to try try my hand at building a full range speaker system. I would also like this to be a dipole speaker. I really enjoy other dipole speakers I've heard and like to see if it will work for me with one of my own projects. Finally, this would not be a true full range speaker design. I would be adding a woofer to compliment the lower octaves that the dipole full range would not be able to reproduce.

My questions are,
Has anyone tried a full range speaker in a dipole arrangement?
What budget FR drivers would you all recommend? I've looked at Mark Audio, Dayton, TB and Fostex. But to be honest, I don't know which way to turn.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[planet10]

This is a very common kind of project these days.

This is where you start http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/full-range/108751-new-mjk-baffle-article.html

I'd suggest Fostex FF85wk, FE83, either of the Alpair 6.2s.

dave

 

[FozzZ]

Is there a reason you are suggesting "smaller" drive units? I was assuming larger (8") full range units would be better. Just from the perspective of their ability to play lower. Am I way off base here? I don't want to sacrifice midrange quality or extension if possible.

 

[planet10]

You are using the FR as a midtweeter. A smaller driver will do better, by using helper woofers you are removing the limitations that might push you towards a larger driver -- even FR i personally think 4-5" is the sweet spot. And if you are going to try to get away with a passive XO, the typically higher efficiency of a larger driver is a disadvantage. And in my opinion the smaller driver will sund better,

dave

 

[FozzZ]

I understand,
A part of me was set on trying the Alpair 12P.

Oh well!

 

[planet10]

Alpair 12P is a nice driver, you'd need to bi-amp or use 2 Alpha15s to keep up. But for an ap like this the Alpair 7.3 would be better. Use the money you save for a better amp or DAC.

dave

 

[FozzZ]

What if I were willing to change directions completely and go the single driver route? Something along the lines of a rear loaded horn. The cabinet work is the easy part for me, the trick is the design and the driver choice.

Possibly somthing for a new thread?

Thanks again

 

[Melo theory]

I guess you should start a new thread, considering the title of this one