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audio amateur
11-10-2010, 01:14 AM
Hi guys
I've been trying to get a hold of some decent second hand speakers for my close friend here, but the second hand market clearly isn't great. As my parents are currently in the US, i thought I would take advantage of that and order a fairly cheap speaker kit (drivers + xovers, we can make the cabinets). I'm thinking something under 200 bucks, for example a simple 2 way kit, something that won't require a subwoofer and that isn't too hard to build (sealed/ported box).
Also, can't be too big (under 8 inches for the woofer, because of transport). Full range drivers aren't out of the question.
Suggestions?

Poultrygeist
11-10-2010, 03:46 AM
The Usher UA 701 is a excellent design by Dr. D'Appolito.


http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=302-855

Poultrygeist
11-10-2010, 03:53 AM
If your friend doesn't have the power to drive the Usher I'd recommend the FE126 in the bass reflex design. The Fostex drivers are available all over Europe.


http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/speaker_components/pdf/recom_enclose/fe126e_encl.pdf

audio amateur
11-10-2010, 04:12 AM
The Usher UA 701 is a excellent design by Dr. D'Appolito.


http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=302-855
That's 200 each, unfortunately...

audio amateur
11-10-2010, 04:13 AM
If your friend doesn't have the power to drive the Usher I'd recommend the FE126 in the bass reflex design. The Fostex drivers are available all over Europe.
http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/speaker_components/pdf/recom_enclose/fe126e_encl.pdf
So these are decent in bass reflex? What about the larger 6" and 8" version?

Ajani
11-10-2010, 07:48 AM
So these are decent in bass reflex? What about the larger 6" and 8" version?

If it was me, I'd try the FE206en 8"... I've seen a few sites claiming they are the best of the Fostex line + they should have decent bass + you'll save some money by eliminating the crossover...

Poultrygeist
11-10-2010, 04:59 PM
My bad AA,

I assumed the price was for a pair. Below is a link for lots of FRD which include free plans if you buy the drivers. I'd consider the Audio Nirvana Super 8's in a minimonitor cabinet for $158. I've read some good reviews on these.

The BR-1 kit from Parts Express has tons of good reviews and is less than $150 a pair including both cabinets. Watch the video of it's assembly and the soldering of the crossovers which isn't difficult. Sorry I didn't link it but it's easy to find. Shipping could be expensive for you on the BR-1.

http://www.commonsenseaudio.com/nirvana.html

Ajani
11-10-2010, 06:29 PM
My bad AA,

I assumed the price was for a pair. Below is a link for lots of FRD which include free plans if you buy the drivers. I'd consider the Audio Nirvana Super 8's in a minimonitor cabinet for $158. I've read some good reviews on these.

The BR-1 kit from Parts Express has tons of good reviews and is less than $150 a pair including both cabinets. Watch the video of it's assembly and the soldering of the crossovers which isn't difficult. Sorry I didn't link it but it's easy to find. Shipping could be expensive for you on the BR-1.

http://www.commonsenseaudio.com/nirvana.html

Ohhhh, that's the site that I was thinking of (the one that referred to the Fostex 8" as the best in the Fostex line)...

Thanks for the link... Seems they think Audio Nirvana is a step up from Fostex... And those 15 inch Audio Nirvana have me dreaming about a sweeeeet open baffle design...

Poultrygeist
11-11-2010, 05:32 AM
Anji, the 15 inch would be too large to go it alone in OB so a tweeter would be necessary. Sounds like the coax 15 incher may have a built in tweeter but it's $500!

Ajani
11-11-2010, 05:54 AM
Anji, the 15 inch would be too large to go it alone in OB so a tweeter would be necessary. Sounds like the coax 15 incher may have a built in tweeter but it's $500!

Assuming their claims are correct, then even their 12" drivers have frequency response up to 20Khz, so they should be fine without a tweeter... The 15" is up to 15Khz, so just about the limit of most people's hearing (I suppose I could always add a supertweeter later if needed)...

I'm seriously tempted between the 12" or the 15"... I like the 15" cuz it reaches 22hz without a cabinet.... So it would have great bass even in an open baffle...

They are claiming that their full range drivers don't need a tweeter... Which would certainly be fun to test out....

audio amateur
11-11-2010, 06:07 AM
The 15 will never reach 22Hz without a cabinet, not in a million years.

To get any bass at all in an OB configuration you really need a big baffle. On top of that, you'll need more than a milimeter of excursion to achieve any sub 50Hz bass, even with an efficient driver.

Ajani
11-11-2010, 06:32 AM
The 15 will never reach 22Hz without a cabinet, not in a million years.

To get any bass at all in an OB configuration you really need a big baffle. On top of that, you'll need more than a milimeter of excursion to achieve any sub 50Hz bass, even with an efficient driver.

Yep, their claims seem highly unlikely... But it would still be fun to see how well they actually perform...

audio amateur
11-11-2010, 08:24 AM
Yes. I've yet to try out my Infinity 6" by 9" car speakers, their specs are perfect for OB. Too many things to do, not enough time :(

audio amateur
11-11-2010, 08:26 AM
Ps. Thanks for the suggestions everyone!