[Mitch311]

Hey Everyone,

I am finally getting round to building something. Graduating Uni and finally have the $$ and time to get serious.

I am building 2 folded horn subs, set to give me combined about 110dB @ 30Hz 1w/1m once corner loaded before rolling off. But I need to figure out what direction to go in for tops. These are for music 90% of the time with a bit of tv/movie.

I am basically looking at line array's vs horns to keep up with subs and to give me great dynamics. I am not by any stretch a sit and listen type of guy. I am looking for the absolute best SQ I can in as many positions as possible within my $500 for drivers/shipping/simple xovers budget.

I love the idea of both horns and line arrays. But both have serious issues with getting the design right!

With Line arrays I am looking at using, per side, 15x full range 3" drivers covering 90Hz - 8k Hz then crossing to a line of tiny tweets. This is with a BFM TLAH design or maybe a sealed and stuffed design. I am also considering power shading to achieve some of the CBT effects. With crossovers, drivers and shipping I am looking at about $500. I am drawn to the great off axis control, smooth response, huge dynamics potential, low distortion and just that BIG area of sound. These guys are calculating at about 100dB/1w/1m.

I have no idea where to go for dedicated horn tops plans. I love the multicell idea's, the synergy horns and oddly enough have grudging WAF for a Sato Horn of all things. The problem I see with the horns, is that just don't seem to cover everywhere as much a LA. And they are significantly more finicky for design. Can anyone lead me towards some more "proven" horn designs that are going to cost approx $500 for drivers and xovers? Technical building difficulty is a non issue. I have access to a commercial woodworking factory as well as experience with fiberglass.

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

Thank-you

Mitch

[Æ]

With Line arrays I am looking at using, per side, 15x full range 3" drivers covering 90Hz - 8k Hz then crossing to a line of tiny tweets.

Why 15?

http://ratch-h.com/farm.html

http://home.earthlink.net/~jmiyake/

[JohnR]

This is probably better in the Lab or Enclosures.

For horn designs, google Econowave.

For lines arrays, have a look at Murphy's corner line array.

[Mitch311]

Why 15?

Desired size and drops overall impedance to 4.8 ohm for sensitivity gain.

I have seen the econowaves, but am concerned about having horn highs, direct radiating mid-bass then horn bass. I'd like to build a horn solution that reachs 100Hz. I know this would be BIG though. Trade offs and compromises - the fun of speaker building.

Murphy's I believe is designed to be run full range. I don't need to extension so I don't need the size. I also cannot guarantee corner loading for my tops.

Thank-you both for replies.

[JohnR]

Definitely a Lab topic.

I'm not sure what you mean by "I don't need the size" - the Murphy corner line arrays are fairly compact at 160mm on a side. I was really thinking, though, of the lack of a separate tweeter line.

[JohnR]

You could also have a look at Paul Spencer's Synergy horn:

http://redspade-audio.blogspot.com.au/2011/03/diy-synergy-horn.html

I'm not sure where he's up to but I believe he's still working on it. IIRC that has good directivity down to around 300.

[Mitch311]

Thank-you for the replies JohnR.

I have actually been looking closely at Paul Spencer's synergy horns. But it also appears he is going towards active crossovers for his build. Which might make it a bit $$ for me at this stage.

I must have mistaken the Murphy's for another design. They certainly are nicely sized. But again the corner loading problem.

If a moderator wanted to move this thread please feel free. Otherwise I might restart it in 24hrs in the Lab or Enclosures.

[JohnR]

Ah, yes, Paul is very much an active crossover person (as am I).

[JohnR]

Ah.. you just solved something I was struggling with for a while, re corner speakers.

[Mitch311]

Ah.. you just solved something I was struggling with for a while, re corner speakers.

Glad to be of assistance 

[Æ]

This is probably better in the Lab or Enclosures.

For horn designs, google Econowave.

For lines arrays, have a look at Murphy's corner line array.

The Econowave is more of a waveguide than a true horn.

[Æ]

Desired size and drops overall impedance to 4.8 ohm for sensitivity gain.

Assuming that the full rangers you plan on using are 8 ohms to begin with. Don't be surprised if the individual driver impedance is lower than 8 ohms, many manufacturers already lower the impedance of their drivers to obtain more sensitivity.

[Mitch311]

Sorry for being MIA. 

I am actually considering going fully digital. Sure it means waiting for a few more weeks, but from my reading and desire to "fiddle" it seems the route to go. Maybe 2 2x4 miniDSP or 1 2x8 MiniDSP.

The synergy horns are seeming great. I can't find much information about their dispersion in the vertical domain. This is one of my larger challenges. I want controlled dispersion vertically but not so small that I have to either sit or stand to get good response.

Some added details, my closest listening distance will be approx 3m.

I just keep reading I guess.