Best Full Range Driver for Mini Monitor Size HT Use

[hoppaz]

I am in a similar position. I have some m&k xenons (35) and really interested in seeing if I can improve on them with a full range speaker no passive crossover.

[DYNABLASTERTUNERS]

Originally Posted by Ben_Tech

I assume you mean the W3-1797S.

Any full ranger in the Tang Band flat cones better than W4-1798S? Keep in mind I only need them down to 100 Hz. I have a decent subwoofer already.

Anyone (maybe you?) compared them with the Alpair?

I'm now listening to flatcone W4-1996SB

Tang Band W4-1996 - Lautsprecherbau von blue planet acoustic
Captivator Bausatz - Lautsprecherbau von blue planet acoustic


my midbasses are on the floor, active crossover at about 200Hz, it's quick and dirty, as obvious from the picture
they need time to break in, its immense change afterwards, they have at the begining hyper metalic sizzle but afterwards they start to project sound in 4D
but the 3" I think are slightly better in imaging/creating those dimension

I have Alpair 7 and many other Drivers, but I think no other Widerange or Fullrange can make what TB Flatcones can, it's another experience of sound, it's hyper holographic dimension

those TB's and Coral Flat 5II are one of my favourites

[Ben_Tech]

Originally Posted by DYNABLASTERTUNERS

I'm now listening to flatcone W4-1996SB

Thanks for your suggestion, Dyna. The W4-1996SB does not show up on Tang Band's website as a valid product number. However, the spec sheet on that website you linked to shows a model number of W4-1757SB which I suspect is correct. http://www.tb-speaker.com/detail/1230_04/w4-1757sb.htm

Now the question is, which is better for HT dialog clarity, the Tang Band W4-1757SB or Markaudio Alpair 7.3. Anyone have a second opinion on this? Dyna is voting for the TB..... anyone?

[zman01]

Have not heard the TB, but heard the MA Alp 7.3 - very good in terms of clarity and tone.

If I understand correctly Dynablastuners sees (rather hears ) 2 aspects of the TB flatcone drivers to be superior vs others:

1. Wide Dispersion
2. Sense of 3D sound

[DYNABLASTERTUNERS]

@Ben, it's a new driver, maybe TB has not published specs yet...


@zman01 your'e right, I would add to this one more thing- immense and palpable high frequency...

Alpair are super drivers, as many other widerangers, but, as I said, flatcone has no competition in those aspects

PS: I can't imagine a better loudspeakers for home theater

[DYNABLASTERTUNERS]

forgot to mention that the microdetails are outstanding

[Ben_Tech]

Originally Posted by DYNABLASTERTUNERS

forgot to mention that the microdetails are outstanding

I'm really interested in the Tang Band 'flatcones,' but I'm guessing they won't play down to 100 Hz. What's your experience around that? Do you have to use a conventional woofer with these in a 2-way with a crossover or can you run them full range and just cross to a subwoofer at 100 Hz?

I say this because, in the threads I have been able to find, people seem to want to cross these (even the 4") at 300 Hz or something like that.

I think the commercial speaker that uses the twin 3" flatcones crosses over at 1000 Hz to the side midwoofers.

[mondogenerator]

Following the point in post 1 regarding 'bottoming out' of the driver with the infrabass rubbish on many films, eg Star trek. Ive found that particular film causes most of mxm speakers to come uncomfortably close to cone slap. These are 5inch and 6inch 2ways with F3s alot better than many FR drivers. High passing of the sats is essential, whatever driver you choose, and regardless of driver suggestions touted here. All the drivers suggested here would work well, but im inclined to think that to get the best out of them, a high pass is absolutely necessary. Let the sub tolerate the <20hz noise.

[Ben_Tech]

Originally Posted by mondogenerator

All the drivers suggested here would work well, but im inclined to think that to get the best out of them, a high pass is absolutely necessary. Let the sub tolerate the <20hz noise.

I'm 100% with you on that. I'm just wondering if some of these drivers could even tolerate 100 Hz noise.

[mondogenerator]

I use TB W3 1285SG with Fs of 100hz. Now these things quote 0.5mm xmax, but mech limits are way more, perhaps 8mm pk to pk. They can handle 100hz alone at a good volume, but blast them and mids get dirty. High passing and or a QB5 vented or QB3 sealed with cap chosen correctly MAY be ok. Personally a high pass IS needed and a steep one, if cinema like levels are desired. Other more efficient drivers like Fostex gain in that area, only to lose it again due to xmax limits. My best guess: 120hy with low order HP = yes. 100hz perhaps. 80hz cat in hells chance.

As is often quoted, there should be at least an octave of safe usable response beyond crossover. i.e. A driver that will run flat to 50hz would be safe HP'd at 100hz.