I just looked at the specs and they are only 83db efficient. That is pretty low for a 5 wpc amp.
With mid/upper bass gain from the Karlson and nearfield listening, 5WPC should be pretty decent IMO. Looking forward to see the build. 🙂
The only tiny Karlson I've built was the K5, close enough to being dimensionnaly scaled-down from K15, which is probably why it kind of sucked in general. The high-aspect aproach for small drivers make more sense and should yeild better results.
IG
TC9FD's are 85 dB efficient. I use them at <5 watts and they are more than loud enough for near field use. Actually you won't need more than 2 to 3 watts for a reasonably loud volume at 1 meter away.
I don't think you will regret these drivers - they are very smooth and have a great flat freq response and reach a true 20kHz.
If you need it louder, run them in parallel at 4 ohms and it will be 91dB at 2.83v. The box will be bigger though - honestly it will be too loud for near field use. If you want to stick with single driver go with the Faital 4FE22 for 91dB.
Good luck with the build - I think you will really like them.
I am looking forward to it as well. We should be able to whip these out in a day. In my little home office (12x12) I have 4 subs so I can do the distributed bass thing as well.
If I do need more gain I could use a 12B4 (I think that is the tube) preamp. If the highs are lacking or distorted in any way I could pop my NEO 3 on top too.
Crap, this is becoming complicated!!!
P.S. I could also do the Linkwitz Riely thing in front of the amp to boost the bass as well.
If I do need more gain I could use a 12B4 (I think that is the tube) preamp. If the highs are lacking or distorted in any way I could pop my NEO 3 on top too.
Crap, this is becoming complicated!!!
P.S. I could also do the Linkwitz Riely thing in front of the amp to boost the bass as well.
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I'm sure you are right. Thinking back to the last time I had a good system on my desk, I never really CRANKED it up. Right now, funds are tight so I have to go with the $10 specials. I am in the middle of putting an addition on my shop.
I think it will sound great as a single driver and you won't need a tweeter on top and unless you have bass heavy music - a sub is optional for much desktop listening.
Djn,
I saw your artwork - great work there. You are pretty handy at making conplex things so I imagine these speakers are child's play. I like your tube amp on stone concept.
Looking forward to seeing how these turn out with your artistic touches applied.
X
I saw your artwork - great work there. You are pretty handy at making conplex things so I imagine these speakers are child's play. I like your tube amp on stone concept.
Looking forward to seeing how these turn out with your artistic touches applied.
X
Thanks X. If you are talking about the tube amp on light blue marble, that is acturally my Hagarman Octal Cornet. It sounds great.
Here are pix of my main system.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/ever...ing-my-audio-rack-many-pix-2.html#post3688801
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http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/ever...ing-my-audio-rack-many-pix-2.html#post3688801
.
I remember this set up now. Forgot that it was yours. you are absolutely crazy (in a good way) - the most cool looking rig ever. Great use of stones and natural shapes.
Thanks X. I still have work to do on it, but I save my projects for winter. I go to work in the dark and drive home in the dark. Sure can be depressing.
DJN's motorcycle is my fave. Re: Karlson, I think a "K10" size can be pretty punchy
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
Freddi - Your nothing but a BIG TEASE 
Now you have to tell us about the Klipschorns. A pair of those have always been on my bucket list.
Now you have to tell us about the Klipschorns. A pair of those have always been on my bucket list.
I made that beauty from copper wire and newspaper - re: Klipschorns = hate them in that room - the walls are 3/4" sheetrock over 3/4" plywood on 6" studs with vinyl siding - I can rap my hand on a wall and it will "booommmmmmmmm" for a second or more - the K-horn excites the boom - even on harpsichord - have not listened more than a minute in the last two years. My Heresy Ones with old foil/oil caps are kinder. Karlson sound fab on harpsichord. A couple sheets of plywood to make "false corners" might save the K-horns - but is a mind-F as would also make new K-couplers. I had SpeakerLab K's in the early 70's them birch
K-horns then these lumbercore K-horn bought from a needy friend.
K-horns then these lumbercore K-horn bought from a needy friend.
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Don't want to hijack the thread - but I built one diy k-horn bottom in the 60s. Just a cheap driver, but when I finished it (~ 10 PM) I put it in the corner and blew my daughters bedroom door wide open. Never did build a second or add a horn, but hope to someday. Probably have to build room with cinder blocks.😀
What's your opinion of the upper registers?
What's your opinion of the upper registers?
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