Does anyone have experience with these, or even just an opinion?
They have several models, in both 12" and 15", plus "pre optimized" passive crossovers.
Coaxials
They also sell a "kit" which is a 12" coax driver, the crossover, and plans for a small FOH box:
http://www.eighteensound.com/Portals/0/EnclosuresKits/18_Sound_12_Coax_v0.pdf
For years, I have used and LOVED a pair of Tannoy T300's. I've heard very few "Top" speakers that I liked better. (Only one, in fact.) I don't know for sure if it's the coaxial design that I like, or just the quality of those speakers, which cost around 5K (sans electronics 20 years ago. But for sure, I am leaning towards coaxials again.
My T300's are both distorting, as they were recently dropped by a chimpanzee guitarists. I would cost a fortune to repair them, so I'm thinking of finally moving on. Also, the bloody things weigh 77 lbs each. Neo magnets are calling me oh so sweetly .......
I'm not sure if I'd go with the 12's, or 15's, but regardless, I'm hoping someone can speak to the quality of these.
Retail price for a single 12" "kit" driver plus crossover is only $480, and that kind of scares me. How can anything really good cost so little, esp with a neo magnet?
They have several models, in both 12" and 15", plus "pre optimized" passive crossovers.
Coaxials
They also sell a "kit" which is a 12" coax driver, the crossover, and plans for a small FOH box:
http://www.eighteensound.com/Portals/0/EnclosuresKits/18_Sound_12_Coax_v0.pdf
For years, I have used and LOVED a pair of Tannoy T300's. I've heard very few "Top" speakers that I liked better. (Only one, in fact.) I don't know for sure if it's the coaxial design that I like, or just the quality of those speakers, which cost around 5K (sans electronics 20 years ago. But for sure, I am leaning towards coaxials again.
My T300's are both distorting, as they were recently dropped by a chimpanzee guitarists. I would cost a fortune to repair them, so I'm thinking of finally moving on. Also, the bloody things weigh 77 lbs each. Neo magnets are calling me oh so sweetly .......
I'm not sure if I'd go with the 12's, or 15's, but regardless, I'm hoping someone can speak to the quality of these.
Retail price for a single 12" "kit" driver plus crossover is only $480, and that kind of scares me. How can anything really good cost so little, esp with a neo magnet?
Always hard to find good feedback for these prosound coaxials. I've been talking about the Ciare NDCX12-1.4 as found on US Speaker for years. Very natural sounding results.
The B&C coaxial line has recieved good feedback as well as BMS. I'm sure 18 Sound is similar since they all compete(copy?) closely with eachother.
The B&C coaxial line has recieved good feedback as well as BMS. I'm sure 18 Sound is similar since they all compete(copy?) closely with eachother.
THANKS!
I was going to say - Not much there about 18 Sound, which is true, but after reading that whole thread, I've been happily taken to a superior product:
The Radian 5312BENEO
More power handling, better sensitivity, better quality x-over available, and a beryllium HF, for a premium price.
With careful processing, this could end up being superior to my old T300's. I ran the numbers, and I can easily use my old T300 enclosures as well, with a very small port change.
I think I'm in love !
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I've used the 8cx400 and 12cx800. They both have really nice highs. Natural, uncolored. Midrange and bass are like average good for pro coaxes I would guess. They were both used for domestic purposes and not live/PA.
Look at the frequency response of both bass and treble in the data sheets. If they are smooth, the chance of success increases a lot. Don't use peaky drivers, that are doomed in advance.
Look at the frequency response of both bass and treble in the data sheets. If they are smooth, the chance of success increases a lot. Don't use peaky drivers, that are doomed in advance.
I've always liked the sound of coaxial speakers---the stereo imaging cannot be beat, IMNHO. My first love was the UREI speakers I heard in recording studios, based on the old Altec 604E coaxial, which was THE standard for studios in the 50's and 60's. BUT, they are WAY too expensive for my pocketbook. The next best are the Radians; I have a 5312 that I'm currently trying to build an enclosure for. Coaxials absolutely BEG for bi-amping to bring out their best; here's an inexpensive amp that should work well:
200W/100W Audio Bi-Amplifier, w/ Linkwitz-Riley Crossover [XAMP-M4] – Xkitz Electronics.
Even better is the Rod Elliott design---more money, but much more performance & power (this is what I will use):
Project 137-1
200W/100W Audio Bi-Amplifier, w/ Linkwitz-Riley Crossover [XAMP-M4] – Xkitz Electronics.
Even better is the Rod Elliott design---more money, but much more performance & power (this is what I will use):
Project 137-1
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A few things.
First, did you know you can upgrade even the older 5312's to beryllium diaphrams? Expensive, but very possibly worth it, esp if you will be pushing them hard.
Second: I'm aware how important a good xover is. This is still something I don't have a good handle on, though. If I go this route (very likely) I will be starting with the Radian optional premium passive xovers. I'm sure they will not offend me, esp since they will be driven from a $4300 Lab Gruppen amp.
- but I think there's probably a limit to what you can expect from a passive xover, if you also need it to handle 400+ watts. So, later on, I definitely plan on exploring a really good 2-chanel plate amp, with a dsp crossover. (I mean a REALLY good one, not some Dayton silliness.) - But that can wait. O don't have the funds right now.
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