Best driver for an experimental design

[BMD]

In my high-school Engineering Design and Development class I chose to do my senior project on loudspeaker reasearch. I am not going to tell you guys exactly what my experiment is (mostly because I'm afraid you'll say it's a bad idea), but suffice it to say that I need to design a front horn for part of it. The design of the horn has to be left up to me. The final result is going to simply be a proof of concept, and therefore only 1 way and 1 channel.

I was wondering, what is the best cheap driver that provides excellent sound(for non-audiophiles).

Size doesnt matter, but it doesn't need bass extension. I was thinking of making it out of fiberglass because my shop teacher has all of the supplies and a little experience with it. On a side note: I am working on making a HiVi B3S system for my computer, should I just hold off for a couple months and use those drivers?

I will definetly tell you guys all about it once the proof of concept is done!

Dan

[LizardBrain]

I am pretty new to speaker building and this forum, but I think most of the long-timers here are going to tell you that you haven't provided us with enough information to suggest a proper driver. We've got that you are building a quasi horn, but within that realm, there are many, many choices depending upon several factors (construction, design, music taste, and many other).

Then again, maybe not. But, as always, the more information you can cough up, the better.

[BMD]

Construction: Fiberglass
Design:I know there are several formats from exponential to tractrix exist, but which is best?
Music taste isn't a concern because it is simply to prove a physics related problem, not the best in sound quality. I am just wondering what driver will not sound terrible, I guess.


Dan

[Cal Weldon]

What size driver?

If it's simply an experiment, go to the Parts Express website and pick one. You've got hundreds to choose from. Without knowing what you are doing that's about all we can help with.

[westend]

How about this little guy: http://www.madisound.com/cgi-bin/ind....26597&pid=905 Good luck with the experiment.

[Taperwood]

It sounds pretty simple, really. In my mind, the best driver would be the cheapest one, preferably free.

If this is truly an experimental idea, then you have no basis for comparison, so why spend money until you know how it sounds.

If this is a variation of an existing design, then use a driver suitable for that.

Doug

[BMD]

Going with that mentality, would the HiVi B3S work? What qualities are important for a front horn driver?

[Scottmoose]

Read this before going any further if you haven't already:

http://www.quarter-wave.com/Horns/Front_Horn.pdf

You might find it of use.

Regards
Scott

[soongsc]

Originally posted by BMD
Going with that mentality, would the HiVi B3S work? What qualities are important for a front horn driver?

It depends on what size and length. Smaller and short ones are normally closer to what is called a "wave guide".

[Nanook]

it "sounds" like a wave propigation problem, or perhaps active noise control (which in itself is a propigation problem). If this is the case pick a driver that has maximum efficiency in the frequency needed, and design the horn about that frequency. "Sounds" easy. I wish it was. I don't think the concept may be complicated, but perhaps the implementation may be, regardless of the experiment.

I agree with others that ideally a driver shouldn't limit your experiment, but you need not spend a lot , if any money for the design of the experiment. I wish I had an enlightened physics instructor in HS. I hated HS physics (but completed the major requirements for a BSc in it ). Kudos to your instructor(s) for getting students involved in expermiental design in an area of their choosing.