Best Full Range Driver for Mini Monitor Size HT Use

[Ben_Tech]

What would you experts say is the "best" full range driver for HT (action movies, explosions) in a mini monitor form factor? I'm thinking max 10" tall finished cabinets. So, that would be something like a .25 to .5 or so cu. ft. cabinet.

I'd like these to hit 80Hz with authority ideally, but could raise the crossover in the receiver to 100 Hz I suppose if it's required.

Relatively small room.

I've tried the Fountek FR88EX and have doubts that it would not bottom out a lot with action film noises (beach landing in Saving Private Ryan, for example).

Absolute dialog clarity is important to me as well, as I listen to a lot of different material.

So, I'm considering the Tang-Band W8-1808, W8-1772, W6-1916, W4-1337SD

Scan-Speak 10F

Dayton PS180-8, PS220-8, RS100-8

Or, Markaudio (not very familiar with these but good comments on the forum).

CSS offers some interesting stuff too.

Or, there is Jordan, Fostex......

Please suggest what you know to be the "best" based upon your experience. Thanks in advance!

[Melo theory]

Is off axis important?
do you want a BR alignment or sealed?
I suggest this driver all the time because it is the best compromise between off axis response and power handling. It will get down to 70Hz in a small sealed box, and will take quite a bit of power with little IMD and doppler effect.

The Madisound Speaker Store

It's a little pricey for 5 of them, but I think it's the best for this application.

[Melo theory]

The first two tang bands you listed are expensive and would like a bigger box, also off axis...not the best
The third tang band I don't know too much about, there is not a lot of info on them (independent measurements)
The last tang band is actually my favorite full range, but not enough balls down low for HT.
Same story for the Scan Speak.
the first two daytons need a lot of FR shaping work.
the last dayton is really great for the near field, but same story as the TB and SS.
CSS, the 4" is great, but you will need more capability down low, although it will fair better than the other 4" that were mentioned, and expensive.
Jordan- great. although not too much info on the new design.
Fostex. most don't have too much excursion.

ok, i'm done

[planet10]

Originally Posted by Melo theory

madisoundspeaker markaudio-alpair-10.2

It's a little pricey for 5 of them, but I think it's the best for this application.

I can secound that. Less expensive than some that have been mentioned. Work nicely for this kind of ap in 8-10 litre sealed.

BTW: they are copper not gold. The gen 1s were gold, the labels are being reused.

Another suggestion would be CSS/Mark Audio EL70 (getting scarce thou)

dave

[Ben_Tech]

Originally Posted by Melo theory

Is off axis important?
do you want a BR alignment or sealed?

Thanks for the informative replies and recommendation.

Off axis response? = somewhat desirable

Seal or ported? = Does not matter to me as I'll be building the cabs custom for the driver, would choose the option with the best vocal range clarity, would guess sealed... but of course it needs to have enough oomph to 80/100 Hz to mesh with the sub too.

[Ben_Tech]

Originally Posted by planet10

Another suggestion would be CSS/Mark Audio EL70 (getting scarce thou)

Which is better? Alpair-10 Gen2 or the EL70? I don't mind scarce, I only need 3 of them....

[planet10]

These 2 are neck & neck. For use with a typical HT Receiver i'd give the EL70 the edge, A10.2 will reveal more of the receiver's short-comings.

dave

[Ben_Tech]

Originally Posted by planet10

These 2 are neck & neck. For use with a typical HT Receiver i'd give the EL70 the edge, A10.2 will reveal more of the receiver's short-comings.

dave

Thanks Dave! Hypothetically, if I went with the A10.2, would I use a filter network with that?

[planet10]

I wouldn't. I'd put them into a sealed box and then set the HT filters to XO it at about where it rolls off and bring the sunbs in below that.

dave

[Ben_Tech]

Perfect, Dave! Sounds like a simple, fun build to me. Thanks again. Ben