Best budget (400Eur/pc max) compression driver May 2020? Suggestions, please.
There are certainly some new models available. My budget is 400 Eur/piece maximum. Currently I have a pair of Beyma CP385Nds and BC DE500s. I really like the integrated driver of Beyma 12XA30. I would like to have extension as high as possible and as low as possible for HiFi application and high sensitivity. 1.2 kHz or lower. Exit size does not matter. It will be used with a midbass and bass horn or in a synergy style horn.
There are certainly some new models available. My budget is 400 Eur/piece maximum. Currently I have a pair of Beyma CP385Nds and BC DE500s. I really like the integrated driver of Beyma 12XA30. I would like to have extension as high as possible and as low as possible for HiFi application and high sensitivity. 1.2 kHz or lower. Exit size does not matter. It will be used with a midbass and bass horn or in a synergy style horn.
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Oberton and Eminence are both offering carbon fiber based diaphragms with good overall performance at lower prices.
N314X-8 - Drivers | Eminence Speaker
ND72HB
N314X-8 - Drivers | Eminence Speaker
ND72HB
18 Sound 3" diaphragm drivers measure as good or better than most. The ferrite models save some money if you don't mind the weight.
You already have two good 1" compression drivers, and a new-tech 1.4" CD would have a falling SPL above 15kHz. Have you given any consideration to experimenting with a 1.4" exit coaxial compression driver like the BMS 4594Nd-E or B&C DCX464 which measure well between the 400-18.000Hz range? They cost between 500-600Euros, but could provide an excellent in-room sound with fewer/simplier bass and subwoofer. The fiberglass SEOS24 horn(24" wide. 1.4" entry) measures well over this range, and you might find a used pair around your country.
SB Acoustics new Audience line has some CD's (and horns) that look nice.
Here's the BIANCO-44CD-PK on their H250 horn....
Here's the BIANCO-44CD-PK on their H250 horn....
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Thanks for the suggestions. The coaxials (as well as the Axi) are out of the budget. Maybe if I could get a pair second hand.
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I'd say that not all coaxials are out of the budget.
BMS 4590-16 – Thomann Česko
Priced under 400€/piece i think they are the best out there for that amount of money.
BMS 4590-16 – Thomann Česko
Priced under 400€/piece i think they are the best out there for that amount of money.
It is basically the same driver/performance as 4592 only ferrite magnet, so heavier - 11kg/piece
Yeah, I figured. Saw them even for 340,-/piece.
Seems like off-axis falls off quite quickly after 10Khz, as one would expect from a 2" exit.
I'd be ready to accept the fact that my horns have to be pointed at my listening position for what i get in return (point source from 300Hz with acoustic centers aligned at all 3 axes, no breakup at +10kHz characteristic for most 2" exit non coaxial drivers).
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Considering the low distortion at the recommended crossover point of 800Hz the N314X-8 could be pushed lower in frequency if you don't need full output.
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My favourite affordable CD is the RCF ND-350. It’s diaphragm resonances are well controlled with the polyester diaphragm and the impedance curve is free from any spikes. The sound is smooth and tuneful. Sounds better than B&C DE400TN, DE400, DE250, DE120, & DE360.
The Eminence looks good. I will have a look at the ND-350.
1hiep0: Most probably yes, unless my DIY CNC router will be finished before I start this project🙂
1hiep0: Most probably yes, unless my DIY CNC router will be finished before I start this project🙂
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18Sound NSD1460 and NSD1480 are amongst the best drivers, my second vote would be for a BMS4590 all do work well up from 800Hz
I cannot find the Eminence in EU shops anyway. The ND350 looks really smooth: https://www.prodance.cz/protokoly/ND350+A7570.pdf
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