I have some interest in these. However, what I am really after is something to hookup to my TV for both TV watching and concert video watching. I like the idea of single drivers for basic TV dialog. I think the midrange/tweeter integration messes up the critical speech range too much. However, I want something of very high audio quality.
I like the simplicity of it. Usually no matter how good the single drivers are a good two way design really stomps it, especially in the upper ranges. In this case though, these things will hold their own with some of the best dome tweeters.
Since the heart of the vocal region is in the 300Hz to 500Hz range I find it quite easy for a two way design to nail that region. What is more rear is to find a three way design that nails it. One of the biggest mistakes I see in three way designs is a high woofer to mid crossover point in the vocal region.
Do you have any thoughts on how this driver compares to something like a Fostex FF85WK or Alpair 6p? I also don't really want to mention any competitors in this forum, but I think most of the readers are probably aware of a couple of popular single driver fully built speakers in the $500 to $800 dollar range
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Sure. I test lots of wide band drivers all the time. Most people would be surprised how many different types and brands I have over here.
If I didn't feel like these were a significant improvement over the norm then I would have no interest in having them made.
Do these little $25 speakers stand a chance against these? I would understand if you don't care to comment on this last question.
Well, for one, the introductory price on these is $29. I may later offer them at $34 a piece as that will help cover the cost of getting them here. Don't let the price fool you. Often a higher price just means too many hands in the pot. I guess I could just have them made 25 or 50 units at a time and pay double for them. Prices are much more reasonable when you order 500 units at a time. Or I guess I could build in a dealer margin like the drivers mentioned above and let them add their 40 to 50 points onto them as well.
No, I think I like the idea of no middlemen and buy in high quantities to keep my cost down and the customers cost down.
I also desire a good bottom end to around 30Hz.Since some sort of subwoofer integration is required, I am partial to a sealed enclosure for the bookshelf speaker, since I hear that integration is easier that way. Note, I don't desire to listen above about 85db average.
I'll have some 8" servo subs (with amps) available before this production run of drivers land. I don't guess one could ask for a better sounding small sub...
Finally, I like the idea of being able to place the bookshelves speakers on top of the subwoofers. I have heard that this is not ideal from a vibration stand point, but I am not crazy about the idea of buying stands.
This is true. From a vibration stand point and because the best place in the room for a sub is not necessarily where your speakers are and visa versa.
It seems stands would cost more than these bookshelves. Plus, I like the idea of co-locating the subs with the main driver. I think if cross-over around 100 to 120Hz or so, that co-location may be important for proper phase and timing. If the cross-over were lower then I could see placing the subs wherever in the room they seem to work the best.
You can set your subs crossover point to around 80Hz with these. So they don't have to be right up on the speakers.
