[JeffB]

I just received 2 Warrior 15s.
The specs from the Music Supply Center website are as follows:
TS Parameters
FS    36 hz
VAS    8.29
SD    143.13
Qts    0.826
Qes    0.888
Qms    11.83
BL    12.76
Re    6.40
Nominal Ohms    8
Le    468.73 uH
Mms    98.98
X max    0.25"
X mech    0.5"

RMS Power Handling:     250 watts    
Peak Power Handling:    500 watts
Ohms:                        8
Frequency Response:     35 to 4600hz
Sensitivity:            100 dB
Magnet:                 50 oz.
Basket:                 Stamp
Voice Coil:             2.5" kapton
Cone:                   Paper
Surround:               Accordion
Binding Posts:          Clip Type
Pole Piece:             .
Overall Diameter:       15 1/16"
Overall Depth:          5 5/8"
Mounting Diameter:      13 13/16"
Mounting Depth:         5 1/4"
Warranty:               1 year

I just set them on the floor facing up towards the ceiling and connected them.
I have an electronic low-pass filter at 150Hz on them.
The amplifier is a JVC-RX210, 100W x 2 into 6Ohms.
I am getting some clipping at about 85 db.  It is not noticeable on all music.
I played most of the Judas Priest Rising in the East video without noticing it.
However, I then put in Rush's Moving Pictures CD(Newly remastered).  It was fine until I hit the song Limelight.
The clipping was actually quite severe on this song.

I had assumed that with a Qts 0.826 that it would be fine for open baffle.
I also assumed that with 100db sensitivity and 500W peak power handling that it would be capable of playing very loud in my 14x24x8 room.
The funny thing is that the speakers are not nearly as sensitive as my a/d/s SB-10 subwoofer(two 10s in a sealed box).
I had to turn the amplifier volume up 22% more to get the Warrior at the same level as the SB-10.

I like the quality of bass from the Warrior better than the SB10, it seems much more open and free from box coloration.
Although the Warriors do not go as low.

Should I put a 35Hz high pass filter on these?
Do I need more amplifier power?
I am doubting the rated sensitivity of these speakers.
Should I move on to another speaker?
Could it simply be an issue with the recording "Limelight"? having some unusually low frequency information?

[JohninCR]

I'm surprised you can even get 85db laying on the floor like that.  I don't
think you should pump much power into them that way because you have
the rear vent blocked.  Laying on the floor like that is putting entire room
close to the dipole null.  You need to point them at your listening position.
Then anywhere near clipping should be a different story.

The only problems I've had with my warriors is some glue was sticking to
the first fold in the accordian surround, which made noise at high excursion.
I carefully trimmed the glue off.

Regarding sensitivity, keep in mind that there's no such thing as 100db sensitivity
in very low bass with ANY driver.  That sensitivity rating is probably in the 200hz
range.

If you want to try them with no baffle at all, at least prop them up so they are
pointing at the listening position.  With no baffle, the -6db/oct dipole roll-off
starts at about 300hz, so you're looking at -12db just to get to 75hz and -18db
to 37hz.  Even a minimal baffle will make a significant difference.

Yes, if you are going to really push them hard then a high pass filter makes sense.

[Bob in St. Louis]

Even a minimal baffle will make a significant difference.

.....and you can take that to the bank!!!

Just a couple weeks ago, I was having the same problem dude. The same symptoms. The VERY same symptoms.
Build some quick crappy baffle (my was 24"X24") the bass I WAS getting became absolute wonderful bass.

Bob