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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
jeffb28451
129 posts
 
I use DX-4 Lowthers in Beauhorns in my main system. I have a set of Jordan's in ribbon mahogany, solid plinth front, where they ought to be: in my closet. They are the regular, Carolina Audio-type design, although I cast no aspersions on CA.

These are transmission line, built to spec. I don't even want them in my office. They retail, if it is to be believed, for over $4K, but I've tried to sell them for $800 before. Unfortunately, no one was dumb enough to buy them. My non-audiophile brother heard them and didn't even want them as a gift/for free.

I have 30+ years in hi end and have owned tons of speakers. I love single drivers, but not these.

Go ahead, flame me, but I still won't like these speakers and remember, I own them!
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Hey Drew if you haven't looked at JohnK's speakers, you should! ;-)
His speakers look absolutely gorgeous!! Wish I could do woodwork like that! Here's a link KCS Loudspeakers
lwood
61 posts
 
To get a good idea try the Yahoo SET forum group, as they often delve into the full range/single driver speakers as well...actually, just as much as SET, they go hand in hand.

Good group of people, unlike so many forums that are just a bunch of dopes..not the A'gon forum, other ones, you know who they are.
aptquark
99 posts
 
my first DIY single was audio nirvana 10 inch. I have 4 other pairs od speakers retailing from 5k on down. The audio nirvana full range is awesome with MANY different kinds of music. Not expensive. Only the woodworking is time consuming. It wont cost you squat to give it a shot AND the owner will trade them back FULL price if you want to go with his Lowther brand later on down the line. Pretty simple decision if you ask me. Look it up.

ALso, everyone here has great advise WHEN YOU INCORPORATE IT WITH YOURS.
drewh1 OP
115 posts
 
Audio Nirvana looks interesting and priced appropriately for a first time project.

Although I was hoping for a simpler answer (duh!) I have gotten a lot of good ideas and opinions. The one thing you can depend on in this hobby is that there is no right answer to anything. In fact, you can count on total disagreement on just about any technical issue!

I am going to build a pair and might try two different designs, using 8 inch drivers, no whiffle cone, and optimize to a frequency range of 35 or 40 hz to 15 khz. I can't hear much above 12 khz anyway (too many years in rock bands) but do believe there is some ambient sensing of higher frequencies. I will use a sub to get me down to 20 hz for those few CD's that use synthesized bass and some of my Bach organ music.

Thanks for all the opinions and ideas! It will probably take me a couple of months to get to it but I will let you know how it goes in case anyone is interested.

drew.
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