Hello, I am relatively new to the HiFi hobby and wanted to get people's opinions on which speaker would be better for me. I am inspired by the Birch Acoustic Raven loudspeaker and would like to build something similar http://www.birchacoustics.com/filterless_fullrange_003.htm
My current gear consists of the Pioneer Elite N50, Pioneer A-70k, and Jamo C607. I also have PSB Imagine T Towers. The type of music I listen to comprises of classic rock, modern rock, pop, soul, R&B, and musicals. I really like the idea of filter less and crossoverless. Eight of the W5s will cost me 400 more than eight of the Alpairs and would have to be bought out of the country. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Bao
My current gear consists of the Pioneer Elite N50, Pioneer A-70k, and Jamo C607. I also have PSB Imagine T Towers. The type of music I listen to comprises of classic rock, modern rock, pop, soul, R&B, and musicals. I really like the idea of filter less and crossoverless. Eight of the W5s will cost me 400 more than eight of the Alpairs and would have to be bought out of the country. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Bao
A quote of a quote of a review: SoundStage! Ultra | SoundStageUltra.com (UltraAudio.com) | Birch Acoustics Raven Loudspeakers
This particular speaker uses 4 FRs so is not a point source above the frequency defined by a 1/4 eavelength of the centre to centre distabce -- i'd estimate that to be somewhere around 150 Hz -- and above that phase starts to grow screwy. It is not long enuff to be a line arrary (needed to launch a cylinrical wavefront -- limited to a factor based on the driver C-C). You get more accurate sound from a singleone of the same drivers.
Where are you getting the TBs?
I've not heard the TB, but i do know the Alpair 10 (either the metal 10.3 or the p) are very good.
We do have the smaller W4-1879, and while good, does not compare to the similar size Alpait 7.3. The pair we got were also very different as far as T/S parameters and even if really good, we would not gave pursued furher work with the driver.
With a 1st project i'd recommend starting smaller, with just one pair of the drivers, or one pair of each (to see which one YOU prefer).
Also, the translam method of building encloures allows for complex shapes andcn look very pretty but is very wasteful of material, and IMO, does not use material to its strengths.
dave
First guess on the Raven's drivers is some kind of ScanSpeak
A simple first time project with something like a single Alpair 10P or the new 7P would be my suggestion.
A simple first time project with something like a single Alpair 10P or the new 7P would be my suggestion.
I doubt it. It wouldneed to be very custom. The only driver they have that looks similar has 5 mounting holes, better detail work, and is challenged above 1k.
Attached is a photoshopped pic that reveals more detail.
dave
Attachments
Thank you for all the feedback! I received a quote from Axiomedia for the eight drivers. I agree with you guys that since this is a first project, I should start with just one pair of drivers. I already have a pair of Tang Band W8-1808 that I will be making a DBR enclosure for. I just wanted to plan ahead and save money on the cost of the materials and shipping.
I have looked for similar full range drivers as those in the ravens but I do believe those were custom made for them.
from italy.
We've had those thru here. A very good speaker, if pricey for what you'd get. I'd choose A10x over it -- to give you an idea of how good the Mark Audios are.
dave
Well thank you! I think I will settle on the Alpair 10p since they have very good reviews and are more affordable.
I briefly looked into it a while back; Birch appear to be using the 5 1/4in Vifa NE149W: Vifa NE149W-08 5-1/4" Fiber Cone Woofer Speaker 8 Ohm & http://www.parts-express.com/pedocs/specs/264-1132-parts-express-specifications.pdf
Can't say I'd use it myself; the FR graph appears honest, but the general spec. suggests an over-driven midbass rather than a unit that was designed as a widebander from the outset, so to my eyes it's compromised both for that use, and for use in a 2-way. TBH, I can't really fathom what Vifa have been trying to do with any of the NE series drivers. From the published data, none look all that special in performance terms.
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Indeed it appears to be Vifa NE149W 5-1/4" Fiber Cone Woofer Speaker - while an very, very good mid woofer it is really not very suitable for full range duties - interesting choice… for this speaker…
@bvtrinh - I would suggest to change your electronics in a first place - as mass market electronics of this caliber tend to sound sterile and one-dimensional.
Try nice DAC in this price range and good SS or Tube amp…
The Mark Audio drivers are pretty good indeed…especially the A7.3...
Better yet before you spend any hard earned cash - you should visit Rocky Mountain Audio Fest or the New York Audio Show - they are back to back starting next week.
Try Volti Speakers and other smaller manufacturers to hear the difference…Cheers!
@bvtrinh - I would suggest to change your electronics in a first place - as mass market electronics of this caliber tend to sound sterile and one-dimensional.
Try nice DAC in this price range and good SS or Tube amp…
The Mark Audio drivers are pretty good indeed…especially the A7.3...
Better yet before you spend any hard earned cash - you should visit Rocky Mountain Audio Fest or the New York Audio Show - they are back to back starting next week.
Try Volti Speakers and other smaller manufacturers to hear the difference…Cheers!
The unique basket would say yes, that is the one. 4 of those would come to 93 dB, not 96.
dave
well, there's Marketing Math, and then there's real math - you know, the kind you'd want used to design the airliner own which you take your family on holidays
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