Beautiful!
(A bit odd not seeing polka-dots @ Dave's though!)
Stunning execution, brilliant finish.
Tell us your listening impressions---
don
(A bit odd not seeing polka-dots @ Dave's though!)
Stunning execution, brilliant finish.
Tell us your listening impressions---
don
patience, grasshopper - there was a bit of backlog on workbench "behind the polka dot door" when I picked up some FE126E for FH3 the other day*
My own initial impressions were that perhaps a bit of adjustment to driver chamber fill level might be required, and that even stock, the ESRs are pretty darned special. Certainly have the signature FE series dynamics and forward midrange - no "shout" to speak of, but perhaps some slight midrange "echo" that could use some taming by playing with fill (as usual, this is most notable on vocals)
For those familiar with the voluminous room, these have little trouble creating a huge soundstage and plenty of bass.
Not having seen any preliminary drawings, I was a bit surprised myself that they weren't any taller than the Valiants - so yes that means for a reasonable breakout from 5x5 sheets. I would make for a bit of a bitch if you want to perimeter wrap veneer for grain continuity, but then who will be spending much time inspecting the top of the cabinets?
hmm, bamboo
*speaking of FH3/FE126E - I had a short session with them this afternoon. Compared to dual EL70 microtowers, they definitely need corner placement for low end foundation, and in this particular room that places them approx 15 feet apart - so of course, depending on recording mix, channel separation can be a bit exaggerated and center imaging a bit thin and wandering.
but man can these deliver on dynamics, big soundstage and imaging . one of my longtime favorite recordings for imaging is Wailing Jennies - 40 Days, - fairly close miked small group with very tight harmonies - it's literally hard sometimes to separate the 3 voices - not with the Fostex/FH combo .
Love the look of those speakers! I hope the midrange can be sorted out with stuffing or perhaps playing with the cavity size/shape.
emphasis on "slightness" - I've heard much less coherency and poor balance in a 3-way with ribbon mids/tweets very recently; tons of sloppy bass though, so that must make up for it.
Jeff,
The same issue is occuring in Maeshowe. A minor bit of damping in the throats (as originally specified by Scott in concept if not amount) made a significant improvement. Just a matter of nailing the dose. I've at least 2 more driver changes in these, plus a couple in Maeshowe which should give a very good baseline.
dave
The same issue is occuring in Maeshowe. A minor bit of damping in the throats (as originally specified by Scott in concept if not amount) made a significant improvement. Just a matter of nailing the dose. I've at least 2 more driver changes in these, plus a couple in Maeshowe which should give a very good baseline.
dave
...so, any new developments, is the design ready for "prime time"? I'm interested in building a pair for my EsR's, when i can get a hold of the plans, and assuming no problems holding the horn in "alpha/bata" build stage.
I'm sitting here enjoying them... haven't had time to swap in the FE166eN^2 (and access the area i need to to adjust the damping) so that i can treat the FE166esr.
dave
dave
It has been generally found that FE168eS works in boxes designed for FE166 with (maybe) the need to adjust air cavity size.
So i wouldn't rule it out.
dave
So i wouldn't rule it out.
dave
Scott of Woden told me it was designed for the 166 only. The 168ES would require a redesign. Obviously best if he confirmed this as may have changed.
Scott was quite worried when i said we were going to put FE166eSR into Victor. He was pleased that it works... or at least works WAY better than the factory recommended horn (from Berie who has lived with the factory horn for > 6 months).
We'll see how it does vrs FE166 soon enuff (or rather FE166eN^2).
dave
We'll see how it does vrs FE166 soon enuff (or rather FE166eN^2).
dave
Attachments
slightly OT: FH3 15' apart. Really? And the Victor
Chris, and others:
One thing that many of us forget about is the dimensions of our listening rooms. To get a real appreciation perhaps it can be instructional to create a basic sketchup or similar drawing so others can get an idea of the acoustic spaces we listen in.
Perhaps quick sketches could be posted in members albums or similar? The only place many of have seen before is Dave's central "hall" (best descriptor I could come up with)
Dave: Bernie's work is very impressive. His skill level appears to be amazing. Was the burnt offering at the designated annual location? Where are the marshmallows?
All: It is amazing that Dave, Scott et al continue to develop plans for such an array of drivers. The amount of work required to get a single good enclosure can be a huge task. But good multiple enclosures? Forget about it.
chrisb:: is this in reference to Dave's central hall?
Sometimes I wish I was rich, like chris🙂
When I grow up I wanna be just like Dave. Or maybe chris. OK, how about the mute? (TerryO hope things are going well for you)
Chris, and others:
One thing that many of us forget about is the dimensions of our listening rooms. To get a real appreciation perhaps it can be instructional to create a basic sketchup or similar drawing so others can get an idea of the acoustic spaces we listen in.
Perhaps quick sketches could be posted in members albums or similar? The only place many of have seen before is Dave's central "hall" (best descriptor I could come up with)
Dave: Bernie's work is very impressive. His skill level appears to be amazing. Was the burnt offering at the designated annual location? Where are the marshmallows?
All: It is amazing that Dave, Scott et al continue to develop plans for such an array of drivers. The amount of work required to get a single good enclosure can be a huge task. But good multiple enclosures? Forget about it.
chrisb:: is this in reference to Dave's central hall?
Sometimes I wish I was rich, like chris🙂
When I grow up I wanna be just like Dave. Or maybe chris. OK, how about the mute? (TerryO hope things are going well for you)
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Hi Nanook!
I've pretty much recovered and can actually talk again, much to my wife's disappointment.
😀
I just got back last Tuesday from two wonderful weeks in Southern California visiting one of my sons and his family. It was 84 degrees when I left California and that night it got down to 32 degrees in Seattle!
I've just realized that I'm basically a Southern California Surfer Dude trapped in a Washingtonian's body. The very thought of this has caused excruciating mental agony.
Best Regards,
Terry
I've pretty much recovered and can actually talk again, much to my wife's disappointment.
😀
I just got back last Tuesday from two wonderful weeks in Southern California visiting one of my sons and his family. It was 84 degrees when I left California and that night it got down to 32 degrees in Seattle!
I've just realized that I'm basically a Southern California Surfer Dude trapped in a Washingtonian's body. The very thought of this has caused excruciating mental agony.
Best Regards,
Terry