Fostex FE127e replaced by?

[JoaquimBento]

Hi all,
I like to build a pair of enclosures monitor speakers, Fonken type, I choose one that use the Fostex FE127e drive unit which is discontinued by Fostex, would anyone point me the substitute of this drive unit?

Thanks in advance.
Joaquim Bento

 

[Scottmoose]

When Fostex discontinued the FExx7E range back in about 2010 they didn't create an exact replacement, although the nearest equivalent is the FF125wk.

 

[planet10]

Joaquim,

I did get your email, but i will answer here.

There is no drop in replacement for the F127e. While FF125wk is the closest Fostex, it ideally fits into a smaller box and has some issues which, for most, make it not as good (there is a planset for them).

But the success of the Fonken has led to literally hundreds (i have never counted how many, but they keep coming), so the box style carries on.

These boxes span a lot of different drivers, what you can source will likely dictate somewhat the direction you take.

The full set of Fonken plans for the FE127e was going to be a 1st paid planset, but the driver got discontinued and it was never finished (what is there is available by request) and gives an idea of what the current plansets look like. More on the planset scan be found here: planet10-hifi miniOnken Plan-Set Subscriptions

The FonkenPrime was the 1st rectanguar miniOnken and a number of derivatives have followed including the trapezoid variations, many pictures here to give you an idea: miniOnken/Fonken gallery pictures only

As i move out of hardware i am selling all of the many demos/proof of concepts i have here except a few, these (upside down on a proto helper woofer) being one of them, as well as a set of bamboo plywood FonkenPrime with fully tricked out drivers:

dave

 

[JoaquimBento]

When Fostex discontinued the FExx7E range back in about 2010 they didn't create an exact replacement, although the nearest equivalent is the FF125wk.

Thank you Scottmoose for your help, I'll try to find the FF125wk.

 

[JoaquimBento]

Joaquim,

I did get your email, but i will answer here.

There is no drop in replacement for the F127e. While FF125wk is the closest Fostex, it ideally fits into a smaller box and has some issues which, for most, make it not as good (there is a planset for them).

But the success of the Fonken has led to literally hundreds (i have never counted how many, but they keep coming), so the box style carries on.

These boxes span a lot of different drivers, what you can source will likely dictate somewhat the direction you take.

The full set of Fonken plans for the FE127e was going to be a 1st paid planset, but the driver got discontinued and it was never finished (what is there is available by request) and gives an idea of what the current plansets look like. More on the planset scan be found here: planet10-hifi miniOnken Plan-Set Subscriptions

The FonkenPrime was the 1st rectanguar miniOnken and a number of derivatives have followed including the trapezoid variations, many pictures here to give you an idea: miniOnken/Fonken gallery pictures only

As i move out of hardware i am selling all of the many demos/proof of concepts i have here except a few, these (upside down on a proto helper woofer) being one of them, as well as a set of bamboo plywood FonkenPrime with fully tricked out drivers:

dave

Thank you Dave for the help.
You mean for FF125uk I need to use a special enclosure?
If so, where can I get the right drawing?
Thanks,
Joaquim Bento

 

[planet10]

You can get the right drawings from me. The FF125wk will not work properly in the FonkenPrime enclosure, only the FE127e will.

I would suggest looking at the drivers here: Markaudio | KJF Audio

Almost all of them wil outperform the Fostex.

Every driver has a specific miniOnken enclosure althou many share the sam esize they have different vent sizes.

dave

 

[Bigun]

I found the FE127E to be too resonant/strident in the lower treble. I was not sorry to see it discontinued now that there are better drivers. I have liked what I’ve heard from the Mark Audio 10.3 and briefly, the 10p, with the 10.3 being a bit more edgy and the 10p more laid back. They both provide the amount of bass that I never got from the FE127 and this made the Alpair far more useful. Avoid the CHN-70, it’s really awful and be aware that Mark Audio published curves are, in my opinion (and some others) not all trustworthy, with the CHN being a howling example that sometimes hides behind the embarrassing excuse of having been designed for a specific audience - no excuse for the current lack of honest information.

 

[JoaquimBento]

Thanks Bigun for your knowledge, I'll take a look in all brands and refs that you mentioned.
Regards,
Joaquim Bento

 

[planet10]

Avoid the CHN-70, it’s really awful and be aware that Mark Audio published curves are, in my opinion (and some others) not all trustworthy, with the CHN being a howling example that sometimes hides behind the embarrassing excuse of having been designed for a specific audience

It was designed for the Japanese market, i it was a mistake for Madisound to bring it into NA, only done so because it was/is cheap.

The factory graphs matched pretty well to the measurements, bu tthe vertical scale used in the factory graphs is far too large (something that we have complained abbout on a number of occasions)

The A10.3/A10p ar esome of th ebest choices for most, the slight edge the A7.3 (and maybe some of th enewer 4”) won’t be notice dby most and the extra capability to move air and go a bit lower trump that. The A10.3 fits into the same volume as the FOnkenPrime (but the box is wider because the driver is bigger). A10p also fits into that volume, but benefits form the bit larger one in terms of bass.

dave

 

[JoaquimBento]

Thanks again Dave,
I'll take your notes as positive inputs for this project, now I'll see all yours suggestions to made my decision.
Bye and stay safe,
Joaquim Bento