Fostex DIY Speakers....

[Bryan]

Hi Guys,

So, I'm thinking I want to build some speakers to match my DIY 845's. I asked over at AA, and recieved a little feedback. I am now bringing the conversation over here!

What is the general opinion about the Fostex FE series, particularly the FE-208-EZ. I see at madisound's website, they have plans for the cabinets. Has anyone tried these? I would probably pair it with a T90A tweeter, as suggested.

Now, I have never built speakers, but I have a few friends that have full shops and are very skilled with cabinet making. I am good with my hands as well. Is this a good starting point?

After I get some feedback, I'll start with more specific questions about the project.

Thanks Guys,

Bryan

[hkoetz]

I have built the Fostex recommended backhorn with the FE108EZ. I am very happy with it and would certainly recommend it to anyone. I presume the FE208EZ will provide a somewhat deeper bass, due to its larger diameter, but at the expense of the high. But that is where the supertweeter comes in.

I found the construction of the cabinets straightforward, but not for the novice. I used a circular saw (with ruler) and a 'hole' saw for the driver opening.

[Timn8ter]

A well made Fostex system can be a joy to listen to. Since you have friends with tools I'd recommend picking up a Jasper circle jig to attach to a plunge router for making holes and recessing the driver. It works great. Single driver systems are a great place to start into the world of DIY speakers and the Sigma's are highly regarded.

[batdorf9]

I don't have experience with any of the Fostex drivers, but I'm about to make something with a Fostex FE206E. I'm going to be putting one of those in an open baffle along with an Eminence Kilomax 18. Digital XO around 300 Hz. Eventually, I plan to make a few gain clones to power the mid/highs. I've read a bit suggesting that the FE206E is really great, especially for the money. I'm sold on the open baffle concept, but with a qts of .18 or so, the Fostex isn't going to do much of anything for bass, hence the additional woofer. The kilomax 18 has a Qts of .56 and decent excursion capabilities for a pro driver, which I'm thinking should make it a decent candidate for open baffle work.

I did a few searches both here and over at AA (high efficiency area) and there was a fair amount of interesting stuff.

- Robert

[Variac]

If you click as instructed , you will see the Basszillas that I am making (and remaking )

they are probably not what you were envisioning, but they are one good way to use them.

The 208's are clearly very good sounding, but you have to address the rsonance peak starting around 3500 hz . Maybe the various notch filters on the web for the old 208 will work here. Dick Olsher, the speaker designer uses another aproach.

Also they get beamy at higher frequencies - the treble is dispersed very narrowly. A tweeter is needed IMHO, the AC looked good for the purpose to me and Dick is now using it too.

The 208's handle are now paired with an Eminence 15" and Aurum Cantus ribbon.

The previous version I made sounded so good I decided to make it better with some changes......but I kept the FE208eSigma

[Bryan]

OK,

So it seems as though I am heading in a good direction. Now for some more specific questions...

What are the best type of cabinets to build, besides the ones from fostex, and where does one get plans?

What types of materials are best to use for the cabinets? Is MDF the logical choice, or some sort of ply? I wuold probably vaneer them when they are done, with some fabcy wood.

Any other suggestions, concerns?

How is the sound quality of the T90 tweet?

Thanks,

Bryan

[Timn8ter]

The best? Well.....

[Bryan]

What are those, and where does one get the plans....



Bryan

[Timn8ter]

Those are Terry Cain's design. He's at Cain and Cain in Walla Walla. (kinda like a Doublemint commercial). Anyway, here's a link with info for a single horn.

http://www.freewebs.com/ulzog/

(how's your French?)

[Bryan]

C'est ne pas bon!