Eminence has confirmed that the 4012HO has been discontinued due to lack of demand and there isn't a pair left anywhere in Europe. Can you recommend an alternative to go with the DE250 in the Three Pi?
I don't see another 12" Eminence with shorting rings and the AE TD12Ms are nearly $1000 a pair shipped to the UK (we have to add 20% VAT to imports) which is a bit much.
I was looking at the Faital PRO 12FH520 which has a similar set of TS parameters (and shorting rings for lower mid-range distortion (it also has a lower LE to start with)) or does it need to have a rising response around 1-2 kHz?
Wayne Parham Messages: 18777 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
The problem is that without a complete test set, usually accompanied by slight crossover changes to adapt the new driver, we cannot really know how well any new driver will perform. So at this time, I cannot suggest an alternative upgrade path.
The 12FH520 looks like a great driver, but its electro-mechanical specs aren't right for this application. I was actually looking at its brother, the 12FH530, which is very similar in most respects. But it isn't right for this application either. So I'm looking at other drivers, including those from B&C, BMS and Faital. I'm leaning towards the B&C 12PLB100 right now.
Wayne Parham Messages: 18777 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
I'm looking at offerings from all manufacturers.
My main priorities are to have the right electro-mechanical parameters to maintain the same efficiency and reasonably deep bass response, to have a shorting ring for low distortion and to have a well-damped cone to provide smooth midrange.
The plan is to have a completed design with a new midwoofer offering by the end of the summer. It will not be a total cabinet redesign - Just a new midwoofer upgrade option for the three π loudspeaker.
rkeman Messages: 78 Registered: March 2010 Location: Florida
Viscount
If a 3Pi redesign is on tap, is it worth considering throwing in the new B&C DE360 ring radiator compression driver for the tweeter section? It looks very interesting and costs less than the DE250.
B&C 12PLB100 doesn't seem to be widely available. Most dealers are out of stock with one quoting 9-11 week lead time which might suggest EOL, possibly? Only seems to have a front gasket. Rear of baffle mounting only?