JLM:
I emailed Louis and he can use an alnico Fostex in the Super 3 or the Grande 8 (for a considerable upcharge- they are pricey). Louis opined I'd get a bit more bass extension too.
I went to Earthshaking Music today and listened to 3 different single driver speakers, the Carolina Audio JTM, the C&C Abby, and the Super 3.
The JTM weren't to my liking. Then the Super 3. When I heard them at MWAF, it was hard to really assess them given the huge room they were in. But listening at EM... Holy Crap!!!!!! Saying these disappear is an understatement. They did an excellent job creating space around them. I expected the Super 3 to be bass shy much like the LothX, but the Super 3 had excellent bass extension (better than the LothX) and I doubt I’d miss a subwoofer while listening to most genres of music. Quick, clean, natural, and captivating is my best description. Clean often means analytical, but not in the Super 3 case. Nor did I find the sound – “in your face” as some face described it.
Lastly, I listened to the Abby which also impressed me. It had a bit more body to the sound- a given considering the larger driver and cabinet, but it didn’t have quite the resolution of the Super 3. The Abby was also a bit colored sounding, but in a way I like. But in the end…
I decided on the Super 3- with upgrades as “R” version and with the F120 alnico driver. Even with the upgrades, I figure I’ll still come in about 2/3 the cost of the Abby.
I'll have to post my impression once they arrive. I have the Thorough Bass Solutioms (AKA VBT) subwoofer which I expect will blend in quite nicely, but I don't think it will be necessary for most types of music.
Regards,
Mike