Audition local set of Ariels

[zigzagflux]

I have a ME-2 design that I'm currently using. Love the sound; I look forward to coming home from work and having Norah Jones soothe the soul.

I must admit I was a little surprised at the lack of 100-500 Hz oomph the speakers were providing. After further research, I came to the realization this is well known and somewhat predictable. If I understand it right, baffle step diffraction is the main reason (along with maybe some driver response near the low end).

Anyway, I believe the full blown transmission line is designed to provide some BSC, and obviously some low bass extension (correct me if I'm wrong). I've pursued some attempts with Scan Speak 10" drivers to provide 20 Hz - 500 Hz, but that has fallen flat on its face in despair. Currently, the Ariels are 6dB xover at 125Hz, and that is about the limit I think I can handle. Any higher and my soundstage suffers.

SO........

My question really comes down to if it would be possible to audition a set of full blown Ariels, to see if the midbass region is what I'm hoping for, before I build the monster box. 500 Hz and up, I'm good. If the T-line box gives me suitable 100 Hz and up, I'll build it.

I'm in the Milwaukee, WI area, and would be willing to drive quite far to listen. Anyone willing?

Thanks a bunch.

[zigzagflux]

Okay, no takers.

How about this: what type of improvement in 100-500 Hz will I get by moving from the ME-2 box to the, say, 5R box?

http://www.nutshellhifi.com/Ariel-5r.gif