There is a chance original carrera voicing simply isn't to your taste. These drivers should not be the cause of any problems in that sense, to a certain degree of acoustical output.
In terms of 'kits' though, it would be hard to pass them. If you want just plans for DIY, then the field opens a smidge. Sure there are better drivers out there, but at a much higher premium cost. I think the suggestion of improvement of cabinets is a solid possibility, and should be exploited.
Jayzus guys and girls. For clarity, I did set parameters. I am looking at available KITS ... Not a new design. Secondly , I did say BOOKSHELF speakers..
So horns and floor standing is out. I already own huve 3 and 4 way speakers. I ENJOY two way bookshelf speakers for what they are. The Carreras are almost perfect. I would like a little less laid back sound is all.
I see the $1500 to $2000 2 way kits for sale, and wondered if one of these may be considerably better, due to the big cost difference? Or is the Carrera a bargain giant killer?
So horns and floor standing is out. I already own huve 3 and 4 way speakers. I ENJOY two way bookshelf speakers for what they are. The Carreras are almost perfect. I would like a little less laid back sound is all.
I see the $1500 to $2000 2 way kits for sale, and wondered if one of these may be considerably better, due to the big cost difference? Or is the Carrera a bargain giant killer?
Perfect Wolf ... Now, are any of those albeit more expensive drivers in kits, going to make THAT much better of a speaker?
Cabinets are a non issue... I can do ANYTHING with wood. That is my forte.
Yes, getting rid of resonances and peaks will get the smaller details in the forefront. I don't know if you mean it this way, it's my experience!
Jeff really loved his Helios 2 way. Wolf, I know you've heard both. What are your thoughts comparing the two. (Paul's Carreras) Glenn.
Sorry, I saw post 1 your were replacing bookshelf speakers. Then post 3 you said size is not a factor. My suggestions were a lot better sounding than any bookshelf IMHO, but 15 times the size. 15 db more efficient, too at 1/8 watt. Tuning out.
Putting it sincerely, the original Helios were just spectacular. They are not small though. I did not like the Helios Common Man (CM) at all.
The Spirit Winds were also very very nice. Might not dig as low as the Carreras.
^^^These above are JUST inside that of the OP's cost bracket though.
I also really liked the Bromo (Ceramic) kit, and the Jeff's Revolutions with the ceramic (mistake) woofers. The deeper cabs of the other Revolutions' design I did not like the aesthetics of. It just looked funny. Sounded good though.
The Kairos were okay, but not my favorite of Jeff's stuff. I never heard the Auricle design.
The Spirit Winds were also very very nice. Might not dig as low as the Carreras.
^^^These above are JUST inside that of the OP's cost bracket though.
I also really liked the Bromo (Ceramic) kit, and the Jeff's Revolutions with the ceramic (mistake) woofers. The deeper cabs of the other Revolutions' design I did not like the aesthetics of. It just looked funny. Sounded good though.
The Kairos were okay, but not my favorite of Jeff's stuff. I never heard the Auricle design.
The Helios are not too large. But the original aren't available now.
I can spend $2500 no problem.
Ha! The Auricle and Testarossa are interesting to me, too. Have been since I saw them.
I'd REALLY love to hear a 2 way using an XR20 amorphous core, with a 7" Rev or Accuton woofer!
They aren't available?
https://meniscusaudio.com/product/the-helios-loudspeaker-kit/
Still on their website....
https://meniscusaudio.com/product/the-helios-loudspeaker-kit/
Still on their website....
I have heard the Testarossas at Jeff's home and one year at InDIYana. Those really were quite nice, but definitely a smooth and laid back character.
Ah hah! Thank you and solved. I'll build the original Helios next. They should be dynamic enough, lol.
Why does everything have to be smooth and laid back? Live music is visceral.
I heard Vapor two ways using the same ribbon, but with Audio Technology woofers, and I found them too laid back and smooth also.
The Helios really are a step up from the Carreras in size, cost, output, and cleanliness. It took a measurement at 113dB to even register in the HD plot pane.
The Carreras are not without a bit of Paul's house curve, but they still sound great. The Hiq have great off axis response, whereas the dimples don't. The Piccolo likely do not play as low even when vented, but that is a capability that very few woofers can have in that Sd and volume. I think the midrange of the Rev is a tier above the Prestige SB paper woofer.
My 2c....
My 2c....
What does great mean? Surely what is great for one situation may not be good for another.