Tang Band W5-2143 5" Paper Cone Full Range Driver

[JosephL]

Previously, for 2018 I built a full range floor stander with help from this forum using the Dayton Audio PS220-8 8" and the contour network from Curt's Singularity. I am very happy with the final result.
For 2020, looking to build a full range bookshelf speaker. I am recycling two way cabinets with a 14 liter internal volume and a front baffle of 168mm.
Tentatively looking at the Tang Band W5-2143 5" Paper Cone Full Range Driver and adding the Dayton Audio DC28FT-8 1-1/8" Silkie tweeter. The only other component being a cap 1uF to 2uF to the tweeter.
Nothing has been ordered. Looking for advice from this forum before proceeding.
Thanks,
Joseph

[xrk971]

Lots of ideas in these other threads:

Enclosure for Tang Band w5-2143

XKi - X's ab initio Karlson 6th Order Bandpass

TABAQ TL for Tang Band

Mini Karlsonator (0.53X) with Dual TC9FD's

[JosephL]

House rules, I have to use stock on hand, so I can change the components in 30 year old no name bookshelf speaker cabinets. Looking for a project that will fit in the current 14 liter internal volume and a front baffle of 168mm.
Interested in a full range driver for too reasons. One, I am happy with my floorstanders, old KEF cabinets, Dayton Audio PS220-8, 8" passive radiator, and the contour network from Curt's Singularity. Two, with minimal caps, inductors and resistors, most of the budget($200-$300 USD) can go to the drivers.
Happy for any and all suggestions. Full range or a standard two way.
Thanks,
Joseph

[Wiggle8]

Anyone have experience with this driver in a shallow enclosure? I am looking to build a small wall-mount with a sealed W5-2143 crossed over to an LD-22 tweeter around 3 or 4 kHz. The W6 Coax caught my eye as well but I read some concerns re: QC and getting them to Canada will be costly.

I am trying to design a small wall-mount speaker and previously was going to build an LDW7/Alpair 5 wall-mounted FAST but am changing directions for a few reasons.

1. I am able to add a subwoofer in the room so bass extension/impact is not as critical.
2. Size, I can reduce the size from the LDW-7/Alpair combo.
3. Aesthetics, the cone looks very attractive in the colour/wood combo I need for the room.
4. I know the unit extends into the highs well but I need to prioritize off-axis performance in this application somewhat so due to dispersion concerns I am adding a tweeter.

My question is:
How does this unit work in shallow boxes? I know that coloration can be an issue in shallow boxes. I was really hoping to limit internal cabinet depth to approximately 4" or 5".

[xrk971]

Try lining box with “magic eraser” melamine foam pads. They absorb sound really well (same as BASF Basotect). EBay has them 100 for $7. Sealed works well and wall mount eliminates baffle step loss so you get true 90dB sensitivity. Highs are excellent on this driver as is the bass. Sealed is heard to get below 150Hz though unless large volume.

[Wiggle8]

Originally Posted by xrk971

Try lining box with “magic eraser” melamine foam pads. They absorb sound really well (same as BASF Basotect). EBay has them 100 for $7. Sealed works well and wall mount eliminates baffle step loss so you get true 90dB sensitivity. Highs are excellent on this driver as is the bass. Sealed is heard to get below 150Hz though unless large volume.

Thanks xrk971. That product looks like a good option to control the reverb on the back wave. Do you know how this material works in terms of affecting "effective enclosure volume"? It obviously occupies a volume, is that volume "lost" in terms of box performance?

This system will be managed through a DSP and won't be used at loud volume so I am hopeful I can apply some low-end lift to allow sufficient extension for a crossover in the 100Hz range.

[Wiggle8]

I am also debating two options:
1) W5 and LD22 in 2-way arrangement, crossed over @ 4th order 3-4kHz.
2) W5 full-range, LD22 Top-firing HP 2nd order at 2.5-3kHz.

First arrangement has the LD22 entirely taking over the high-end duties, second arrangement would have the LD22 essentially just throwing higher frequencies into the air to help even out apparent frequency response off-axis and create more high-end excitement. Is this considered poor technique?

The setup would be DSP controlled and bi-amped so I have alot of control over how they integrate and have the option to adjust it "on-the-fly" by adjusting the volume of the tweeter amplifier.

I am curious if experimenting with the phase shifting of the tweeter will have significant effect. Who knows what the phase interaction will be like after the highs bounce off the back wall and then the ceiling before interacting with the HF in the room.

[xrk971]

The melamine sponges have very high nano-porosity so maybe are in the range of 97% porous. Foam and stuffing actually make the effective volume larger. As long as the foam is open pore it is fine.

[EddieT]

Originally Posted by xrk971

Try lining box with “magic eraser” melamine foam pads. They absorb sound really well (same as BASF Basotect). EBay has them 100 for $7. Sealed works well and wall mount eliminates baffle step loss so you get true 90dB sensitivity. Highs are excellent on this driver as is the bass. Sealed is heard to get below 150Hz though unless large volume.

Do you use the sponges full thickness?

[xrk971]

Yes, if there is room. Sometimes I split them half thickness. Secure with hot melt glue.