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Woofer for Econowave [message #52548] Thu, 28 August 2008 18:08 Go to next message
ecc83 is currently offline  ecc83
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Registered: May 2009
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There is a very interesting discussion at audiokarma about a "econowave" design.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=150939

Since pi speakers offer great interaction with 2A3 amps i am looking for a woofer concept which i can use with the econowave design.
At a first look i think of using the alpha 10 in a 3 cubicfoot enclosure...

Any suggestions?

Thanks for all responses

Frank



Re: Woofer for Econowave [message #52549 is a reply to message #52548] Thu, 28 August 2008 23:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne Parham is currently offline  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18783
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

The three π and four π loudspeakers are both of the same design philosophy. I call them matched-directivity two-way loudspeakers. They are both mature designs, highly optimized and tested for best performance.

You'll notice the Econowave uses the same basic crossover circuit, with a bypassed tweeter attenuator providing slightly underdamped tweeter filter via the R1/R2/C1 network used in π Speakers. That makes perfect sense because it compensates for tweeter power response and matches directivity between midwoofer and tweeter. Those are the requirements for a design like this.

There are plenty of good woofers suitable for this kind of speaker. I tend to like a slightly overdamped vented alignment, which I feel gives the best overall performance in terms of size/extension/efficiency and it also works out well to conjugate room gain in typical home hifi listening rooms. It's also a great match for distributed subs, providing adequate overlap for blending and smoothing rooms modes.

My favorite woofer for this application is the JBL 2226, which is what is used in the four π loudspeaker. The JBL 2226 incorportates a shorting ring for low distortion. The cone is well-damped for smooth midrange, a requirement for the crossover frequency needed for a matched-directity two-way speaker. It provides good extension in a relatively small package, so subwoofers aren't a requirement. It also blends well with distributed subs, making it a very versatile speaker.


Re: Woofer for Econowave [message #52550 is a reply to message #52549] Fri, 29 August 2008 08:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ecc83 is currently offline  ecc83
Messages: 19
Registered: May 2009
Chancellor
Thank you very much for your advice!

As i understand you are not a friend of the alpha10/econowave combo.
I think the 3pi (with the delta 12lf)would be a good choice for me.

-Can i go with the puplished econowave crossover?

http://audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=90113&d=1210028233

-Can you send me the 3pi plan?

Best regards

Frank

Re: Woofer for Econowave [message #52551 is a reply to message #52550] Fri, 29 August 2008 11:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne Parham is currently offline  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18783
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

I like the Alpha 10, but a driver this small makes the crossover point higher for directivity matching in the horizontal plane. This in turn reduces the angle of the vertical nulls. If the Alpha 10 is used on a horn, the horn sets the pattern but as a direct radiator, the size of the cone is what matters. When matching a direct radiator to a horn, I prefer 12" and 15" drivers. Everything seems to come together in this configuration.

When using the Delta 12LFA, I recommend you use the three π crossover and the physical spacing shown in the plans. The guys over on AK have made their crossover circuit use the same basic layout, so it's definitely on the right track. But I'm not sure they've tested it as thoroughly, particularly in regards to baffle placement, phase and null angles. I think the Econowave and its variants are all very much still evolving. The three π is not, it is a tested and mature design.


Re: Woofer for Econowave [message #52552 is a reply to message #52551] Fri, 29 August 2008 14:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ecc83 is currently offline  ecc83
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Registered: May 2009
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Wayne,thank you very much for your explanations.

In fact that i have a 2a3 amp i think i will go with the 4pi- i really love the design of the speaker.

Best regards

Frank




You've got mail! [message #52553 is a reply to message #52552] Fri, 29 August 2008 18:48 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne Parham is currently offline  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18783
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

I've sent plans for both the three π and four π loudspeakers, so you can can decide which works best for you and build either one.


Re: You've got mail! [message #52554 is a reply to message #52553] Fri, 29 August 2008 19:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ecc83 is currently offline  ecc83
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Thanks again!

I hope the 4pi will a better match with my 2A3 as my Altecs 605A.I can use the Altecs only with a equalizer-after 10kHz no response...and only little Bass.Years ago i build your Thermionic 3 design but is was too big...But i liked the "fat" sound.

Frank



605A [message #52556 is a reply to message #52553] Sat, 30 August 2008 10:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ecc83 is currently offline  ecc83
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Registered: May 2009
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Hello Wayne,

maybe you have a suggestion for a PI aligned enclosure for the Altec 605A?

fs: 30.3 Hz
Re: 9.3 ohm
Qts: .25
Qms: 3.01
Qes: .27
Vas: 14.33 cu ft
Xmax: 0.15 inch

What crossover would you suggest?

Best regards

Frank



Re: 605A [message #52558 is a reply to message #52556] Sun, 31 August 2008 02:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne Parham is currently offline  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18783
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

The Altec 605A driver will work well in boxes from 1.5ft3 to 6.0ft3 tuned to 45Hz. PiAlign suggests 3.6ft3 tuned to 45Hz using a rectangular port 4-3/4" x 8-1/2" and 7-7/8" long.


Thanks for your help Wayne!!! (nt) [message #52559 is a reply to message #52558] Sun, 31 August 2008 04:26 Go to previous message
ecc83 is currently offline  ecc83
Messages: 19
Registered: May 2009
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nT

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