Vote for the DIY project

[kahvis]

I have tought two different options for the expensive DIY loudspeaker project.
Now I am askin to you vote the better option and leave comments.

Sorry, I don't have drawings yet. Both speakers will have full active crossovers.

Option 1:

Simple line array
(W)WWWWTWWWW(W)

woofer:
8-10x Peerless 830875 6,5" (one speaker)

tweeter:
1x BMS 4552ND
horn for the tweeter:
1x Eighteen Sound XT1086

baffle width 250-275mm
height <2000mm



Option 2:

Usher D3 "clones"



woofer:
2x Some 15" PA-woofer

mid-tweeter horn:
1x Visaton m300
compression driver:
1x Visaton DR 45 N

high tweeter:
1x Usher 9980-20BeA PDF: http://www.usheraudio.com/files/drivers/9980-20BeA.pdf
(I will get extra pair of these if I upgrade my mini dancer 2 to diamond tweeters)

-Markus

ps. sorry my bad english

[musical noise]

For option 1 you are combining a line source low/mid array with a point source tweeter. Due to the different falling rates of sound pressure level with distance between these two arrangements, you will obtain proper balance at only one specific distance from the speaker. All other positions will either be hot or bottom heavy. If all your listening is done in the sweet spot, then it's OK I guess.

As for option 2, unless you're really set on that "smith" type horn, I would look into a larger rectangular horn/waveguide like a JBL H4338 - which is more in the spirit of the Usher you want to clone (itself a clone of the JBL K2 S9500) or something by DDS. I would also use a larger format compression driver with a 1.4" or 1.5" throat exit. Since this is going to be a three way design you don't need the extension at the high end that the 1" CD provides as compared to the larger ones.

Lastly, I don't think the dome tweeters are a good idea. With two 15" drivers down low you'll be at the high 90's db-range sensitivity wise. The domes - even in multiples will not reach that level. Padding down the rest of the drivers to match the tweeters is IMO counterproductive. Why not look into the excellent Fostex high efficiency ring diaphragmed CD'S?

Just a few random thoughts and good luck with whatever you decide to build!

[Jay]

Originally Posted by kahvis

...options for the expensive DIY loudspeaker project.
Now I am askin to you vote the better option and leave comments.

Why "expensive"? Why not "top quality"?

With "unlimited" budget, I will choose any proven design out there, then if I think I knew better than the original designer, I will improve the design.

Any top quality speakers MUST have undergone several stages of prototyping. By using a proven design as your prototype, you will have nothing but a top quality speaker.

[kahvis]

Originally Posted by Jay

Why "expensive"? Why not "top quality"?

I'm student and the money is the most restrictive thing, but "top quality" is always the goal

I have now one more option:



woofer:
2x eighteensound 15MB606

horn tweeter:
1x eighteensound XT1086
Not sure about compression driver...

A cabinet size is about 300 litres. 2x100mm bass reflex port. Tuning something 25 ... 43 Hz

[purplepeople]

What is your top budget?

:)ensen.

[kahvis]

Originally Posted by purplepeople

What is your top budget?

ensen.

Upper limit is about 2000€ / 3000$, but it's not exact.
All is about cost/quality ration.