Hey all,
I'm looking into building a pair of loudspeakers for a PA system. This would be my second speaker build and my first sound reinforcement build. I've done a bit of research and like the idea of a pair of Bohlender Graebener Neo8-PDR Planar Transducers and Dayton Audio ST305-8 12" Series II Woofers. Its primary use will be in a mid-sized room with an audience around 100 people or less, occasionally in a mid-large room and about 300 people.
I personally own a pair of Neo3-PDRW Planar Transducers and have been extremely pleased with them. I've read the Neo8-PDR is exceptional for live sound reinforcement, but I'm a little worried with their low wattage rating of 40 watts RMS/120 watts max. I have a Yorkville Beta 800 amp that will deliver 400w/channel into 4Ohms, and I don't really want to replace it. How much will I have to worry about blowing the transducers? Furthermore, how loud will I be able to play?
While I'm attracted to the Neo8, I'm not set on the Daytons. Would they be a good match with the Neo8s? These will be transported regularly, so I'd like to build a box that isn't massive. Furthermore, what's the best program for designing boxes, particularly non-rectangle designs?
Neo8-PDR:
Bohlender Graebener Neo8-PDR Planar Transducer 264-713
Dayton 12" Series II:
Dayton Audio ST305-8 12" Series II Woofer 295-120
I'm looking into building a pair of loudspeakers for a PA system. This would be my second speaker build and my first sound reinforcement build. I've done a bit of research and like the idea of a pair of Bohlender Graebener Neo8-PDR Planar Transducers and Dayton Audio ST305-8 12" Series II Woofers. Its primary use will be in a mid-sized room with an audience around 100 people or less, occasionally in a mid-large room and about 300 people.
I personally own a pair of Neo3-PDRW Planar Transducers and have been extremely pleased with them. I've read the Neo8-PDR is exceptional for live sound reinforcement, but I'm a little worried with their low wattage rating of 40 watts RMS/120 watts max. I have a Yorkville Beta 800 amp that will deliver 400w/channel into 4Ohms, and I don't really want to replace it. How much will I have to worry about blowing the transducers? Furthermore, how loud will I be able to play?
While I'm attracted to the Neo8, I'm not set on the Daytons. Would they be a good match with the Neo8s? These will be transported regularly, so I'd like to build a box that isn't massive. Furthermore, what's the best program for designing boxes, particularly non-rectangle designs?
Neo8-PDR:
Bohlender Graebener Neo8-PDR Planar Transducer 264-713
Dayton 12" Series II:
Dayton Audio ST305-8 12" Series II Woofer 295-120
Eh, I think I'm going to sell that amp and buy a new one. It has too many watts and is too old. The question is, what size amp should I buy? I really like the idea of the Neo8s, and I don't need to play incredibly loud, but it definitely needs to have a fair volume and I certainly don't want to blow the speakers.
I also noticed the earlier version of the Neo8 has a slightly higher power rating and a greater sensitivity. The Dayton woofer has a sensitivity of 2db less-- so I could-- in theory, stick an Lpad on there and be able pump more wattage through it, correct? I know this won't increase volume, but right now I'm just... being a noob? 😛 I know the Neo8s are suited for line arrays in sound reinforcement, but I have heard of people using single units in PA systems and such.
I also noticed the earlier version of the Neo8 has a slightly higher power rating and a greater sensitivity. The Dayton woofer has a sensitivity of 2db less-- so I could-- in theory, stick an Lpad on there and be able pump more wattage through it, correct? I know this won't increase volume, but right now I'm just... being a noob? 😛 I know the Neo8s are suited for line arrays in sound reinforcement, but I have heard of people using single units in PA systems and such.
Increase the crossover frequency and you will reduce the amount of power going to the tweeter. This will do more to protect it. No need to change an amplifier because it's "too powerful." An amplifier clipping can and will easily destroy a speaker. Never hurts to have that extra power for that reason. Could always switch to a tube amp. Sound better and clip in a way that is not likely to damage your speakers. Marshall 9100 or 9200 would make a great PA amp.
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