OPINIONS: HOME BUILT SPEAKERS
Robert P. Broad
some opinions/reactions/suggestions to what I've come up with. I am
planning on using NHT1259's for the sub's powered by an Acurus A-250
amp. These will be combined with 2 possible MTM (d'appolito?)set-ups:
Focal T120Ti tweeter (8ohm, 100W, 94db)
w/ 2 Focal 7K011DBL mids (kevlar cone, dual voice coil @4ohms,
100W, 92db)
OR
Scanspeak D2905/9000 (8ohm, 150W, 90db)
w/ 2 Scanspeak 18W8545 mids (carbon/paper cone, 8ohm, 100W, 90db)
I've also looked at Eton mids, but didn't like the general lack of
power handling. I am seriously considering tri-amping this set up
with either B&K, Acurus, or Parasound amps for mids and tweeters. I
have professional help in the cabinetry, but would appreciate any
suggestions here as well.
I listen primarily to College Rock, Alternative, and some strong
female vocalists. Suggestions or commnts would be greatly appreciated
on driver selection, overall set-up, and just about anything else that
may help me along. Resposes can be sent to my email address or
posted directly to the newsgroup. Thanks in advance.
Robert Broad
rpb...@mtu.edu
Henry Pasternack
: These will be combined with 2 possible MTM (d'appolito?)set-ups:
: Focal T120Ti tweeter (8ohm, 100W, 94db)
: w/ 2 Focal 7K011DBL mids (kevlar cone, dual voice coil @4ohms,
: 100W, 92db)
: OR
: Scanspeak D2905/9000 (8ohm, 150W, 90db)
: w/ 2 Scanspeak 18W8545 mids (carbon/paper cone, 8ohm, 100W, 90db)
D'Appolito himself designed systems similar to these. The first is
called the Aria 7, the latter the Signature 717. The main difference
in the Signatures is that he used the kevlar version of the midbass
drivers.
IMHO, from listening comparisons of the Arias to the Signatures is
that the Scan Speak drivers really kill the Focals in terms of natural-
ness and freedom from stridency. Run, don't walk, to you telephone and
order the plans for the Signature 717 design from A&S loudspeakers. I
built these speakers, by the way, and use them now.
North Creek has a top-of-the-line MTM system based on the latest
Scan-Speak 6.5" and 1" drivers and some truly beefy cabinets. You
should call them and ask for information. I suspect this is a really
top-notch design.
You'll have to dig up the phone numbers yourself, sorry; I don't
have them handy.
-Henry
Kurt Strain
: : OR
: : Scanspeak D2905/9000 (8ohm, 150W, 90db)
: : w/ 2 Scanspeak 18W8545 mids (carbon/paper cone, 8ohm, 100W, 90db)
Get the D2905/9300. It's worth the extra $20 per pair. Smoother response,
even more transparent, and no sticky coating.
Kurt
Arvid Ignatius Nordahl
>: Focal T120Ti tweeter (8ohm, 100W, 94db)
>: w/ 2 Focal 7K011DBL mids (kevlar cone, dual voice coil @4ohms,
>: 100W, 92db)
>: Scanspeak D2905/9000 (8ohm, 150W, 90db)
>: w/ 2 Scanspeak 18W8545 mids (carbon/paper cone, 8ohm, 100W, 90db)
>
>called the Aria 7, the latter the Signature 717. The main difference
>in the Signatures is that he used the kevlar version of the midbass
>drivers.
>
> IMHO, from listening comparisons of the Arias to the Signatures is
>that the Scan Speak drivers really kill the Focals in terms of natural-
>ness and freedom from stridency. Run, don't walk, to you telephone and
>order the plans for the Signature 717 design from A&S loudspeakers. I
>built these speakers, by the way, and use them now.
>
> North Creek has a top-of-the-line MTM system based on the latest
>Scan-Speak 6.5" and 1" drivers and some truly beefy cabinets. You
>should call them and ask for information. I suspect this is a really
>top-notch design.
>
> You'll have to dig up the phone numbers yourself, sorry; I don't
>have them handy.
>
>-Henry
--
_______
Henry... This Kit "sound" more like Audiovector6 D'appolito config.Focal
Kevlar(they have a "trompet" sound ,I do not like)Why not only use Scan-
speak and Vifa(super)instead of Focal.I have been told that you can by
the whole line of Audivector in U.S.as a Kit(We have done that for 17
years)I wounder if that's true or not?If it is,You can by them for 50 %
off the finnist ones,and it's garanteed the same speaker.It take only
2-3 hours to build, them and you save Us$3,500 that is a good pay pro
hour.
Yours Truly
________________________________________________________
Arvid Ignatius Nordahl O.D.
Rathkes gate. 1 opg. B.
N-0558 Oslo, NORWAY - "NON MIHI,NON TIBI,SED NOBIS"-
ISDN: (Dolby-FAX,HOME,OFFICE,CELLULAR,FAX,DATA)
ALFA- NO. + 47 2204 1447
E-mail: anor...@powertech.no
URL: http://www.powertech.no/~anordahl/
Henry Pasternack
: Kevlar(they have a "trompet" sound ,I do not like)Why not only use Scan-
: speak and Vifa(super)instead of Focal.I have been told that you can by
: the whole line of Audivector in U.S.as a Kit(We have done that for 17
: years)I wounder if that's true or not?If it is,You can by them for 50 %
: off the finnist ones,and it's garanteed the same speaker.It take only
: 2-3 hours to build, them and you save Us$3,500 that is a good pay pro
: hour.
I'm not familiar with Audiovector's speakers. I'd say a $3500 savings
for three hours of work is worth it. Anyway, I agree with you about the
sound of Focal kevlar drivers. My experience with Scan Speak is that they
don't have this sound, perhaps because of the coating on the surface of the
kevlar.
-Henry
Brock Hannibal
|>
|> IMHO, from listening comparisons of the Arias to the Signatures is
|> that the Scan Speak drivers really kill the Focals in terms of natural-
|> ness and freedom from stridency. Run, don't walk, to you telephone and
|> order the plans for the Signature 717 design from A&S loudspeakers. I
|> built these speakers, by the way, and use them now.
|>
I actually think that the Scan Speak tweeter is inferior to the Focal 120ti. The
sparkle and live sound of cymbals gets kind of lost with the Scan Speak tweeter.
The Focal Tweeter really seems to suffer if it is fed low frequencies so a
steep slope crossover is a GOOD THING.
In properly designed boxes the midbass drivers are probably pretty much a push.
Either system will blow away most commercial "small monitor" type speakers including
Totems, Rogers, Celestion, et al.
My opinion, based purely on uncontrolled subjective listening.
Brock Hannibal
Design Engineer
Tektronix, Inc.