Cheap 8" full-range that works well in ~2.8cu.ft (80 liters) vented enclosure?
Hi folks, I'm hoping for some recommendations on an inexpensive 8" full-range driver under $50/each. These will be in (EDITED)~2.8cu.ft. (80 liters) enclosures tuned to 30-40hz and used for anything from classical to jazz to metal to alternative. Mostly rock though.
Hoping for as close to reference level volumes as possible.
I also want slightly exaggerated bass for Pop music, etc.
The ceiling mounting will help a little with this.
They'll be in-ceiling and used for whole-house audio.
Powered by their own individual digital amps. Something like a Lepai 2020.
But more likely a bit more powerful. Like 50W per channel. Everything will play mono.
I think most (or all) rooms will have two speakers just to fill the space and utilize both channels of the digital amps.
IB is out of the discussion due to a two-story home.
Hi folks, I'm hoping for some recommendations on an inexpensive 8" full-range driver under $50/each. These will be in (EDITED)~2.8cu.ft. (80 liters) enclosures tuned to 30-40hz and used for anything from classical to jazz to metal to alternative. Mostly rock though.
Hoping for as close to reference level volumes as possible.
I also want slightly exaggerated bass for Pop music, etc.
The ceiling mounting will help a little with this.
They'll be in-ceiling and used for whole-house audio.
Powered by their own individual digital amps. Something like a Lepai 2020.
But more likely a bit more powerful. Like 50W per channel. Everything will play mono.
I think most (or all) rooms will have two speakers just to fill the space and utilize both channels of the digital amps.
IB is out of the discussion due to a two-story home.
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Wild Burro Audio Labs Betsy-K model sounds like just what you’re looking for if you can stretch your budget just a tad ($60 ea).
Wild Burro Audio Labs - Fullrange Speakers - The Betsy & Betsy-K Drivers
Edit: Somehow missed the word “vented” in your title. Still worth a look though. Seems like a sealed box would be better if you’re going in-ceiling.
Wild Burro Audio Labs - Fullrange Speakers - The Betsy & Betsy-K Drivers
Edit: Somehow missed the word “vented” in your title. Still worth a look though. Seems like a sealed box would be better if you’re going in-ceiling.
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I think that GRS may not work well in a small vented box (it sounds like hell in a Karlson 12 - didn't bother to measure its parameters as have been ill)
BG20 sound pretty decent for their price - BetsyK maybe a bit smoother and more extended
BG20 sound pretty decent for their price - BetsyK maybe a bit smoother and more extended

Thanks, guys! I'm open to going with a sealed enclosure.
I've just not had great luck with bass in the very few that I've tried in the past.
The Betsy-K looks neat. I imagine shipping & tax might take it even more expensive though.
The Visaton BG20 is something I checked out when considering vented but found it required too large a box.
If I include sealed in my quest, this gives me a couple options to Google about.
I've just not had great luck with bass in the very few that I've tried in the past.
The Betsy-K looks neat. I imagine shipping & tax might take it even more expensive though.
The Visaton BG20 is something I checked out when considering vented but found it required too large a box.
If I include sealed in my quest, this gives me a couple options to Google about.
Remember that the space above your ceiling
forms a large infinite baffle ....... AND there
are drivers designed for just that !
forms a large infinite baffle ....... AND there
are drivers designed for just that !
Yes but I have a two-story home. 🙂
The downstairs speakers limit my options if I want to retain as similar-as-possible sound throughout the house. 🙂
Wanting emphasized bass limits my options even further.
Ugh.
The downstairs speakers limit my options if I want to retain as similar-as-possible sound throughout the house. 🙂
Wanting emphasized bass limits my options even further.
Ugh.
I just noticed the quote below.
PartsExpress recommends a much larger enclosure, too large for me.
But Visaton adds this comment for the BG20:
"Works great in a 1.05 cubic foot enclosure tuned to 42 Hz"
Due to it being mass produced (available for a very long time, even on Amazon) I am researching this speaker right now.
I love Googling DIYAudio.com for threads.
42hz sounds great for the music-only purpose these will serve.
Not enough for a lot of Classical but great for almost everything else.
PartsExpress recommends a much larger enclosure, too large for me.
But Visaton adds this comment for the BG20:
"Works great in a 1.05 cubic foot enclosure tuned to 42 Hz"
Due to it being mass produced (available for a very long time, even on Amazon) I am researching this speaker right now.
I love Googling DIYAudio.com for threads.
42hz sounds great for the music-only purpose these will serve.
Not enough for a lot of Classical but great for almost everything else.
I re-measured each downstairs ceiling speaker location and decided to go for the gusto.
I can go as large as 2.8 cubed internal volume for each speaker!!!
I updated the OP from 1 cubed to 2.8 cubed (80 liters).
I can go as large as 2.8 cubed internal volume for each speaker!!!
I updated the OP from 1 cubed to 2.8 cubed (80 liters).
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Wow, just re-searched PartsExpress and my mass-produced options within budget still appear limited to BG20. 🙂
Guess it's a winner.
Thanks, Freddi.
Guess it's a winner.
Thanks, Freddi.
if I was using heat in my speaker room (trying to save $) , I'd run parameters on the GRS BOFU and take basic response - might take till the weather warms.
How many drivers are you looking to use? If it’s a large enough quantity Doug (d to the g here on the forum) might work with you on a discount for the Betsy-K. He’s taking January off but you can check in the WBAL forum (look under Manufacturers, last one) or use the contact form on his website. Mind you, I’m not speaking for the company since I don’t work for them but it never hurts to ask.
Only two drivers are needed right away. Then a couple more during the next room remodel. Then a couple more during the following remodel. Etc. and So On...
Which is why mass-production appeals to me. 😉
I could be at this for a couple years.
Though a Google search indicates both the Betsy's and Wild Burro have both been around for a while.
Which is why mass-production appeals to me. 😉
I could be at this for a couple years.
Though a Google search indicates both the Betsy's and Wild Burro have both been around for a while.
I gotcha. Remodeling as the budget allows. Completely understandable that you need a consistent, long-term available product.
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