First build

[zman01]

Originally Posted by Torstensson

Thanks guys!

I actually have a bit more budget then the cost for the materials of the FH3 and the FE126eN, is there a element with better specs that would be better or should I just spend the extra to increase the waf-factor?

If you have decided on the FH Mk3, the Mark Audio Alpair 7.3 should suit you well.

[Torstensson]

Isn't a problem with the low SPL on the Alpair considering my tube amp?
Alpair: 86dB
FE126en: 93dB

[jonatan]

I am interested in this as well.

[chrisb]

Originally Posted by Torstensson

Isn't a problem with the low SPL on the Alpair considering my tube amp?
Alpair: 86dB
FE126en: 93dB

This was certainly my personal concern before first getting involved with the Mark Audio drivers a few years ago now, and without giving more oxygen to the "specs mean every /no thing" debate firestorm, I can say that the audible difference between these 2 drivers has less to do with just the sensitivity than with the wider and smoother response, particularly throughout the midrange, of the Alpair compared to the Fostex.

The Fostex can have dynamic jump factor & in your lap midrange presentation that some folks find enchanting, others, not so much, while the Alpairs are more evenly balanced from bottom to top, very finely textured and detailed.


There are a lot of folks quite happy with the 7.3 and CHR70s driven by low power tube amps (eg Decware Zen, Bottlehead Paramour etc), and on the other hand folks sledgehammering the FE126Es with well over 50W - just to be sure about the headroom.

I'll sound like a broken record on this subject, but there is no single best combination - variables such as room size / listening levels / etc all factor into the calculus of which system will be an acceptable compromise for you & for now - next year could be different again.

[toobhed]

...just to add my 2 cents: My Alpair7.3 pencils are very meaty with 300B mono blocks 7-8w/ch. They're stunning with a FirstWatt SIT at 10/ch and for soft stuff my 45 tube amp at 2w/ch drives the pencils capably. I do help the pencils with a subwoofer crossed at around 100hz, though they only when driven by the 45s do they really "ask for help".

I also have the foster 126en's in two different cabs, a back loaded horn and a p10 mMar cabinet. I prefer the A7.3 pencils with any of the above mentioned amps over either of the 126 cabs.

Mario

[talaerts]

Since you have spare budget: I think that the previously mentioned A12p plays in a higher league than the 126.

[doorman]

My Alpair 10.2's are very nicely paired with an 8wpc el34 amp.
As Chris has mentioned, i too find the better (to me) overall balance of the Alpair's compared to the numerous Fostex's a real plus.
Don

[Torstensson]

Thanks everybody!
I've definitely got wiser but the decision didn't get a lot easier
I've got some woodwork to do before I decide what element to choose.

Could probably try to get some pictures up when I start building, probably won't get much done before x-mas though,

Thanks again!