I've been struggling to find a new project for next summer.
Currently I'm running Alpair 10.3 in 7l sealed (with notch filter) along with dual subwoofers from 80Hz down. Quite happy with the performance but could do with a wider sweetspot and more refined top end.
First plan was to go for 10-12" Coax drivers but I can't fit big enough enclosures in my living room.
Second plan was a smaller 6-8" Coax but struggling to find a really good coax that would go low enough and still have a good top end. Best candidate I found was Seas C18EN002 but that's on the limits regarding the low end.
Anything from the full range drivers that I'm missing, is there anything after Alpair 10.3 or is it the end of the road already? Alpair 10P / Alpair 5.3 maybe?
Currently I'm running Alpair 10.3 in 7l sealed (with notch filter) along with dual subwoofers from 80Hz down. Quite happy with the performance but could do with a wider sweetspot and more refined top end.
First plan was to go for 10-12" Coax drivers but I can't fit big enough enclosures in my living room.
Second plan was a smaller 6-8" Coax but struggling to find a really good coax that would go low enough and still have a good top end. Best candidate I found was Seas C18EN002 but that's on the limits regarding the low end.
Anything from the full range drivers that I'm missing, is there anything after Alpair 10.3 or is it the end of the road already? Alpair 10P / Alpair 5.3 maybe?
I've never heard the Alpair 10 series, but am quite pleased with the 7.3/12pw combo I've been listening to for the past few years. So much that I'm building a bigger version with two 12pw to further enrichen the low end.
I would imagine that the 7 series might have some of the high-end refinement you're missing now. While the 12pw won't reach deeper than dual subs, they will probably integrate more smoothly with the 7 (or the 10) with 1st order crossovers. They do require pretty large enclosures to produce good bass, so may not work if you are severely space limited.
I would imagine that the 7 series might have some of the high-end refinement you're missing now. While the 12pw won't reach deeper than dual subs, they will probably integrate more smoothly with the 7 (or the 10) with 1st order crossovers. They do require pretty large enclosures to produce good bass, so may not work if you are severely space limited.
Maybe XRK971's 10F/8424 & RS225-8 FAST?
I have the drivers and plywood to build a set of these for a friend, but haven't heard them yet. Seem to have a solid following, and you could keep a set of your subs for the lower octave or two.
I have the drivers and plywood to build a set of these for a friend, but haven't heard them yet. Seem to have a solid following, and you could keep a set of your subs for the lower octave or two.
The Xrk971 build is a really strong contender, I've followed it for a long time. Alternative for that is the Seas coax in the KingRO4Y setup.
With the XO up so high you will lose the semlessness of the FR.
There is no question that the A5.2/3 does better mid/top, dispersion and subtlty than the A10.3
It will need to be XOed higher (not a bad thing), but i would choose dedicated woofers. To get teh sensitivity uo with out huge box size demands Mark had to decrease the latest A10s bass potential. So big boxes ar eneeded to get low bass.
There is a huge range of potential bass drivers. If you wan tto stick with Mark Audio the Alair12pe is tremendous (and under appreciated).
I am currently listening to A5.2eN with a pair of Peerless 830870 below.
dave
Thanks all for superb suggestions, seems my first build was a bit too good and whatever I do it will mean I need to do the crossover higher than the current 80Hz to get the improvements I'm looking for.
I'll do some testing with my current setup by raising the crossover to 100-150-200Hz to have an idea how it sounds.
Looks like my shortlist is now:
Seas C18 coax
Alpair 5.3
Xrk971 fast
The first two might even work in my current enclosures with some modifications.
I'll do some testing with my current setup by raising the crossover to 100-150-200Hz to have an idea how it sounds.
Looks like my shortlist is now:
Seas C18 coax
Alpair 5.3
Xrk971 fast
The first two might even work in my current enclosures with some modifications.
Just last night i got my A5.2eN/twin Peerless 930870 MLTL WAW and i must say it is really putting a smile on my face. The incongruity of the tallish slim speaker visual and the huge immersive soundspace with chillingly real bottom sonics is quite strong.
I have to yet try the slighly higher XO point (250 vrs 180 Hz).
dave
I have to yet try the slighly higher XO point (250 vrs 180 Hz).
dave
Well, i started to explore TL's after my waw with an Alpair 10.3 and a scanspeak 26W/8534G00 woofer. And i'm enjoying the sound of my cheap try out of my first MLTL design with the (cheap but excellent) CHN110 driver a lot...
Here they are standing side by side, the MLTL is the black one of course, and is now made of MDF and just fast painted black with Warnex. But i like it enough to remake it in plywood and finish it like it should.
Here they are standing side by side, the MLTL is the black one of course, and is now made of MDF and just fast painted black with Warnex. But i like it enough to remake it in plywood and finish it like it should.
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Alpair 7MS crossed at 150 Hz to 10" Monacor fills my room (50 cu.m.) at reasonable volume. Both in sealed cabinets. Very detailed.
Any pics? Active or passive xover?
I was thinking of re-doing mine with a sealed woofer (currently 8 in Monacor vented) also maybe a 10 inch or a 2.5 way with 2 x 8 inch or a 6 inch and 8 inch.
What volume on the 10 inch?
I think what you have done is a simple but complete solution.
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No pics, not finished to my wife's - or my - satisfaction! Active crossover, so one stereo amp. per side. 10" faces to side to keep the face narrow. The finished cabinet will be about 900mm high, 280 wide and 350 deep.
Used on-line calculator for cabinet volumes. Measurements indicate that they are about right.
Used on-line calculator for cabinet volumes. Measurements indicate that they are about right.
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Seems I'll be going with the new Radian Coax drivers, they have slightly lower Fs than Seas and quite nice looking response graphs not to mention the price.
6CRS5130-R - 6.5” coaxial round frame with planar ribbon HF - Radian Audio
It fits the same 7l enclosure I have for the Alpair 10.3 and needs just few mm of more recess routed.
After I get the subwoofer upgrade done (will update new amp + driver) I'll get to building a test enclosure. Seems they have a handy ready crossover as well, might need to adjust it but it's a good starting point.
Thanks all for the suggestions, it's still winter here in Finland for the next few months so I'll probably get some XPS foam for the test enclosures, I don't want to start sawing and routing in the living room 😀
6CRS5130-R - 6.5” coaxial round frame with planar ribbon HF - Radian Audio
It fits the same 7l enclosure I have for the Alpair 10.3 and needs just few mm of more recess routed.
After I get the subwoofer upgrade done (will update new amp + driver) I'll get to building a test enclosure. Seems they have a handy ready crossover as well, might need to adjust it but it's a good starting point.
Thanks all for the suggestions, it's still winter here in Finland for the next few months so I'll probably get some XPS foam for the test enclosures, I don't want to start sawing and routing in the living room 😀
Nice choice. You are the first one that I know will be using this planar coaxial driver. Please keep us updated with your build and impression. Thanks.
Dave, I’m hoping to copy this beautiful set! A bit lost on how to set up the XO. Can you share your solution?
Cheers