[Loftprojection]

Hey Danny (or other experts that want to pitch in), I'm quite interested by your new Neo kits but I need some advice.

I've recently moved to a small apartment so my A/V-3 and SW12 sub are in storage and I built myself some small bookshelf based on one CSS FR125 fullrange speaker with a rear port. 

This kit sounds ok but obviously I’m disappointed and I really miss the sound of my A/V-3.  The FR125 do an ok job for voices, highs are non aggressive but a bit lacking in details, bass is plenty, but on many albums it’s almost too much and a bit boomy (go figure!).

The small livingroom I have is about 13’ x 10’ (open to the kitchen on one side) so I’m sitting about 8’ from the speakers and they are 9’ apart, 2’ from the side walls and 1’ from the rear wall.  This is the best position I’ve found, obviously I don’t have much room to manoeuvre anyway!  I won’t really be able to add any kind of room improvements, this place is just temporary.

The Neo-1X are the ones I’m quite interested in because I wont be able to have a sub for sure.  However, with the experience of my FR125 above I’m now a bit afraid of speakers with a rear port, especially with my current room setup.  Would I be better to try to find (or build) a higher cabinet to build the Neo-1X with a front port?  Or is the rear port not a problem since those speakers are completely different then my current ones?  Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Danny Richie]

Yea, I know what you mean about the FR125's. They are great little speakers within their own limitations. I am currently using a pair as computer speakers.

You have a couple of options really.

You could build out a pair of the new Neo-2X's and do them in a sealed box. Then bring that sub in out of storage for low end duty. That will give you a lot of flexibility is controlling and adjusting the low end.

Or you could build a small floor standing version of the Neo-2X and port it out the front. This will get you a -3db down of 40Hz. That might get you by without a sub.

You might try bringing those FR-125's out further into the room. If that works out for you (softens the bottom end gain) then you can still consider a rear ported mini. You could always tune the Neo-1X a little lower to soften the low end gain a little too.

[Vapor Audio]

What about porting out the top of the cabinet?  Cut a piece of pantyhose, stretch it tight and glue around the lip of the port to keep dust out. 

[Danny Richie]

That is pretty good thinking and would work pretty well too.

[Vapor Audio]

That is pretty good thinking and would work pretty well too.

Ha, you know me 

Just make sure to use pink fish-net pantyhose ...

[RAW]

Hey Danny (or other experts that want to pitch in), I'm quite interested by your new Neo kits but I need some advice.

I've recently moved to a small apartment so my A/V-3 and SW12 sub are in storage and I built myself some small bookshelf based on one CSS FR125 fullrange speaker with a rear port. 

This kit sounds ok but obviously I’m disappointed and I really miss the sound of my A/V-3.  The FR125 do an ok job for voices, highs are non aggressive but a bit lacking in details, bass is plenty, but on many albums it’s almost too much and a bit boomy (go figure!).

The small livingroom I have is about 13’ x 10’ (open to the kitchen on one side) so I’m sitting about 8’ from the speakers and they are 9’ apart, 2’ from the side walls and 1’ from the rear wall.  This is the best position I’ve found, obviously I don’t have much room to manoeuvre anyway!  I won’t really be able to add any kind of room improvements, this place is just temporary.

The Neo-1X are the ones I’m quite interested in because I wont be able to have a sub for sure.  However, with the experience of my FR125 above I’m now a bit afraid of speakers with a rear port, especially with my current room setup.  Would I be better to try to find (or build) a higher cabinet to build the Neo-1X with a front port?  Or is the rear port not a problem since those speakers are completely different then my current ones?  Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks.

Not surprizing with the amount of lower bass from the FR125S.
Easy fix.
If you used PVC ports cut them 2" shorter to tune them around 85hz.Yes I know its higher than you think you would like.But this cleans up the lower exention and is more forgiving with the driver.Most people port them down at 65hz or lower.

Just like Danny said the driver has its limits.

Tune them higher and you will be happy I am sure of it.

[phoenix_rising]

The Neo-1X are the ones I’m quite interested in because I wont be able to have a sub for sure. 

Hi Loft,

You can have a sub as long as it is an open baffle one. Look into Danny's open baffle subs as the bass does not transmit anywhere near the level of a sealed or ported sub. I think you will find that bass transmission is about 50% of a normal sub for the same sound level.

I am going to have to move into an apartment next year and I will be looking to build open baffle subs for that very reason when the time comes.

To that end Danny would a sealed or ported design mate best with a open baffle sub ?

Phoenix

[Loftprojection]

You might try bringing those FR-125's out further into the room. If that works out for you (softens the bottom end gain) then you can still consider a rear ported mini. You could always tune the Neo-1X a little lower to soften the low end gain a little too.

Hum, that is not an option since I'm already too close to my taste.

You could build out a pair of the new Neo-2X's and do them in a sealed box. Then bring that sub in out of storage for low end duty. That will give you a lot of flexibility is controlling and adjusting the low end.

Or you could build a small floor standing version of the Neo-2X and port it out the front. This will get you a -3db down of 40Hz. That might get you by without a sub.

I thought about getting my sub back but it's a monster!  Remember that I have the SW-12a and PR, I think the box must weigh 150lbs, and it's quite big for such a small apartment.   

Building a mini-tower would be nice but I really wanted to stick with monitor type, not because they take less space but because they are easier to pack and move.  Also using the PE box and not having to build one is a must, no workshop for me to use right now.

The idea about the "top" port is kind of interesting though.  I have to think about this one but it seems like the most "practical" idea right now, thanks TurboFC3S.

[Danny Richie]

Well then you could go with the Neo-2X in the sealed PE boxes and use a single SW-12-04 sub in a sealed box. That's a killer combo. This sub box is smaller than your SW-12A and PR-12A combo (about 1/3rd the size), plays lower, and is about ten times faster and cleaner.

Brain is stocking some cabinets in Black and natural colored Oak. My woofers drop right in.

Scroll down to about mid page: http://www.rythmikaudio.com/DS12.html

[Loftprojection]

Well then you could go with the Neo-2X in the sealed PE boxes and use a single SW-12-04 sub in a sealed box. That's a killer combo. This sub box is smaller than your SW-12A and PR-12A combo (about 1/3rd the size), plays lower, and is about ten times faster and cleaner.

Why did I ask you for advice!!!  Before writing this I was sure I didn't want to get myself into the sub business while I'm in an apartment but now he comes up with this nice, smallish and super performing sub that would match perfectly with the Neo-2X sealed!    Ho man, life is tough on me!    From all the drooling I've read from Danny about these Neo/sub combination I guess I might as well start looking for a buyer on my A/V-3 - SW-12A combo and replace it with this new flavor of the month! 

Thanks Danny.

[Optichammer]

Well,

I'd lean into the OB if you're inclined. I have a room that is about your same config, but I have a 16' vault. I am working on v 2.1 of the OB-9, and its strictly mind boggling how I ever lived without it. I have the 12" servo subs as well. Everything you hear is true.