Zaph's L18 or Waveguide?

[xyrium]

Hello All,

I am considering another one of John's creations. It's between the L18 design, and the waveguide. I think the L18 will perform equally well on the low end regarding impact and maybe even better on extension due to its lower res frequency. I think they are both about the same in minimum impedance, though sensitivty might set them off a bit.

If anyone is familiar with thes two esigns, would you say this is a fair assessment?

I listen to primarily rock, pop, and jazz fusion, so I need something dynamic, but it won't have to play at 120dB. Just clean and clear, with a good amount of snap in a 15x13 room with treatments.

Tks,
Paul

[badman]

I think you're trying to quantify it, which is sort of difficult. I personally would go with the waveguide, just to keep the tweeter behaving nice.

[angsuman]

Well both appear to be excellent projects. I've not heard either but I think the waveguide is more sensitive so it should be better for dynamics. Also it has a pretty simple crossover so If you can work out all the extra construction steps then it should work out fine.

[xyrium]

Thanks guys. I assembled his L15 monitors and I love them. The imaging is great, and they don't really leave me yearning for much outside of extension maybe down to about 40Hz. Kickdrums seem to be fairly solid.

[tktran303]

I've built the L18, it's a great 2 way.

But the MMT waveguide is a 2.5 way. When asked to, it will play louder with greater impact.

In regards to the bass, it is just about as extended and deep as the L18 2 way...

[xyrium]

The waveguide is so tempting! I was using the L15 as an example of why I like John's designs, but those Seas metals are very nice. The L18 goes lower than the C series, but sensitivity could win out here!

BTW, John, you should name your designs so I can stop calling them by their woofer model!

[tktran303]

What makes you say the L18 goes lower than the CA18?

[xyrium]

I was assuming so given its slightly lower resonant frequency, and recommended frequency range. We're only talking about 3-5Hz, but that gets me into the bass drum range rather nicely.

I wonder if anyone has finished the waveguide design yet?!?!?

[tktran303]

Actually it is the CA18 that has the lower free air resonance (Fs)than the L18. Not that the Fs difference matters much in this case.

What I look at is the bass tuning, and the linear and non-linear distortion performance below 120Hz. Important in this case is the Fb and bass tuning of the each respective complete design

IIRC, the CA18 Waveguided MMT is tuned just as low as the L18 2 way (41Hz vs 42Hz), but thanks to dual 7" midbass drivers, will play louder and cleaner in the the midbass/bass...

[xyrium]

Gotcha. I'm not a bass freak, but I like tight rhythm, as it is obviously the foundation for the music. Therefore, it sounds like the svelt waveguide is befitting. I'll probably pick up the 38l cabinets from Madisound since I have no intention of veneering my own yet. Oh well, here's to spending twice the amount of the L18, one Chimay down the hatch!