Completely Stupid question about drivers

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yatr98

Member
2019-12-18 5:20 am
  • #1
    Please excuse this newbie question. I am have been doing lots of reading on this forum and would like to try my luck and build my first diy pair or speakers. I just want something simple (no crossovers etc). From what I understand, smaller drivers are better at the higher end and larger drivers better at the lower etc.

    So for example, the FE103en would lack some bass and the FE206en would lack some treble. Would it be possible to have one speaker of each, the 103 on the left and the 206 on the right and perhaps they would compensate and compliment each other.

    Or is this a bad idea and it would sound horrible, and I am the person that should forget all this and just buy commercial speakers.

    Many thanks.
     
    Galu

    Galu

    Member
    2018-04-17 6:50 pm
  • #3
    yatr98 said:
    Would it be possible to have one speaker of each, the 103 on the left and the 206 on the right and perhaps they would compensate and compliment each other.
    Click to expand...
    If you mean having a different driver play the LH stereo chanel than the one which plays the RH channel, then that would be a bad idea sound balance wise.

    The drivers must be identical on both stereo channels.

    For clarity, I've provided links to the drivers:

    https://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/speaker_components/pdf/FE103En.pdf

    https://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/speaker_components/pdf/FE206En.pdf

    As a self-confessed newbie, do you realise that Fostex drivers are quite unique and require sophisticated back loaded horn enclosures the give of their best?

    I would look for a more newbie friendly driver and I'm sure members here can give a suitable suggestion.
     
    Galu

    Galu

    Member
    2018-04-17 6:50 pm
  • #7
    A Fane 12-250TC would be my choice SJ, but it's a bit of a step up from the 4" and 8" drivers that yatr98 was considering.

    @yatr98 - Please give us some information about your intended use for the speakers and how large an enclosure you can accommodate.
     
    Last edited:
    Y

    yatr98

    Member
    2019-12-18 5:20 am
  • #8
    Hi Galu,

    My intended use is very basic, CDs/vinyl. My room is 14 x 14'. I was looking into BR to start and would eventually like to try FH mk3 since I hear so many good things. I was interested in the Fostex FE126en...something that is in the middle of the line maybe can deliver a little of both? But I ask myself, will there be enough base, will there be enough high end? I am not a super audiophile so I am not that picky and my expectations are low.

    Also, you are right, I was asking about different drivers on the LH and RH. But I guess that is a bad idea.
     
    cogitech

    cogitech

    Member
    2011-01-18 5:08 pm
    Kamloops, BC
  • #9
    I agree with the consensus that different drivers on the left and right is a terrible idea.

    Comparing the 206 and 103, the 206 gives up nothing to the 103 on the high frequency end, so if you want a 206 just get one and forget the 103. On the other hand, larger FR drivers tend to "beam" more, creating a smaller "sweet spot" in the room. Also, I agree that Fostex drivers are best in back-loaded horns and other enclosures that make the most of them.

    One of the simplest builds that would be very satisfying and very doable would be to buy a pair of 6" (ish) Mark Audio drivers (Alpair 10.3, Alpair 10P, etc.) and put them in "Pensil" enclosures. Extremely simple build. They will sound far better than you could imagine for the amount of money and time invested. Heck, even a pair of 4" drivers like the Alpair 7.3 or CHR-70 will surprise the heck out of you. Put them in a box of your choice and enjoy. Frugal-phile | Box Library / Mark Audio (Focus on the "Mark Audio Pensil Series" and "ML-TLs" in that list - they are the easiest to build.)

    Don't overthink it.

    After you get those under your belt and enjoy them for a while, you may stop there or you may decide to explore further.
     
    Last edited:
    Galu

    Galu

    Member
    2018-04-17 6:50 pm
  • #10
    yatr98 said:
    But I ask myself, will there be enough base, will there be enough high end?
    Click to expand...
    Good advice from cogitech - just a few words to aid your understanding re bass/treble reproduction:

    To ensure maximum bass, go for the largest diameter speaker.

    The high frequencies are basically handled by the central portion of the cone so they are taken care of regardless of the overall diameter of the cone.
    https://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/speaker_components/pdf/FE126En.pdf
     
    cogitech

    cogitech

    Member
    2011-01-18 5:08 pm
    Kamloops, BC
  • #11
    Also, keep in mind that a good box can go a long, long way to producing bass out of a very small driver.

    Here is a pair of 3" drivers filling a bedroom with ample bass. No, there is no sub hidden here. $8 drivers and $30 worth of ply wood. The weakest link is the crappy Chinese amp (which is now in the rubbish bin). This was a "proof of concept" build to see how cheap I could really go.

    If you take my advice above, it'll sound WAY better than what you hear in this video. Clicky linky.

    YouTube

    And yes, larger drivers will (generally, by their very nature) provide more bass, but don't underestimate 4"-6" drivers (especially from Mark Audio, IMO) and also keep in mind that an 8" FR driver will typically beam like a MOFO.
     
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    cogitech

    cogitech

    Member
    2011-01-18 5:08 pm
    Kamloops, BC
  • #16
    yatr98 said:
    Thank you Galu and cogitech for your advice. I will not overthink and just try something simple. I am sure they will just fine.
    Click to expand...

    Plenty of support around here if you have questions along the way. Avoiding the paralysis by analysis is a good thing, but a measure of restraint is also in order. There is such a thing as rushing too much, too.
     
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