Hi everyone!
I'm planning two (maybe three) fun speaker projects and would love input from experienced DIY speaker builders – especially if you’ve worked with FaitalPRO, Beyma, Fostex or Morel drivers (those are the only ones I have access to order..).
Passive radiators from other brands are fine. DSP, REW and measurement mic are available for all setups.
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Project 1: Mini 2-way + Mini Subwoofer for my boy’s room (16 m²)
Small Satellites: max 150 mm (W) × 250 mm (D) × 300 mm (H) – smaller is okay.
Mini subwoofer: Can fit either 600×500×230 mm under the bed, or 540×400×230 mm under a shelf.
I want something fun, with real bass, but not necessarily high SPL. Think “mini system that feels like a big one.” (Electric music)
Full DSP control – so EQ, crossover, limiter etc. are available.
Fun factor is key. :-D
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Project 2: Subwoofer for high-end home theater (35 m² room)
Enclosure limit: 500 × 300 × 500 mm (~75 liters gross).
I already have a Velodyne DD-10 (Gen 1) and want to complement it – more depth, punch or both. (and front ELAC FS-249 (gel1) )
DSP + 700–1500 W Class D amp available.
Passive radiator or sealed design preferred (ported is tight on space).
Priority: Deep extension, musicality, cinematic power, and clean performance down to 15–20 Hz.
I might be able to increase the box volume a bit if needed.
---
General questions:
Which drivers from FaitalPRO, Beyma, Fostex, or Morel should I take a closer look at?
Are there any particular models you’d avoid?
I feel like I'm stuck 😕
---
If I break things down for the
"boy project":
If we take 1 pair (2) of morel Caw428 in one vented box, or 1 of FaitalPRO 5fe120 in one vented box,
What setup is a preferred choice ?
I the morel more capable?
Is the FaitalPRO 5fe120 more "robust" to handle more volume/power?
I was planning to use 1 pair of those:
( 32PIN CHIP DC 12V-24V TPA3118 60W Mono Digital Audio Power Amplifier Board Amp Module 32P chip original chip)
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EGqmrtU
I'm planning two (maybe three) fun speaker projects and would love input from experienced DIY speaker builders – especially if you’ve worked with FaitalPRO, Beyma, Fostex or Morel drivers (those are the only ones I have access to order..).
Passive radiators from other brands are fine. DSP, REW and measurement mic are available for all setups.
---
Project 1: Mini 2-way + Mini Subwoofer for my boy’s room (16 m²)
Small Satellites: max 150 mm (W) × 250 mm (D) × 300 mm (H) – smaller is okay.
Mini subwoofer: Can fit either 600×500×230 mm under the bed, or 540×400×230 mm under a shelf.
I want something fun, with real bass, but not necessarily high SPL. Think “mini system that feels like a big one.” (Electric music)
Full DSP control – so EQ, crossover, limiter etc. are available.
Fun factor is key. :-D
---
Project 2: Subwoofer for high-end home theater (35 m² room)
Enclosure limit: 500 × 300 × 500 mm (~75 liters gross).
I already have a Velodyne DD-10 (Gen 1) and want to complement it – more depth, punch or both. (and front ELAC FS-249 (gel1) )
DSP + 700–1500 W Class D amp available.
Passive radiator or sealed design preferred (ported is tight on space).
Priority: Deep extension, musicality, cinematic power, and clean performance down to 15–20 Hz.
I might be able to increase the box volume a bit if needed.
---
General questions:
Which drivers from FaitalPRO, Beyma, Fostex, or Morel should I take a closer look at?
Are there any particular models you’d avoid?
I feel like I'm stuck 😕
---
If I break things down for the
"boy project":
If we take 1 pair (2) of morel Caw428 in one vented box, or 1 of FaitalPRO 5fe120 in one vented box,
What setup is a preferred choice ?
I the morel more capable?
Is the FaitalPRO 5fe120 more "robust" to handle more volume/power?
I was planning to use 1 pair of those:
( 32PIN CHIP DC 12V-24V TPA3118 60W Mono Digital Audio Power Amplifier Board Amp Module 32P chip original chip)
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EGqmrtU
Project 1
I have no direct experience with the these drivers, but they are widely known/tested). I would cross them over at 300-400/2200-2500Hz).
Not a typical sub, but... FaitalPRO 10fe330 in 35L closed box, full stuffed with/without Bass eq. (blue line)
Sat
Midwoofer FaitalPRO 5fe120 (4L closed box full stuffed)
Tweeter Morel CAT378, CAT308
https://www.dibirama.it/home-page/tweeter/330-morel-cat-378-tweeter-1-8-ohm-400-wmax.html
https://www.dibirama.it/home-page/tweeter/231-morel-cat-308-tweeter-1-8-ohm-400-wmax.html
I have no direct experience with the these drivers, but they are widely known/tested). I would cross them over at 300-400/2200-2500Hz).
Not a typical sub, but... FaitalPRO 10fe330 in 35L closed box, full stuffed with/without Bass eq. (blue line)
Sat
Midwoofer FaitalPRO 5fe120 (4L closed box full stuffed)
Tweeter Morel CAT378, CAT308
https://www.dibirama.it/home-page/tweeter/330-morel-cat-378-tweeter-1-8-ohm-400-wmax.html
https://www.dibirama.it/home-page/tweeter/231-morel-cat-308-tweeter-1-8-ohm-400-wmax.html
Last edited:
75L for a sub to play clean and loud to 20Hz is WAY too small.
Woofers with parameters to match will have heavy cones, weak magnets, or likely both. Also, large Xmax in small box = high non-linearity and distortion (ALWAYS).
There is no circumventing physics.
For a 'statement' sub like the one you claim to be after, you'll need AT LEAST double that volume. More would be even better.
Sorry if this isn't what you wanted to hear.
But someone had to sanity-check your unrealistic expectations.
Woofers with parameters to match will have heavy cones, weak magnets, or likely both. Also, large Xmax in small box = high non-linearity and distortion (ALWAYS).
There is no circumventing physics.
For a 'statement' sub like the one you claim to be after, you'll need AT LEAST double that volume. More would be even better.
Sorry if this isn't what you wanted to hear.
But someone had to sanity-check your unrealistic expectations.
Beyma full-range drivers for nearfield (often too peaky or intended for horn loading). Any Fostex full-range for deep bass unless you're doing a horn/TL – not ideal in small boxes.
Nice to hear the truth, So for a "well design" morel UW 1258 or morel TICW 1258FT what is to expect in a "ideal" box (and not hit x-max or have bad dela)?