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Opinions on Full-Range/single driver speakers

I am considering a DIY project to build a pair of single driver speakers. My current idea is to put Jordan JX9s into Transmission line cabinets. I am a competent woodworker and there are lots of plans on the internet.

I do really value the opinions of you audiogon members out there with lots of listening experience so I am curious what your opinions are on single driver speakers. If you can also comment on wide-baffle versus narrow baffle designs, that would be helpful.

My front end is a Monarchy tube DAC 25 with Matsushista tubes and DIP Classic, coupled to an AYRE DX7E, all interconnects and cables are DIY magnet wire. I am currently using Green Mountain Europa's and a modified Paradigm subwoofer.

After enjoying GMA's and experiencing time/phase coherent sound, I started looking at other options for coherent systems. It seems the simplest design is a good full range driver (no whiffle cone) in a TL or QWL cabinet.

So your opinions are appreciated. I would prefer if you did not advise me to purchase your favorite speaker as that is not the type of information I am seeking.

Thanks in advance for your time!

Drew.
drewh1
drewh1 OP
115 posts
 
so many drivers, so little time . . .

This is what I hear:

1. Full range speakers are certainly not for everyone or all types of music.
2. they can be optimized for a certain frequency range but will not perform well at both high frequency and low frequency ranges? since my ears are older and I have played music my whole life (with a long stretch in VERY loud rock bands) my high frequency hearing is not that much of an issue!
3. Finding the right driver might be difficult as there are a lot of choices!

Duke - the Supravox looks great but like the php might be out of my price range for a DIY project.

Gmood - you gave me some great advice - Listen!
are there any single driver fans in the bay area who would be willing to share the sound of their favorite speakers with me?

Also the Brine's site is helpful along with his Yahoo group postings.

Thanks all, please keep the opinions coming!

drew.
audiokinesis
2,714 posts
 
Drew, one of my very best friends walked away from a career in a rock band to become a woodworker.

My first commercial model was an "augmented fullrange"; that is, I used a Fostex fullrange driver in a sealed box with a built-in subwoofer to help below 100 Hz and a supertweeter to help in the top octave.

Anyway, my suggestion for a less expensive alternative to uberdrivers like the Supravox and PHY would be the alnico magnet Fostex F200A, imported by Madisound.

Duke
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
you should talk with single driver guru Mr. Steve Deckert
He'll tell you what you need to hear & not necessarily what you'd like to hear. One of my conversations with Steve he actually recommended a competitors' product vs his own, based, upon the application I intended. You can't get any less biased than that. Call Steve - he's THE man.
decware.com
gregm
3,395 posts
 
the Supravox looks great but like the php might be out of my price range for a DIY project
The standard Supra 215 used to sell for around $200.
You might also consider a Visaton B200 which is much cheaper.

One point with such drivers, is they favour high frequency over low frequency reproduction; you're better off cutting seeing these as "wide-range" drivers to be assisted by a woof (and, preferably a tweet too).
philefreak
423 posts
 
How about the Audio Nirvana?
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