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Hello,
I am putting together a horn system and could use some opinions to get me started on selecting a midrange horn.
Since there are many different midrange horns to choose from,I would like to know, what is the smoothest and least fatigueing midrange/driver combo
you have heard for running 800-10k.
Fwiw I find the stock klipschorn almost unlistenable because of the harsh
midrange,although I understand with a larger horn and driver they are much improved.
Any guidance supplied is appreciated.
Cogent.If you can find a pair RCA 1428s are 2nd choice.
The most unstrained natural midrange I've ever heard.
I've got JBL 2440 that I've had on my 290Hz Tractrix horns and 290Hz Yuichi Radial Horns, and Altec 288b drivers on 1005a multi cells, also my Urei monitors.
Nothing comes close to either the RCA or Cogent drivers.
eso
They were a carnival of American decay on parade, and they had no idea of the atrocity they had inflicted upon themselves–Henry Chinaski
Edits: 11/07/09
The B&C DCM/DCX drivers are designed similarly to the MI-1428 and Cogent drivers. Indeed, except for the Cogent, they may be the only front-mounted diaphragm compression drivers made since the end of WWII. I haven't heard them, but they are worth a try if Cogent is out of your price range. Also, they use a paper cone diaphragm with a center-mounted voicecoil, similar to the MI-1428 and Cogent, instead of the edge-mounted voicecoil common to all other compression drivers today. The use of paper instead of aluminum/beryllium etc. is to dampen the high frequencies, limiting the response to the range in which the driver operates best and eliminating high-frequency distortion. The "phenolic" -- plastic-impregnated linen -- diaphragms of the MI-1428 are favored for the same reason. Plus, they come with lovely neo magnets. The DCX is a coaxial version with a tweeter.Among new-production horns and drivers, my first choice would be to combine a DCM/DCX with the Acoustic Horn AH300 horn, with a crossover around 400-500hz. I have not actually heard this combo, but I have heard the AH300 with other drivers (including Cogent) so I have an idea of the overall result.
I would like to hear someone compare these to JBL 2440/TAD 4003.
Edits: 11/11/09
Have you compared with the Tad 4003 ?
But they are far superior to any other traditional configuration compression drivers that I'd be willing to bet they would be significantly better than the TADs which are a traditional configuration.
eso
They were a carnival of American decay on parade, and they had no idea of the atrocity they had inflicted upon themselves–Henry Chinaski
Either the RCA MI 1428 or the Cogent are so far superior to any TAD compression driver that to hear them side by side, you would just be shaking your head.By the way, I am no longer an agent of Cogent, for those wondering about a disclaimer.
Jonathan
Edits: 11/09/09
I use the above horns with JBL 4530 Scoops for bass bins. I removed the Heil tweeters and am now going 2 way. I think the combo of Edgar, JBL, and Radian is better than anything I've heard before and I've had GOTO, Iwata, TAD, Altec, JBL, and EV horns in my system. Here is a pic of my speakers with the Heils still on.
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The graphs I have seen show the 2440 to have a flatter response than the 2441.Wondering how you think they would compare both with the radian.
Your bass bins look like they might do what I am looking for,can you tell me the SPL,any EQ ? How do you think the 2226 would work ?
Thanks
My understanding was that the 2440 and 2441 were identical with the exeption of the diaphram. Will the experts please correct me if I am wrong!
Dave
That is correct. They are the same body. The Radian replacement driver fits in that body.
If you google JBL 4530, you will find the data on the JBL site. They are used on stage for bass players and the 2225H can handle 600 watts so they can get very loud.....more than you need at home. I do not use EQ. I really like the way they sound. I have not used the 2226 but it is a very close cousin to the 2225 so I imagine they would work. Need to test that one out though. However, I might be selling them as they are too big for my room..Haven't made a decision on that one yet.
Djn:
I now see about you comp driver and crossover
Djn:
What model comp. driver and crossover are you using ?
Can you tell me what the response is of the bass bin ?
Thanks
The drivers are JBL 2441 with Radian diaphragms. The crossover is the Behringer 3400. The bass bin is the JBL 4530 with JBL 2225 15" drivers. They die at 50hz and I cross them over to the edgarhorns at 700hz. I run three subs to fill in the bottom.
I use Bruce's 350 hz horn with JBL 2440 drivers with 2441 diaphrams, his crossover. Bass bins are folded FLHs designed by JLH and built by me. No tweeter (yet).
Highly recommended!
Jim D.
Hey Jim, I ran mine with the Big Ass Heil as tweets. Then I started changing things and I was left with only two amps, so I took the Heils out. I was amazed at how good they sounded with out tweets. I don't think I will put the heils back or if I do they will be crossed much higher just to add air.
What are your bass bins? Do you have a link to picks?
My bass bins are special FLH designed by JLH. Drivers are vintage but reconed JBL 2220As. They are designed for 68 hz so I also use tapped horns for bass. I have a sand amp w/active xover driving the tapped horns and a single DHT amp drives the bass bins and Edgar horns. I don't have pics posted on the net but I can send you pics if you like.
I'd like to try the high-dollar Fostex tweeters some day. I initially used the Fane bullet tweeters but they were a little harsh for my liking. I'd like to hear a little "air" up top but I'm not sure my ears could tell a difference at 51.
Jim D.
I would like to see your rig. My email address is djnagle@comcast.net. I live in Michigan. I used the Fane tweet too and didn't like it much. Same as you, I thought it harsh. A friend here has the full Edgar horn system including the straight 80hz bass bins and Seismic sub. He uses the top of the line Fostex. I think the Heils sound better.
I have always read that the JBL aluminum diaphragms sounded best. I've not heard anything other than these. Have you compared these with the Radians?
thanks
Yep, I had both for a couple weeks. We tried one then the other, then we had one driver with the stock dia. and one with the Radian. The stock driver sound very good and is by no means a slotch. But the Radian with the mylar surround is much smoother and better detailed. I had a number of people over at different times and would not tell them which was which. All to them picked the Radian. This ain't gospel, just what we heard. I got my 2441 without diaphragms just to do this test. A friend brought over his 2441s with the stockers and left them here for a month.
The stock diaphragms are over 200 bucks a piece and the Radians are 100 bucks so that is another plus.
I just replaced my 1" JBL CD's that were running genuine JBL 2421 aluminium diaphrams with a pair of 850pb Radians. Kind of an unfair comparison as the radians are 2" and the jbl's are 1", however I'd listened/read years of raving as to how smooth and extended the jbl's were. Yes they were better than my previous gear but they sounded pretty thin compared to the Radians. So I would have to agree 100% with the previous poster that the Mylar Radians are definately smoother, more detailed by far and have MUCH better top end.
Kelly
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The older I get, the weirder I get.....
You probably meant "cheaper" ekh ;0)
The birds all ask for me by name, "cheap, cheap, cheap...."
I didn't know age had anything to do with it! See you Friday.
P.S., those look good George.
Are they aluminum?
I'd be most interested to know if the Radian diaphragm has a lower resonance freq. What are you using as a x-over frequencey to the mid-bass unit and what type x-over (first, second, etc.)?
TIA
Boats and Fish!
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They are Aluminum with Mylar surrounds. I cross at 700hz though a Behringer 3400. I think it is 4th order.
Here is a link to the data.
If you cross at 500Hz and first order with that diaphragm you could be in trouble, even with a 350Hz horn.
Boats and Fish!
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I don't know, you might be right. I've run them down to 300hz with the Behringer and they sounded wonderful. The only reason I did not leave them there is the fear of something going wrong that I did not understand.
is probably about the same if not better than 500 Hz with a first order which is only 12dB down at 125 Hz.
Boats and Fish!
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I had a pair of Edgarhorns before running Altec 288C drivers. I run Bruce's first order crossover and really liked it. One of these days, when I get settled on which bass bin I want long term, I will try out a passive 1st order.
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You can use a non fostex horn.
the madisound page......
Looks like the 1405 is almost the same except the for size/weight and the 1400 has a little lower response, but all else looks subjective...
Are you using them with the fostex horn? if not , what is your recipe?
Have you compared these to altec 802 series?
I am curious though about the 1400/05 series... thanks for the mention
Thanks,
-chris
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If you have altec I wouldnt buy d1400. But if your looking to buy 802 maybe the d1400 is the better deal. The d1405 has reduce range. Used fostex horns work great but too costly. I use faital pro. Sterolab and other horns with great results. d1400 great match for t500amnk2
I own a set of 802's and have a pair of large altec drivers 291's that i can just change out the diaphragm if I want to convert to a 288.....
Thanks again,
-chris
I don't know what's best but I use these wooden tractrix horns from Greg Roberts.
http://www.dcchomes.com/Fc260.html
I use a 2 inch BMS 4591 driver from 400 Hz to about 6k. My speakers are shown on his page with the horn sitting on top of JBL 2235 woofers and Fostex 925 tweeter.
It's audio bliss to me.
Basically, these are ripoffs of my 1986 Speaker Builder rectangular tractrix horn design. Bruce
Not only is he ripping you off, he's ripping off another guy who is ripping you off.
That Klipsch forum is inhabited by more leeches than the Great Dismal Swamp.
If you want relaxed,natural, non fatiguing sound, and don't bother to have less than 100db efficiency, a Audax PR170M0 in a short 15" waveguide, will give you excellent results in the 400hz to 6khz range.

Here is what I did. I took the Klipshorn and replaced the mid-range with an Altec 288-16K driver and 1005B horn. I built a simple single order crossover. I have been happily living with this setup for around 5 years now. I haven't heard anything yet that makes me want to upgrade. I find the Altec drivers and horns very listenable and non-fatiguing and I run them from 400hz to 6Khz. - Although they will go out to 15khz. - But I am using a tweeter. Who knows what the 'best horn and driver is'?I myself did not find the Khorn midrange unlistenable, but I was listening to SET amps driving them. If you heard the Khorn midrange with some high power Sand Amps, I could understand your comment. I found the Khorn Midrange freq response limited and the horn itself a bit 'congested' when compared to the Bigger Altecs. So what amplification did you hear the Khorns with? What are you planning to use for amplification?
Cut-Throat
Edits: 11/04/09 11/04/09
Nice looking Klipsch setup.Is that the horn that came with the A5,if not what is the difference ?
Some report ringing with altec horns.Do you have them damped ?
Surprised to learn you are running the 288 at 400hz with first order,
seem it would be too much low freq. energy.What tweeter are you using ?
I heard the Khorns is a now defunct chain store.Did not see the amp,most likely sand amp and Khorns not setup the best.I currently use audiosource
amps but would consider tubes.

"Nice looking Klipsch setup.Is that the horn that came with the A5,if not what is the difference ?"These are Multicell horns that were mostly found in Movie Theaters. I'm not sure if they came from the A5 speaker or not. I have seen some pictures of the A5 and they appear to come with different horns. They are much larger and made of a more damped material than the 511s or 811s.
"Some report ringing with altec horns.Do you have them damped ?"
The Altec horns that ring are the 511 and 811. These Multicells are a much different material and came with a damped coating that you can see in the picture.
"Surprised to learn you are running the 288 at 400hz with first order,
seem it would be too much low freq. energy.What tweeter are you using ?"The actual specs on the 288 are from 500hz to 15khz, so it may not go that low, but at any rate, I do not experience too much low freq. energy. I am using the standard Klipschorn tweeter - the K77.
"I heard the Khorns is a now defunct chain store.Did not see the amp,most likely sand amp and Khorns not setup the best.I currently use audiosource
amps but would consider tubes."I don't like the sound of horns with S.S. Amps; And I prefer SET amps over Push Pull (I have Both)
Cut-Throat
Edits: 11/05/09

"They did not come with any configured speaker from Altec. "
In general, most went into theaters, auditoriums, and stadiums.
Many models used the 1005B, the A1, A2,A4, A5, the 1215A/1225A used the 805B.
http://www.lansingheritage.org/images/altec/catalogs/1975-mi/page10.jpg
nt
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Cut-Throat
.

I only use Iwata wood horns (with 2" and 1.5" throats) so cannot help there.As for drivers I own Goto Sg370,some EV, JBL 2440 with aluminium diaphragms,2440 with 2450 SL diaphragms,JBL 2435,435BE and TAD 4003(some not shown in the pic).The TADs are head and shoulders above the rest ,delivering and almost electrostatic like purity. It is also jaw dropping to measure their response on the Iwata horn-less than 1dB variation from 800Hz to way above 10k.Truly an awesome driver.
Edits: 11/04/09 11/04/09
Don't find much info on the Iwata horns.Do you have any links so I could learn more about them ?
How does the Tad 4003 compare to the 4001 and 4002 ? From what I have read
it seems as though the Jbl 2440 or Altec 288 are the best for tone and nuance,how do find the Tad in this regard and the newer Jbls ?
In absolute terms the newer compression drivers are significantly better than the old.Of the ones I mentioned the TAD is the only truly low colouration reproducer ,easily running with high quality low eff drivers in the tonality race.My JBL2435 have been modified and sound identical to my 435Be.Exciting to listen to with massive drive but compared to the TAD a little shut in and busy sounding ,but still second best.
I love the 2440 with the aquaplased 2450 SL diaphragms. It is open and relaxed sounding,but lacks the speed and detail retrieval of the 4003.These are currently serving as mid drivers in Khorns in our tv room producing fatigue free sound on BBC to Barney.
The standard 2440 can send shivers down your spine on violin and horn reproduction.However I suspect this is secondary to resonances in the upper treble. It also lacks in detail retrieval compared to the above units.
The Japanese Gotos are on their own planet. At the same time stunning and frustrating,as fragile as an old Jaguar or Maserati and just as exciting.
Detail on Iwata horns can be found in the now defunct French magazine l'Audiophile
Edits: 11/04/09 11/05/09 11/05/09
greetings...
couldn't help but read your feelings on Goto.. and I agree 100%... do you think there would be any interest in a Be replacement diaphragm with a proper voice coil former for the 370 series drivers?
I was thinking that before I sent $$$$ to japan again, I would just develop a better and stronger diaphragm for them...
thoughts?
Peace,
Me

Many years ago I collected vintage Jaguars. Being inherently poor I could not afford a proper car-so despite a garage full of vehicles my wife and I often had to walk.Then one day I snapped and sold them all (well almost all of them). Now I get slightly nauseous when I see a Jaguar.
I am afraid i feel much the same about Goto now. There are aspects other than the diaphragms.. On some occasions the voice coils would scrape.I got the feeling that the weight of the magnet would cause shift over time and they had to be realigned now and again. Add to that a slightly histrionic Japanese person accusing me of being clumsy and listening too loud and just generally being stupid and the fun starts wearing thin.
Finally there is the sound: Piano reproduction is so riveting and lifelike and suddenly you notice here and there is a note that should be there but is just missing-bizarre.
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I, too, got the same lecture... that any tube amp voids the warranty.. all tube amplifiers oscillate and ring... I listen too loud... etc, etc, etc...
but I still hear something I like.. maybe I am just still young and dumb enough to try to play with fire... (ouch!)
I think the reliability issue with the tweeter and upper midrange drivers is the voice coil former... but I figure if I am replacing that, then a Be diaphragm is an obvious thing to try... I think the diaphragm wrinkles that resulted from the pressing are the cause of the frequency response aberrations...
Peace,
Me
If you can cook up replacement dias that are field replaceable and Be to boot ,I'll be first in the queue
greetings again...
I think you will have to send me an email... I can't announce "products" here.. against the rules...
but I do already have a price quote.. have to buy ten... the issue is really the mounting to the front plate.. such a small gap in these things... I will likely have to have that front plate... but not the whole motor structure.. assuming that they are all the same.. (and you know Goto)...
big laugh...
Peace,
Jeffrey
Thanks for your insights on these drivers.
If you were unable to get the Iwata horns,what do you recommend for the closest replacement ? The Tad horn is highly regarded and copies(don't
know the quality) are available.
I am interested to know about your complete system using the Tad 4003.
What are you using for other drivers/horns and crossover type,range,
slopes ? Cut-throat's comments have me thinking about first order slopes.
It seems as though they would make the compression drivers sound aggressive and maybe overpower them unless crossed very high.
Any thoughts ?
Click on the A next to my moniker.This will lead you to my profile.Click on my system for detail.For other horns ,I'm afraid you'll have to ask someone else. Sawdust is not my favourite pastime so I stick with what I have and love.
Edits: 11/04/09
Anyway how does it sound?
Aren't located in France?
Cheers,
V.
but what a killer looking system......love the way the bass horns are integrated into everything , house,system,decor....
great job, too bad I wasn't in South Africa to have a listen...
-chris
What a fantastic system.Looks like it would go perfect with fine bordeaux !
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