[TheeeChosenOne]

Anybody hear Carolina Audio?

They apparently have a loyal fan base at Audio Asylum:

http://www.carolinaaudio.com/


Interesting concept with the single driver Jordans.

[ABEX]

I am thinking of doing it as a DIY project. The driver can be bought and getting the Cabnet made does not seem too expensive.

http://quadesl.com/tidytl.shtml

47Labs makes tha same design and marks it up to $3300US. About the only thing you need to see is what type of Cable you need to use.

You might want to look into 6moons review also.

Fostex has a TL driver which might cost $200-$500 to make the total package.

There are a few intresting designs I would like to try.  
http://www.audiodiycentral.com/

[JohnR]

I've been listening to my Jordan Minotaurs (pic link in sig) for a couple days since moving them into a smaller room. Was quite surprised, they seem to really like this room much more than the big room. I'd agree with Sheldon's comment about being a bit "zippy" up top but overall they're an easy project. Just be careful with the cones, they are easy to scar (being Al foil). I use mine with a baffle step compensation circuit, at present a 2.2 mH coil in parallel with 2.2 ohms.

From all I've read the transmission line is worth building. You could make it yourself for 300 or so, that one looks just like the plans on the Jordan site:

http://www.ejjordan.co.uk/enclosures.html

ABEX, which Fostex driver do you mean?

[ABEX]

I should have put the Jordan link up also. I have just begun to research the Fostex drivers and I am leaning toward both Drivers to use if and when I decide to make a few test speaker modelos to compare.

There is an intresting article in this month AudioXpress using A Fostex FE-167E 6" driver. There is another model that can be used (FE-164)which has been discountinued by Fostex,but can be bought from Madison for $42.50.

There is alot of info around that I need to read before getting into it.

At present I have a modified set of 3-Way NEARs which have the latest Drivers that Bill Kieltyka suggested for me to use.Really amazing speakers that I can't imagine being equaled till you get into the Kharma Speakers range of prices and drivers which are to far out of my reach. The NEARs also use Inverted Metal Drivers which are similar to Wilsons and Kharmas version made by Focal.

I think 47Labs prices are outrageous ,but if he can get it then I guess there are those who do not dig deep enough to find the Carolina's or the DIY avenue or maybe they are buying for the name.

Am finding the simple designs are more satisfying than the more complicated in just about all audio apps.

Good luck!

[JLM]

Ronnie (the only guy behind Carolina Audio) is a friendly guy, one of those guys who would rather talk to you on the phone than use e-mail.  He only builds two pairs of speakers a week.  He learned transmission line designs from decades of fooling around with Irving (Bud) M. Fried designs (IMF and Fried company names).  Bud has retired, but was around forever and has made a number of contributions to the field.  Bud's presentations at his dealers were classic entertainment and was one of the reasons for his "cult" following.

Ronnie has extended Bud's design of transmission lines, point sourcing, 1st order crossovers, time alignment, and use of a minimal number of quality drivers to provide quality speakers at a reasonable price.  The use of the Jordan 92S driver extends much this philosophy.

Ronnie is currently looking into modding the Fried A6 (a 6 year old two way design) that leftover stock was being sold about 16 months ago on Audiogon.  This sell off has spurred a bit of a rebirth in interest in Fried products.  His modding efforts and advice over the phone has been at no cost.  He's one of those guys who does it for the love of the hobby.

Like several others, I'm waiting for Rdc and others to post their impressions of the Jordan based designs.

Another professional review is available here:

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1202/konusessence.htm

[ABEX]

Funny! I have thinking of seeing if anything can be done for the NEARs line of speaker's.
The drivers I am using at present are great! I wish that others could try them.

Will have to check into it.I still want to experiment with updating the XO parts. Mine are outboard making experimentation much easier.

Never did get to hear Fried products.

Nice to see it has been done with other speakers that had a great following!