which mids and tweeters for 2-way?

[dbsun]

I'm trying to decide on some mids and tweeters for a new 2-way project.

I like the Vifa XT25TG30-04 tweeter because it measures well, goes to 40khz, there are plenty of designs around using it and the price is good ($36 each locally) but the poor off-axis response worries me - is it a problem in real-world designs? Is there a better sounding tweeter for similar or slightly more money eg. Peerless 810921 or Seas T25 CF002-06?

For the midbass driver I'm torn between the Scanspeak 15W8530-K00 and the Peerless 850488 (still available in some places). Linkwitz seems to prefer the Peerless as it measures better and is about half the price of the SS but he doesn't really comment on the sound. I know this is a subjective area but does the Peerless sound every bit as good as the SS? Or perhaps I should be asking: what are the subjective sound characteristics of each driver? Also is there a better sounding midbass driver? Thanks.

[454Casull]

Do you need to do your own thing or are you OK with an existing project?

[gornir]

Originally Posted by dbsun

I'm trying to decide on some mids and tweeters for a new 2-way project.

I like the Vifa XT25TG30-04 tweeter because it measures well, goes to 40khz, there are plenty of designs around using it and the price is good ($36 each locally) but the poor off-axis response worries me - is it a problem in real-world designs? Is there a better sounding tweeter for similar or slightly more money eg. Peerless 810921 or Seas T25 CF002-06?

For the midbass driver I'm torn between the Scanspeak 15W8530-K00 and the Peerless 850488 (still available in some places). Linkwitz seems to prefer the Peerless as it measures better and is about half the price of the SS but he doesn't really comment on the sound. I know this is a subjective area but does the Peerless sound every bit as good as the SS? Or perhaps I should be asking: what are the subjective sound characteristics of each driver? Also is there a better sounding midbass driver? Thanks.

Hi dbsun,

Both the Peerless 810921 and the Scanspeak 15W8530-K00 are great drivers, but I would choose the newer ScanSpeak D2608/913000 version of the HDS driver and the 4 Ohm and uncoated version 15W/4531G00. In my opinion the uncoated version of the 15W sounds better and is a perfect match to the HDS driver and as a bonus you get about 3db higher sensitivity.

The 15W/4531G00 midrange sound is one of the best I’ve heard. It’s detailed and spacious, but without sounding analytical. The HDS tweeter is fluid an effortless with a nice sparkle and glimmer at the top without sounding exaggerated or fatiguing.

Look at this build to get some inspiration SR551-HDS -- 2-way standmount

Regards

/Goran

[rabbitz]

The 850488 is a great driver (I use it in my HT speakers) but can't compete with the 15W8530. The SS Revelators are special and the 18W is used in my mains.

I'll second the 810921 or the SS version as it's a great tweeter and use it in my two best designs.

If you are looking at the 850488, have a look here for an easy design.
Peerless HDS 134 +

For a 15W speaker look here for a design.
Ellam-XT

While you are there, have a look at Troel's other designs as will give you some ideas.

[Moondog55]

Just in case you didn't know "Speakerbits" still has stock of the P13 if yo wanted to build any of the iterations of the "Reference" 2-way.

Vifa bass/midranges, Peerless bass/midranges, Scan-Speak bass/midranges, Quadral bass/midranges - Speakerbits

diyAudio reference speaker project

[ODougbo]

I have that tweeter, its awesome, a very good value, I’m sure the price will skyrocket.

So check out this Madisound kit using the tweeter, a great deal.

The fellows at Madisound are really into crossovers, the midrange is exceptional, it would be hard to beat what they have come up with. The xover does come assembled.

I’ve built 10 of these so far, sold/gave all but 1. My friends are thanking me every time I see them. I’m using the last one as a center; going to build more this winter.

http://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/mtm-speaker-kits/hds-home-theater-kit-parts-only/

BTW, the mini woofers do need time to break in, but they will, mine are really cooking now!!

[speakerdoctor]

Here is a great build with great technical homework already having been done. The tweeter has a waveguide faceplate that yields great off-axis response. The parts w/cabinets run about $600 US.
If you want to go even more high end, substitute the Seas woofer/mid with a SS 15W 8530K-01 with just a series wired 3.0 mH coil. You won't need the parallel trap circuits if you use the SS.

The Seas ER18DXT ported two way

[dbsun]

Originally Posted by 454Casull

Do you need to do your own thing or are you OK with an existing project?

either way is fine, Casull. Just interested in the better drivers as a starting point.

Originally Posted by gornir

Hi dbsun,

Both the Peerless 810921 and the Scanspeak 15W8530-K00 are great drivers, but I would choose the newer ScanSpeak D2608/913000 version of the HDS driver and the 4 Ohm and uncoated version 15W/4531G00. In my opinion the uncoated version of the 15W sounds better and is a perfect match to the HDS driver and as a bonus you get about 3db higher sensitivity.

The 15W/4531G00 midrange sound is one of the best I’ve heard. It’s detailed and spacious, but without sounding analytical. The HDS tweeter is fluid an effortless with a nice sparkle and glimmer at the top without sounding exaggerated or fatiguing.

Look at this build to get some inspiration SR551-HDS -- 2-way standmount

Regards

/Goran

Thanks for your views Goran. Interesting project on your link.

Originally Posted by rabbitz

The 850488 is a great driver (I use it in my HT speakers) but can't compete with the 15W8530. The SS Revelators are special and the 18W is used in my mains.

I'll second the 810921 or the SS version as it's a great tweeter and use it in my two best designs.

If you are looking at the 850488, have a look here for an easy design.
Peerless HDS 134 +

For a 15W speaker look here for a design.
Ellam-XT

While you are there, have a look at Troel's other designs as will give you some ideas.

yes I've seen those designs by Troels. Interesting that you rate the SS midbass over the Peerless. Any significant differences between the SS and Peerless versions of the 810921?

Originally Posted by Moondog55

Just in case you didn't know "Speakerbits" still has stock of the P13 if yo wanted to build any of the iterations of the "Reference" 2-way.

Vifa bass/midranges, Peerless bass/midranges, Scan-Speak bass/midranges, Quadral bass/midranges - Speakerbits

diyAudio reference speaker project

yes I've noticed they still have stocks but would you rate the Vifa P13 over the Peerless or SS? It doesn't seem to measure as well as the other two.

Originally Posted by ODougbo

I have that tweeter, its awesome, a very good value, I’m sure the price will skyrocket.

So check out this Madisound kit using the tweeter, a great deal.

The fellows at Madisound are really into crossovers, the midrange is exceptional, it would be hard to beat what they have come up with. The xover does come assembled.

I’ve built 10 of these so far, sold/gave all but 1. My friends are thanking me every time I see them. I’m using the last one as a center; going to build more this winter.

http://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/mtm-speaker-kits/hds-home-theater-kit-parts-only/

BTW, the mini woofers do need time to break in, but they will, mine are really cooking now!!

Do you find the off axis response of the Vifa noticeable or a problem in any sense?

Originally Posted by speakerdoctor

Here is a great build with great technical homework already having been done. The tweeter has a waveguide faceplate that yields great off-axis response. The parts w/cabinets run about $600 US.
If you want to go even more high end, substitute the Seas woofer/mid with a SS 15W 8530K-01 with just a series wired 3.0 mH coil. You won't need the parallel trap circuits if you use the SS.

The Seas ER18DXT ported two way

Thanks Speakerdoctor. How do you think the Seas drivers compare to the Peerless and SS? I will have to have a look at their response graphs.

[ODougbo]

"For the midbass driver I'm torn between the Scanspeak 15W8530-K00 and the Peerless 850488 (still available in some places)."


Peerless 850488.....I think that may have been the replacement for the 1591. I bought boxes of those. I couldn’t believe they stopped making that driver, it has some bass. (pic 1 of 20 year old 5 ¼ peerless, I don’t think it will ever quit).
I think you’ll like the HDS, and at $132.5 they priced it well. I found another pic (2) of “what you get” with Madisound’s HDS.

[ODougbo]

Thanks, for the peerless design, I would have built a pair in a jiff if I known. I don't know about finding the mid driver now though :-/
We used a first order design for the 1591 triangles boxes (aggressive angled boxes). Went overkill on the box, 1” MDF, loads of glue, clamps, they are also lined with lead “cannonball speakers”.
I have the original prototype pair in my shop, still going since mid 1980s. I do on occasion damp the surrounds with ArmorAll.

Originally Posted by rabbitz

The 850488 is a great driver (I use it in my HT speakers) but can't compete with the 15W8530. The SS Revelators are special and the 18W is used in my mains.

I'll second the 810921 or the SS version as it's a great tweeter and use it in my two best designs.

If you are looking at the 850488, have a look here for an easy design.
Peerless HDS 134 +

For a 15W speaker look here for a design.
Ellam-XT

While you are there, have a look at Troel's other designs as will give you some ideas.