Problem is, Fostex has a lot of drivers, and their websites do not do a very good job in explaining the differences between all their lines. Would anyone on this board familiar with the Fostex line be able to give me a head-start?

I'm not too concern about digging deep into the bass region, so I don't think I need anything complicated like TLine for backloaded horns. Just something simple like closed-box or BR. A range of 100Hz to 5KHz would be nice.

From what I can gather, the Sigma line is best suited for back-horns while the FF drivers are suited for BR. As for the FE drivers, I've seen these used in both configurations. What are their PS drivers like?

One last thing. There seems to be inconsistencies with the Qts specs of some of these drivers on the web. Posts in this forum indicated that FE drivers do well in BR due to their high Qtd, the the spec sheets on Fostex's site rates the Qtd quite low (less than 0.2).

thanks,
Gar.

I am a firm believer in spending most on the driver, and least on the cabinet & other components.
My 2 cents...
-akhilesh

Dave :^)

==Isn't that like wearing sweatpants to a nice restaraunt?

TC

You make backloaded horns I think, right? Do you make Voigt pipes, transmission lines, tapered pipes and the likes too? I seem to remember seeing some of your systems that have backloaded horns and some that were tapered pipes. Is that right?

Assuming that's the case, what are your favorite drivers? Even if it isn't the case, what drivers do you like best and in what kinds of cabinets? Do you like a particular Fostex model? Or do you prefer one of the Lowthers? And finally, what sort of tuning methods do you employ? I mean, I'm just asking what your style is. I've seen your cabinets, and they're quite nice. I always assumed that was your specialty, good cabinetry. But I'm curious as to your design philosophies.

By the way, check out the Craftsmen forum too. Lots of really great artists hang out there. Some wonderful cabinetmakers, that bunch!

All the best,

Wayne

Hi Wayne,

I prefer simple systems to complex, and 2watts to 200. Usually means backhorns augmented. I always use Fostex only. Arguing Lowther Fostex is audio S&M. Ultimately it's the *implementation* that matters most IMHO. I have a dozen amps mostly tubed but some nice solid state amps too.

My Abby model is a voigt pipe. Voigt pipes are the best compromise between a std monkey coffin and a horn.

As far as tuning methods I have eveery speaker builder article relating to high efficiency on my desk. I was a longtime Magnaplanar fan. But started with single drivers and tubes in the 60's because that's all a paper route could support. Built SpeakerLab and did prosound gigs in Seattle in the 70's. Lotsa JBL PA cabinetry for local bands.

The double horn shown is my largest speaker using the fe208Esigma and t-90a. Self powered sub in the corner.

TC

>>But I'm curious as to your design philosophies.

== I enjoy exploring the Japanese aesthetic. I apprecnticed in woodworking to a Chinese master when I was 18 making bank and office interiors. This led to a sensitivity of Asian values. Shoji making and Japanese tools are favorite past studies.

As far as speakers go I adhere to Japanese design goals. Most Japanese understand very well the analog music reprduction system. "The energy relesaed when the needle touchs the record releases an explosion of energy" I once read. "maintaining the energy's momentum and brilliance" is the goal I work for. The single driver and SET thing brings it close.

Also working on a large fully hornloaded system for "show" not as a product. Each basshorn is the size of a small baby grand piano. Just to s what the fuss about front horns is all about.

TC

However,this is just my opinion. Others can have differing opinions, and I respect someone else's opinion as well...and for many people the look of the product may make it sound better...in fact many stereophile reviews of late seem to spend quite a lot of space commenting on the appearance of the product.
Anyways, that was just my opinion, and let's leave it at that.
-akhilesh