Hi guys.
I am in the process of designing a three way speaker in a similar vein to the Troels Graven Jensen 1071 or the Focal Utopia.
It started out that I wanted to build a nice two way standmount speaker based on Scanspeak Revealator drivers, then build two subs to act as stands. Then I came across the Troels Graven Jensen 1071 and I started to think a three way would be better, to reduce the intermodular distortion in the mid due to having to reproduce low frequencies.
I want to build the drivers into three separate boxes a la Focal Utopia for a couple of reasons: I like the look, I like the idea of having separate chambers and isolating each driver from some of the vibrations from the other cabinets, and also - as a diy fiddle freak - I like the idea of being able to try different drivers. A modular approach to upgrading.
I currently have some drivers that I have collected over the years so to start me off I want to use those. I eventually want to use better quality and more expensive drivers, but for now my budget means I shall use what I have.
The tweeters are Scanapeak D2905/9000 (sticky domes)
The mids woofers are Peerless CSX-176H (800122 I think)
For Woofers I am torn between either the SLS-269 woofer or XLS 269. The reason is: cost! The SLS are quite inexpensive drivers and fit into my budget. Looking on Ebay, I can also get a pair of the XLS drivers for not much more cash, so both are good cost options for me.
Basically my question is: Should I go for the SLS woofer or the XLS? Both will be used in a sealed box of approx 50 litres.
With the XLS I also considered the possibility of running a matching passive radiator, though the increased group delay might lower the sound quality and the low end extension might be over-kill! I would like a flat in room response of 20-20k though.
I will be running the speakers actively, probably with Hifimediy T3 amps (T3 for the woofers, and T2's for the mid/tweet), using minidsp (or something similar like the Behringer DCX2496).
So: What would sound best?
SLS 10" - sealed approx 50-60 litres, crossed at about 300hz
XLS 10" - sealed appox 50-60 litres, crossed at about 200-300 hz (looking at the fr graphs, they are actually quite clean to about 500hz)
XLS 10" passive radiator either 50-60 litres or smaller to suit, crossed over at 200-300 hz
XLS 10" passive radiator either 50-60 litres or smaller to suit, crossed over at a more traditional sub level of 80-120 hz
I realise the XLS is a heavy woofer and would probably enefit from being crossed lower, but the lower it is crossed the more the mid-woofer is being asked to reproduce lower frequencies. This increases the IM distortion. If I am fully active, it gives me the chance to try different crossover points out luckily.
There is a benefit to me of using 4ohm woofers (the XLS is 4 ohm, the SLS is 8), due to the class t T3 amps making more power and less distortion into these lower impedance loads. Up to 300 watts at 4 ohm, up to 150 watts into 8 ohm.
Your input will be greatly appreciated!
Regards,
Jai Stanley
I am in the process of designing a three way speaker in a similar vein to the Troels Graven Jensen 1071 or the Focal Utopia.
It started out that I wanted to build a nice two way standmount speaker based on Scanspeak Revealator drivers, then build two subs to act as stands. Then I came across the Troels Graven Jensen 1071 and I started to think a three way would be better, to reduce the intermodular distortion in the mid due to having to reproduce low frequencies.
I want to build the drivers into three separate boxes a la Focal Utopia for a couple of reasons: I like the look, I like the idea of having separate chambers and isolating each driver from some of the vibrations from the other cabinets, and also - as a diy fiddle freak - I like the idea of being able to try different drivers. A modular approach to upgrading.
I currently have some drivers that I have collected over the years so to start me off I want to use those. I eventually want to use better quality and more expensive drivers, but for now my budget means I shall use what I have.
The tweeters are Scanapeak D2905/9000 (sticky domes)
The mids woofers are Peerless CSX-176H (800122 I think)
For Woofers I am torn between either the SLS-269 woofer or XLS 269. The reason is: cost! The SLS are quite inexpensive drivers and fit into my budget. Looking on Ebay, I can also get a pair of the XLS drivers for not much more cash, so both are good cost options for me.
Basically my question is: Should I go for the SLS woofer or the XLS? Both will be used in a sealed box of approx 50 litres.
With the XLS I also considered the possibility of running a matching passive radiator, though the increased group delay might lower the sound quality and the low end extension might be over-kill! I would like a flat in room response of 20-20k though.
I will be running the speakers actively, probably with Hifimediy T3 amps (T3 for the woofers, and T2's for the mid/tweet), using minidsp (or something similar like the Behringer DCX2496).
So: What would sound best?
SLS 10" - sealed approx 50-60 litres, crossed at about 300hz
XLS 10" - sealed appox 50-60 litres, crossed at about 200-300 hz (looking at the fr graphs, they are actually quite clean to about 500hz)
XLS 10" passive radiator either 50-60 litres or smaller to suit, crossed over at 200-300 hz
XLS 10" passive radiator either 50-60 litres or smaller to suit, crossed over at a more traditional sub level of 80-120 hz
I realise the XLS is a heavy woofer and would probably enefit from being crossed lower, but the lower it is crossed the more the mid-woofer is being asked to reproduce lower frequencies. This increases the IM distortion. If I am fully active, it gives me the chance to try different crossover points out luckily.
There is a benefit to me of using 4ohm woofers (the XLS is 4 ohm, the SLS is 8), due to the class t T3 amps making more power and less distortion into these lower impedance loads. Up to 300 watts at 4 ohm, up to 150 watts into 8 ohm.
Your input will be greatly appreciated!
Regards,
Jai Stanley