Small single driver epiphany

Gnesen

Gnesen

Super Member
I've had single point source speakers in the past that I really enjoyed, but they were rather large coaxials and triaxials, like EV 15TRXB's mounted in large cabs. On a whim, a while ago I picked up a pair of Realistic Minimus-8s, which carry a single full-range driver that is a version of the Fostex FE 103. Unexpectedly, they sounded really, really nice, which made me want to see what else is out there.

A more recent surprise was a pair of a supremely pleasant sounding JVC SP-UX7000s with 3" full range drivers. They have plentiful bass for nearfield listening and a midrange that others have described as 'magical'.

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This has been a true eye-opener for me. I'm well aware that many others have already been converted, I just thought I'd share my experience. Now I might have to check out some folded horns. I'd be interested in hearing others' experiences and opinions.
 
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I have a single EV 15TRXB in a Karlson cab, to me it sounds horrible, but I think it's because the tweeter is blown, and initially, I tried UNSCREWING IT, and may have damaged the woofer.

I've heard amazing things about those little JVC's. Weren't there some that had cones made of bamboo??

Enjoy, that looks amazing.
 
I have run across that too. Some of those little "executive systems"e quite impressive!

I have a small pair of JVCs from a similar system that have off-center voice coils!
 
I passed on a set of those at an auction along with the mini system they came with. Seeing them again makes me wish I had bought them.
 
They are quite impressive indeed! About a year ago I was running them at work with alittle 35 wpc Nikko integrated an they sounded fantastic! Right now I have them back with a little Jvc digital amp and they still sing very well. The higher end model came with wood cones which I have as well but have yet to run them thru the paces . The ux7000's are sweet enough sounding on my desk at work I haven't thought about switching them out, they're truly amazing sounding an impressive looking speakers. As for the wood cone version, the sound is equally matched with a digital source. I've yet to try with solid state , the build quality is a few steps above the ux7000's with 5 way binding posts, heavier cabinets, larger enclosure, and of course the uniquely designed wood cones. Both models are rated at 4ohms and they can take some power and still Be clear as day.
 

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onwardjames said:
I have a single EV 15TRXB in a Karlson cab, to me it sounds horrible, but I think it's because the tweeter is blown, and initially, I tried UNSCREWING IT, and may have damaged the woofer.

I've heard amazing things about those little JVC's. Weren't there some that had cones made of bamboo??

Enjoy, that looks amazing.
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Sorry to hear about your EV. Based on my experience, there probably is something wrong with it. There is a cap to the tweeter hidden under the metal cover on the back of the woofer that may need to be replaced.

And, yes, I've heard of some JVCs that had wood cone drivers, but I haven't seen them.
 
Many open baffle designs employ a single full range speaker. I run four open baffle speakers with vintage 8" drivers and haven't looked back yet.

Have you skimmed the Open Baffle Epiphany thread yet?
 
Of of curiosity, can anybody recommend a good folded horn kit? Desktop or floor standing is fine.

The one from Madisound below looks interesting, and all too easy -- just screw in the drivers and call it a day. I'm also not averse to building my own boxes, but time can be a limiting factor.

p1000-bh.jpg
 
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hnash53 said:
Many open baffle designs employ a single full range speaker. I run four open baffle speakers with vintage 8" drivers and haven't looked back yet.

Have you skimmed the Open Baffle Epiphany thread yet?
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Thanks. I have skimmed the OB thread (and shamelessly copied part of that title for this thread, my apologies). I was focusing on little full range drivers in my first post because I really wasn't aware what they were capable of. I haven't tried OBs yet mostly because my impression is they tend have wide baffles and I don't have super-wide listening area (~10 ft). Maybe my assumptions are wrong. Though, one question I have: do larger full-rangers have the same pinpoint imaging as the little guys?
 
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I am currently using a pair of JVC SP-UX2000RGD, in my office system, that look similar to the ones you have. I like the sound and the looks. NIce speakers. :music:
 
Gnesen said:
Thanks. I have skimmed the OB thread (and shamelessly copied part of that title for this thread, my apologies). I was focusing on little full range drivers in my first post because I really wasn't aware what they were capable of. I haven't tried OBs yet mostly because my impression is they tend have wide baffles and I don't have super-wide listening area (~10 ft). Maybe my assumptions are wrong. Though, one question I have: do larger full-rangers have the same pinpoint imaging as the little guys?
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The baffles on my fronts are only about 16" high and 11" wide. The rears are even smaller. My listening area is 12'wide x 20' long. I think the large baffles help with the production of bass. My listening space doesn't provide the room necessary to have large baffles. So I augment the bass with a subwoofer.

As for your question, you might want to post it on the Open Baffle thread. I'm sure you'd get an answer... probably several answers. If I recall, there have been lots of different sized drivers used for OB.
 
onwardjames said:
I have a single EV 15TRXB in a Karlson cab, to me it sounds horrible, but I think it's because the tweeter is blown, and initially, I tried UNSCREWING IT, and may have damaged the woofer.

I've heard amazing things about those little JVC's. Weren't there some that had cones made of bamboo??

Enjoy, that looks amazing.
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Yes! I narrowly missed getting my hands on those wooden JVC drivers a couple of years ago!

And I seem to recall those wooden drivers were soaked in...SAKÉ! Kampai!
 
P3040011.jpg I built these petite folded horns a few years ago. They're the Frugal Horn Mk3 and use a 4.5" Fostex FE126En. Great point source speakers and highly detailed. The plans are free online and if the cutting looks too difficult they could be CNC'ed by most cabinet shops.
 
Gnesen said:
Those look great. And thanks for the tip. I can handle straight and gently curved cuts, so this is a tempting DIY project.

How do they compare to your OBs soundwise?
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With a small sub they bettered my Zu's but like all monkey coffins the music sounds like it's coming from a box. Had I not discovered OB's they would be in my main system.
 
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