Hi Fi, Hi output, High pass PA speakers?

[Hydrazine]

I searched this subject and found this is a question that has been asked but I am looking for a slight variation of what has been previously asked. (Most of what has been asked previously pertains to full range 20-20K Hz use.)

Would you guys know of any Hi Fi PA speakers I could use (high pass in the 100-250 Hz range)? I could build them myself or simply purchase them as finished parts.

I'm looking to put something together for an optimum of fidelity and high output. The midbass/midrange driver can be in the 8" to 12" range. A passive internal crossover is preferred for the tweeter.

This mid/high speaker will be powered by a Beringher EP2500 amplifier with electronic high pass. The mid/high speakers will be complimented by 8 15" subwoofers in sealed enclosures.

Any suggestions on where I can start?

 

[highfigh]

How large is the room? PA speakers are designed to cover a specific area, not small rooms. In a large area, the frequency response isn't affected by first reflections because if they're made for live music, they're often in a "free field". The midrange driver seldom hits the low end and they really aren't made for "Hi-Fi".

What are the room's dimensions, what kind of surfaces/windows/treatments and what is the room usually used for?

 

[WmAx]

Besides an extremely rare DIY attempt, I have never seen P.A. monitors that could be considered as 'HI-Fi'.

Of course, you can DIY a pair. But the cost would be high, as well as the weight and size.

-Chris

 

[tcarcio]

I would have to disagree about PA speakers, I run 2 B52's for my mains and they are great. I run 750w into each and could not even begin to use the excess headroom I have and they sound every bit as good, to me, as any other speakers I have owned. I have never owned a pair of super high end speakers but they match up with speakers in the $1000 range. To the OP, why not just run a set of full range pa speakers? Just wondering....

 

[WmAx]

I would have to disagree about PA speakers, I run 2 B52's for my mains and they are great. I run 750w into each and could not even begin to use the excess headroom I have and they sound every bit as good, to me, as any other speakers I have owned. I have never owned a pair of super high end speakers but they match up with speakers in the $1000 range. To the OP, why not just run a set of full range pa speakers? Just wondering....

I suspect that my idea of 'hi-fi speaker' is substantially beyond what most begin to imagine when they hear that phrase....

I can't think of a single commercial/retail PA speaker that even comes remotely close to my qualification. Perhaps there is some exotic solution out there that I'm not aware of, but even if that is the case, it is so rare as to be practically non-existent.

-Chris

 

[Hydrazine]

How large is the room? PA speakers are designed to cover a specific area, not small rooms. In a large area, the frequency response isn't affected by first reflections because if they're made for live music, they're often in a "free field". The midrange driver seldom hits the low end and they really aren't made for "Hi-Fi".

What are the room's dimensions, what kind of surfaces/windows/treatments and what is the room usually used for?

This will be for outdoor use and fixed installation. Expected audience size is 1-300.

And yes, I do realize there will be a compromise in fidelity if high output is a requirement. But a quality PA/sound reinforcement system can be made to sound quite good. It takes careful consideration of design, parts and tuning.

In any event I don't want a typical PA or sound reinforcement system that sounds harsh. DJ's with horrible sounding stereos are way too common.

I'll make every reasonable attempt to optimize sound quality.

First off, there will be plenty of clean amplifier power and it will never be run into clipping. I'll take the time to build the enclosures myself if it helps.

I just want it to sound good.

 

[WmAx]

This will be for outdoor use and fixed installation. Expected audience size is 1-300.

And yes, I do realize there will be a compromise in fidelity if high output is a requirement. But a quality PA/sound reinforcement system can be made to sound quite good. It takes careful consideration of design, parts and tuning.

In any event I don't want a typical PA or sound reinforcement system that sounds harsh. DJ's with horrible sounding stereos are way too common.

I'll make every reasonable attempt to optimize sound quality.

First off, there will be plenty of clean amplifier power and it will never be run into clipping. I'll take the time to build the enclosures myself if it helps.

I just want it to sound good.

If you are willing to spend a healthy amount for the parts, PM me and I'll discuss how you can build an extremely high fi PA monitor system. You will, of course, have to DIY the unit.

-Chris

 

[Hydrazine]

... To the OP, why not just run a set of full range pa speakers? Just wondering....

I've built countless audio systems from scratch. Home, Car, Sound reinforcement and even outrageous Ghetto Blasters. And there is one thing I have come to conclude over the years.... I much prefer sealed subwoofer enclosures. (And sealed enclosures are unheard of in PA/sound reinforcement.)
I prefer a sealed enclosures transient response, small size, and very low frequency extension that can be EQ'd in.

I also like to build in a large excess of subwoofer capacity. I'll tune a system flat but I still like the option to get on the bass at times. (but never into clipping)

Music used is typically rock, metal, pop or electronica.

 

[Hydrazine]

If you are willing to spend a healthy amount for the parts, PM me and I'll discuss how you can build an extremely high fi PA monitor system. You will, of course, have to DIY the unit.

-Chris

I guess it depends on the relative amount of "healthy".
PM'd.

Thank you.

 

[MidnightSensi]

What's your budget?

Do you have subwoofers to handle the low end? If so, what brand and model?

What kind of music? What is the application where you'd use it for 300 people?

I disagree about all "PA" speakers not being conductive for high quality sound reproduction. Danley's SH series, JTRs 8 or 12s, Bag End's Time-Align speakers...

 

[Hydrazine]

What's your budget?

Do you have subwoofers to handle the low end? If so, what brand and model?

What kind of music? What is the application where you'd use it for 300 people?

I disagree about all "PA" speakers not being conductive for high quality sound reproduction. Danley's SH series, JTRs 8 or 12s, Bag End's Time-Align speakers...

Budget somewhat depends on the part itself. $600 to $2000. This would be for a mid/high stereo setup only. With passive X-over between the mid and high. If I ever decide to go tri-amp I could always do that later but I don't really see a need for it at this point.

I'm biased to building it myself because the cabinets can be built rigidly with lots of internal bracing. A wide selection of quality drivers is not a problem because there are so many sources on the internet.

For the Subwoofers:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=295-468&scqty=8
In a well damped sealed enclosure @ 2.5'^3. Target Q~0.85 to 0.9.
I'll experiment with the Q.
Sub amplifiers should deliver ~500w per woofer or 4000w with 8 woofers total.

Music type is rock, metal, pop, techno and outdoor video theater.

300 people? ... A large backyard party with plentiful alcohol.