Solo-166 plans

[ziocalepino]

Hi everybody. Tony Gee sent me the plans for Solo-166 encolsures, for Fostex FE166En drivers. They are similar to SOlo-103 that you can see here:

Humble Homemade Hifi

Did anybody tried them for 166?

Thanks all

Ziocalepino

 

[planet10]

Unlike FE103, FE166 is not well suited to a BR.

dave

 

[ziocalepino]

Thanks. Althought there is not a "Solo-126" project do you think these drivers are more suitable for this kind of plan? I'va a couple of them but used monunted both in Fostex pure BR and in the Fostex' original mixed enclosure BR/BLH they do not satisfy me. So with a different configuration...

 

[planet10]

All of the FExx6 series drivers really need to be horn loaded to get any bass out of them.

FE127 works well in a Solo 127. It is called a Fonken. Be easy enuff to mutate the design to get something that looks like a Solo103 (but bigger). Same with the FE167.

dave

 

[ziocalepino]

I've seen Fonken's plans, they are very interesting. Do you think they could be better than Fostex' one? As said this enclosure does not satisfy me at all, even being a kind of BLH.
Thanks
Z.

 

[chrisb]

I've seen Fonken's plans, they are very interesting. Do you think they could be better than Fostex' one? As said this enclosure does not satisfy me at all, even being a kind of BLH.
Thanks
Z.

FWIW, of the Fostex "recommended" enclosures that I've built or heard for a wide range of their 3-6" drivers, I've yet to hear one that wasn't surpassed by certain DIY/open source designs.

Note that the Fonken family evolved around the T/S parameters of the (now late/lamented) Fostex FE127E and FE167E drivers. With some minor tuning to port/slot dimensions and/or internal volume, this particular "platform/architecture" has proven to be adaptable to other makes of drivers as well. (most notably those by Mark Fenlon).

Before getting too involved in dispensing any type of "helpful advice", I always like to pose a few questions regarding the application:
-do you have the drivers on hand or on their way?
-room size/listening position?
-amplifier type/power level?
-listening habits/tastes (types of music/volume levels) ?
-"domestic acceptance factor" - i.e. "partner" or parents involved in what you can get away with? from almost 40yrs of experience, this can be as significant as room limitations

 

[planet10]

you think they could be better than Fostex' one? As said this enclosure does not satisfy me at all, even being a kind of BLH.

The Fostex Hybrid (really a BR/TL) is not very good. Bass does not go low and is ill defined. A Fonken is way better but is not suitable for the FE126.

Your best bet for simple is the Frugel-Horn Mk3

dave