[AUDFILE74]

Hi guys! i have been looking at the linkwitzlab site  to get some inspiration . i noticed mr. linkwitz liked the seas magnesium cone 8 for the orion. that brought me to this query: if i am planning to use a deqx or behringer deq2496/dcx2496 combo, would it be possible to use the nextel cone 8 in free air? http://www.seas.no/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=72&Itemid=96  the reason i ask is i am still thinking a free air 4-way. i just don't know where to find an 8 ohm 8 inch with 88-90 db sensitivity that can play between 350hz-150hz free air.i will be going all active. i just need to find an affordable 100wpc 5-6 channel amp, like the outlaw audio stuff, and then i want to look into going from there. if you have a suggestion for a better 8 inch driver, i'm all ears

[Vapor Audio]

You can match levels with the deq.  And since you're talking about 100 watts or so, sensitivity of the driver shouldn't really be an issue.  You'll also have eq, which can make any (just about) 8" driver go down to 150hz flat on an open baffle.

Just choose what you like if daring, or stick with proven designs.  Plenty of guys here can help with decisions along the way, myself included.  It doesn't sound like you have a solid plan yet, work on that before even thinking about drivers.

[AUDFILE74]

actually i do have a plan. i'm just focussing on a part of the design. when i look at the linkwitzlab designs, i can't ignore the point that he uses a lot of equalization to fix pproblems with the speakers. i want to focus on partnering drivers that do not need as much work.i just nneed to find an 8 inch woofer that can work well in my design. it will be bridging the gap between the mids and the powered subs. so it has to have output

[Vapor Audio]

actually i do have a plan. i'm just focussing on a part of the design. when i look at the linkwitzlab designs, i can't ignore the point that he uses a lot of equalization to fix pproblems with the speakers. i want to focus on partnering drivers that do not need as much work.i just nneed to find an 8 inch woofer that can work well in my design. it will be bridging the gap between the mids and the powered subs. so it has to have output

There's really not that much EQ'ing going on in an Orion.  It's just active so you're aware of it, but it's the same thing a passive croosover does ...

The only reason to choose a Nextel Seas over the mag cone would be your own personal taste, Nextel being more forgiving - mag cone more detailed and revealing.  They'll both get the job done just fine.  If the Nextel is more your style than go for it, it would be a more than capable substitute. 

Don't be afraid to use the EQ though, it is essential to the design.  The only other alternative is to design a passive network.

[AUDFILE74]

i see your point. the eq is doing the samething as some passive filter needed to fix problem areas in passive designs.  thats a very good point you make. i was looking at the nextel cone because i thought it would be a better sonic match to the paper cones the subs i will be using have.

[Vapor Audio]

i see your point. the eq is doing the samething as some passive filter needed to fix problem areas in passive designs.  thats a very good point you make. i was looking at the nextel cone because i thought it would be a better sonic match to the paper cones the subs i will be using have.

Absolutely, think about baffle step in a normal speaker design - that's essentially nothing more than EQ.  Or a notch filter, again EQ.  Or something as simple as adjusting the Q of a passive crossover is more EQ.  It's just incognito EQ 

Don't worry about the cone material transition at 150hz, I doubt you'll find anybody who could tell material differences at those frequencies.  Just pick a midwoofer that suits your taste, all the important information is going to be reproduced by it, so choose wisely    I personally love the midrange from a W22EX, you can tell from what I took to RMAF last year:

http://www.b-p-t.com/speakers.html

but it MUST be crossed low enough and steep enough to keep FAR away from it's break-up.  Do that and it's stunning.