Years ago, I bought Bob Brines plans for FT-1600 MkII with Fostex FE167E speakers. My brother and I built them and I absolutely love these speakers. We listen to them every day. After having 3 children, the FE167E have not faired well. They have been colored with crayons, whizzers squished/wrinkled, smooshed, pushed, pulled etc. Ya I know, grills... ugh. Needless to say they are not at their best.
What driver can be used in place of the FE167E?
Not overly fond of the FF165WK's color scheme but have read this is a good drop in for FE167E. Any others that would work well in this enclosure?
What driver can be used in place of the FE167E?
Not overly fond of the FF165WK's color scheme but have read this is a good drop in for FE167E. Any others that would work well in this enclosure?
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FWIW, I personally much preferred the FF series to the FEs, including the still current 126 size. I think the “new” dual layer paper composition of the cones and the metal dust cap/tweeter has a lot to do with that improvement. If the 165WK has been asserted to be a reasonable drop in replacement - even if Bob’s original tuning is not “optimal” - I’d tend to look no further.
Dave at Planet10 could probably pipe in regarding his methodology and successes with changing colours to paper cones, but IINM darkening them is the only direction? In fact, he has a thread herein dedicated to the subject. It's not easy being green -- just pictures Note that many of the early posts/photo are prior to the FF series’ charcoal paper cones.
And yes, grilles, if even just speaker cloth on an MDF frame magnetically attached to the drivers’ mounting screws should provide sufficient “out of sight, out of mind” to distract the young-uns. But then again, I was lucky enough that by the time I had decent speaker builds our two kids were of an age to understand the cost associated with their curiosity. All my speakers have grilles of some type for WAF aesthetics as much as anything.
Dave at Planet10 could probably pipe in regarding his methodology and successes with changing colours to paper cones, but IINM darkening them is the only direction? In fact, he has a thread herein dedicated to the subject. It's not easy being green -- just pictures Note that many of the early posts/photo are prior to the FF series’ charcoal paper cones.
And yes, grilles, if even just speaker cloth on an MDF frame magnetically attached to the drivers’ mounting screws should provide sufficient “out of sight, out of mind” to distract the young-uns. But then again, I was lucky enough that by the time I had decent speaker builds our two kids were of an age to understand the cost associated with their curiosity. All my speakers have grilles of some type for WAF aesthetics as much as anything.
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I know Bob designed for the W8-1772 as well, so you might look into that design and if dimensions are similar, it might work in your boxes.
Thanks guys, appreciate the advice. I'm leaning towards the ff165wk and the color issue probably isn't that big of a deal. Don't want to miss an opportunity if something else is available though. Likely not interested in cone coatings
Is the ridged dustcap on the 165's directional? I liked how the 167's looked clocked 45deg.
Is the ridged dustcap on the 165's directional? I liked how the 167's looked clocked 45deg.
These drivers pop up used from time to time. If you can't find any in the US, PM me as I've had a pair for sale in the Swap Meet section for ages. They were Enabled by Dave and have phase plugs.
jeff
Oh boy, found your for sale post and those look beautiful. A nice fit aesthetically to the oak ovals. I'll PM you. Suppose I need to research this Enabled thing and phase plugs 🙂 man this is exciting, never thought I'd find another pair FS. Seen a few on ebay last few months but they looked abused like mine are.