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Single Full Range Driver Selection

ScooterMcTav

ScooterMcTav

I know less than I think
G’day all,

I have recently come into possession of a single-ended tetrode Musical Paradise MP-301 integrated. Though I originally thought it might sound good with my Klipsch Fortes, it did not.

As I’ve pretty much concluded that I will use it as an office system, I was considering building my own single driver full range speakers (my first ever real speaker build project). Although I can source a used pair of Omega Super 3, I’m not 100% sure I want to risk the $750 CDN if I don’t like the single driver sound.

So, looking for recommendations as to full range drivers others have had success with. Obviously I need an efficient speaker, somewhere in the 4.5-6.5” range, and hoping to keep it affordable (-$100-150/pr).

There are the usual subjects such as Dayton, Fostex, Audax, and Tang Band, and I am curious as to the opinions of these and other possible drivers (such as AliExpress and eBay ones). For a cabinet, I’d likely design something like the Super 3 (possibly front ported), and I would give up bottom end dynamics for better top end dynamics and articulation.

I would even consider a full range with supertweeter design (like Ohm uses) but am unaware how to to build this without losing efficiency. As mentioned, this is my first build.

I had considered a set of Klipsch bookshelves as well, but my lack of agreement with modern Klipsch suggests this may not be the way to go.

Otherwise, efficient bookshelves in the 95dB efficiency range seem to be hard to come by.

Thanks in advance for everyone’s assistance.
 
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I have built quite a number of single full range driver speakers, mostly Fostex, although do own a couple pairs of Mark Audio Alpair 10.3.

The FE103en sounded good to me at first, but slowly I came to dislike something in the mid-range. Can't explain what, but something is a bit off. My pair of FE103en sits lonely on the shelf for a couple of years now. You might do better the FF105wk. As always, YMMV.

I don't know of any small SFRDs that can reach 95 dB (1 watt at 1 m). The spec on your amp looks like 7 wpc, which should be enough reach modest volume (assuming material w/ limited bass) using a driver with sensitivity around 90 dB. And note that SFRDs are not known for either high SPL capability or big bass.
 
ScooterMcTav said:
The 4” kit looks promising.....but it’s out of stock.

However, those 4” drivers are available - any comment on how they sound?

Or does anyone have experience with the folded horn kit.

https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.c...00-bh-4-full-range-back-loaded-horn-kit-pair/
Click to expand...

I’ve got both the 4 inch Kanspeas and that little folded horn kit. Both will give you a taste of the single driver sound but these are small cabinets and won’t throw a big wall of sound at you like you’ll get with larger boxes. I actually prefer the little Kanspeas more than the folded horn. If you like either of these designs, you’ll love the more sophisticated sound you’ll get from Omega.
 
ScooterMcTav said:
Or does anyone have experience with the folded horn kit.
Click to expand...

Of all the horns I've heard to date, the FH3 is the reference for 4" drivers. http://www.frugal-horn.com/FH3.html

Jim Shearer said:
The FE103en sounded good to me at first, but slowly I came to dislike something in the mid-range. Can't explain what, but something is a bit off. My pair of FE103en sits lonely on the shelf for a couple of years now.
Click to expand...

I had a pair on my desktop for a while. I agree with you that there is something missing with them. The Mark Audio A6p's are much nicer in a small vented box (~5l).

jeff
 
Excellent feedback guys.

If I’m reading between the lines correctly, I’m hearing a bit of damning with fair praise for “economical” full range, single driver speakers.

All things considered, the Musical Paradise is not a premium amp. However, I’d like to at least give it a chance to sound its best. Possibly I need to rethink my plans here.
 
You might take a serious look at the Faital Pro drivers I suggested. While not everything the golden eared audiophile would want, you may find them to be a nice taste of the SFRD experience, delivering a bigger, more engaging sound than you would expect. Although....YMMV.
 
Jim Shearer said:
one of xrk971’s 0.53x mini-Karlsonator
Click to expand...
OR one of these XKi with PA130-8
I think this is OK
The econowave links work from there to here
not a direct link
@ diyaudio.com/forums/full-range/268524-xki-xs-ab-initio-karlson-6th-bandpass-33.html#post4427694
 
I have a pair of the PA-130-8. While not the last word in SRFD, they are crazy good for the money! Tons of fun, and when put in the 0.53x mini-Karsonaator, I don't know where you could find more sonic pleasure for the $$ (unless you buy used and let someone else take the massive depreciation hit).
 
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