Fostex flats from madisound

[kip.duff]

Paul:

"On the plus side, the horn load on the back of the diaphragm can be more efficient than the direct radiation from the front, producing the BSC effect naturally."

So, in theory, a BLH design would not need BSC. 

What are you happy with for your system?  I think you mentioned you had JBL's?  I've seen a lot of positive opinions about Altec 604 series setups- but little about JBL setups.  Because I don't have large listening area, I've ruled out large speaker diameters and/or enclosures for now.  That will change soon when I move.  I don't listen to "jazz ensembles, chamber music" usually- I'm not against fat juicy, colored, bass- as longs as it's separate, clear, and "in the air".

Thanks so much for taking time to respond, Kip...........

 

[kip.duff]

Bill:

I was gonna build (or have built for me) a Tang Band W8-1772 based BLH enclosure using Tang Band's BLH design from their site.  110 lb enclosure using 25mm Baltic Birch!  They also called for 1/4" felt for all of the interior surfaces except side walls.  Too big of a project in effort and $ considering that it's a unknown and has a whizzer cone.  Then I noticed the Fostex stuff.  The Fostex BK-16 is also an unknown, but cheaper and easier.  I don't know if you noticed, but they have grooves on the interior walls for precise assembly of  baffles.  I also liked that the throat was gradually tapered throughout by angling the baffles.  Pair of enclosures plus shipping about $360.  Not the end of the world if I don't like them.  Could use the drivers in other enclosures.  The Madisound BK-16 enclosure is not like the Fostex recommended enclosure for either the FE168En or FE168E Sigma.  I'm curious to know who designs and produces these.  I had already thought of an assembly method similar to yours- two very flat boards with the speaker enclosures sandwiched between.  Several cinder blocks on top.  This technique would apply even pressure- not localized like with clamps.

"....but the treble made it overall sound like an AM radio."

Sigmas now have high tech-looking phase plugs and strange star-shaped ridges on cones- hopefully mitigates this issue.

Based on the review you quoted by Johnson and some other reviews, I'm gonna do more research before jumping in with the BK-16.

 

[kip.duff]

Bill:

Also noticed the the enclosure in the lower of the two images you posted is not the same as the current BK-16, or any of the current Fostex designs for the FE168E's.

The upper image is not like any enclosure I've seen.

What speakers are you liking for your (I'm assuming you have SET amp) current setup?

Thanks, Kip............

 

[Kris]

How about Frugel-horns flat packs from Planet 10 with their modified Fostex based drivers?
I don't own them personally, but I read really good reviews here and there online about them.
I was eyeing both Madisound and Planet 10 designs for a while and both look really tempting. Leaning towards Frugel-horns at the moment though.

Just my 2c.

 

[kip.duff]

How about Frugel-horns flat packs from Planet 10 with their modified Fostex based drivers?
I don't own them personally, but I read really good reviews here and there online about them.
I was eyeing both Madisound and Planet 10 designs for a while and both look really tempting. Leaning towards Frugel-horns at the moment though.

Just my 2c.

Thanks..... I'll look into that- didn't know about kits. 

 

[kip.duff]

How about Frugel-horns flat packs from Planet 10 with their modified Fostex based drivers?
I don't own them personally, but I read really good reviews here and there online about them.
I was eyeing both Madisound and Planet 10 designs for a while and both look really tempting. Leaning towards Frugel-horns at the moment though.

Just my 2c.

Wow...  Been wandering thru various Frugal Horn, DIY, Palnet 10 threads for about an hour.  Couple of important things (for me anyway) I'm still not clear on with regards to Frugal Horns- maybe you know answers.

*are the modified Fostex drivers efficient enough for Paramounts (8w)?
*do they need to be placed back-to-the-wall? 

This is kinda off-topic, but thought I'd post it anyway- relates to Frugal Horns if they need to be placed near wall.  Every time I place speakers in conventional manner (close to rear wall, spaced somewhat far apart, firing-line perpendicular to rear wall), I don't like the sound.  Seems sound waves are getting jammed up somehow.  My technique for as long as I can remember is: speakers close together, currently about 3.5' and 6' away from rear wall/corner (depending on room size), towed in, firing line about 14 (?) degrees off the diagonal of the room (usually have been smaller, rectangular rooms- firing-line hitting shorter of the room's rectangular walls about 2-3' from opposite corner), and firing-line at ear level, parallel to floor (speakers not tilted).  Some sort of sound wave dispersion/relief effect for me.  I'll shut up now.......

 

[Kris]

Why don't you just contact Dave from Planet 10 and ask him all your questions and concerns. It's always good to go straight to the source first.