Keystone Sub Using 18, 15, & 12 Inch Speakers

[Billy Jukes]

Thanks Art.

Unfortunately, I couldn't afford the 9601 when I bought it. The existing cabinet measures very low distortion in the operating band, terrible above 80Hz but I rarely use it up there. Managed to lower the distortion up high and widen the operating band using holes to "short" the path in v2, but the plywood was cheap and soon delaminated.

Lost plans years ago for both designs so will probably try an existing one like this or a paraflex and see how I go.

 

[Singtall]

I just bought wood to build today. just checking in to see if there are any other speaker suggestions before I spend $525 for each of the 18SW115 drivers.

 

[tazunemono]

Yep, use the search feature

 

[Singtall]

Thanks for that info. I read through the whole thread twice and I think my eyes are just hurting. That and buyers regret was setting in just looking at the price of the recommended drivers. Lol. I'm gonna buy what's been recommended.

 

[Singtall]

What do you guys suggest for good top cabinets? I don't mind building cabs.

 

[tazunemono]

Thanks for that info. I read through the whole thread twice and I think my eyes are just hurting. That and buyers regret was setting in just looking at the price of the recommended drivers. Lol. I'm gonna buy what's been recommended.

You’re buying a driver that holds its value pretty well even used or re-coned. Plus, Art designed the cab around the driver so it’s the best fit. It’s gonna do you right no worries.

 

[blossom]

From what i understand the 18ds115 is a good improvement on the sw(loads more bl and more efficiant)... maybe somebody else can chime in on this particular aplication...

 

[mars1234]

I have 4 loaded with 18SW115's and they're worth every penny !!

I remember reading somewhere on an unrelated thread that the 18ds115 would be ok in the Keystones - not sure how they compare price wise to the 18SW115 though.

Cheers
Martin

 

[Osse]

I remember Art mentioning he pbbly would not know whether a cab is loaded with 18sw115 and 18tbw100. If the tbw is that good it might be a good lower cost candidate?

 

[blossom]

DS has more cone/mms(stronger), more bl(motor force), more sensitivity and a deeper winding, i think i recall from somewhere it has inner and outer split coil windings resulting in better coil cooling... somebody more educated in the subject than me can qualify my comments though...

 

[samdboneff]

I can vouch for the 18tbw100. I have 4 and am very happy with them.

 

[Singtall]

I'm looking at the ds version of the speaker. Hoping Art will chime in.

 

[Singtall]

Any power concerns with the 18tbw100? I just don't want a situation where i need to be real careful of how hard I push them because they aren't really suited for the cabinet.

 

[Singtall]

And if I only build two cabinets am I better off going with the more expensive speaker? I can't remember if they gave a DB vs watt comparison between the two. Like does two of the more expensive version equal close to the same output as 3-4 of the cheaper ones?

 

[Zwiller]

DS and looks like a winner to me. If I weren't so rusty at HR I'd run a sim but I bet it works well and similar to SW and might even have a little more output before xmax. The KS design is fairlry forgiving and I've simmed TONS and many drivers "work" but that depends on your definition. Generally speaking the more expensive drivers offer more output before xmax and yes this basically translates to 2 cabs with premium drivers will be comparable to 3-4 cabs drivers of less caliber. It took a while to learn but I learned TONS from HR. You can easily compare the above with a few clicks. Hopefully Art chimes in and gives a more accurate explanation.



Nice rig! @samdeboneff

 

[weltersys]

And if I only build two cabinets am I better off going with the more expensive speaker? Like does two of the more expensive version equal close to the same output as 3-4 of the cheaper ones?

The BC18TBW100-4 has slightly less power handling, cost and Xvar than the BC18SW115-4, but slightly more sensitivity and weight.
A difference to be equal to doubling speakers would need to be 6dB, the difference between the above two is likely only 1-2 dB after power compression, the BC18SW115-4 having a slight output advantage, given more power.

The BC 18DS115-4 does has slightly more Bl and coil depth, but less Xvar than the BC18SW115-4, while power handling and price is the same. Without doing an actual listening A/B test between the two, still inclined to go with the BC18SW115-4 on the basis of Xvar.

As far as top cabinets, the lightweight SynTripP design works well above a pair of Keystones (or most any sub):
SynTripP: 2-way 2-part Virtual Single Point Source Horn

If you are looking for more output than a pair of SynTripP, Peter Morris PM60 or 90 are very good :
New DIY Mid High (90deg) - AKA PM90 | Sound Forums

Art

 

[Singtall]

Thank you so much for your replies.

 

[Singtall]

I'm trying to find the PM90 plans but can't find them. Tons of info but nothing laid out that I can easily follow, unless it's buried somewhere in the posts that I didn't see. Anyone know where to find the plans?

 

[BP1Fanatic]

I can vouch for the 18tbw100. I have 4 and am very happy with them.

NICE setup with the synergy horns!

 

[blossom]

I'm trying to find the PM90 plans but can't find them. Tons of info but nothing laid out that I can easily follow, unless it's buried somewhere in the posts that I didn't see. Anyone know where to find the plans?

I believe I just answered you in the pm90 thread.