Choices, choices...

[DS-21]

I'm in the final stages of planning my next, and frankly possibly my last, mains speakers. (I thought that once before, when I had Nathan build me low-diffraction cabinets for the Tannoy System 12 DMT II Dual Concentrics, but those speakers are simply too wide to fit here.)

The basic idea is three fairly narrow closed box woofer-concentric-woofer mains, with the left and right speakers resting on "flanking subs" so the space under them is not wasted. The left and right cabinets, depending on cost to get done, may have angled front baffles like the old NHT speakers. Aesthetics will closely follow my BDI Cirrus media cabinet's, with espresso oak veneer finish.

Concentric will have a passive crossover. Woofers will start active (miniDSP 8x8), but I may go passive later. Flanking subs will definitely be active, with the AVR providing crossover. Crossover starting points will be 2.5kHz, 500Hz, and 150Hz.

Here's what I'm thinking, parts-wise.

Concentric driver.
Two potential options on hand.
(1) KEF Q100 driver. Cheap, damn good, and easy to work with.
(2) Pioneer Elite S-3EX driver. This driver is technically their third-tier concentric, with the beryllium cone/beryllium dome TAD driver being on top, the Elite EX magnesium cone/beryllium dome driver being #2, and this magnesium cone/ceramic-graphite dome being #3. But that strikes me a bit like ranking RG3, Aaron Rodgers, and Matt Ryan. Who wouldn't be happy with any of the three? But, it's a lot more difficult to work with than the KEF driver, and if a botch something the KEF driver costs ~$150 to replace but the Pioneer driver costs like $500...

(2) Mains woofers.
My first choice is actually a "car-fi" driver, the JBL C660GTi's piece. Huge throw, killer motor, and small flange. Problem is, I bought two rather than six, and now they're out.

Other options are the Aura NS6, and a Pioneer Elite EX 7" sandwich-cone driver. The Pio woofer has a fairly small motor (35mm vc), but it does have very normalized inductance (almost in Aurasound territory at ~0.15mH/Ω). a pro-style multiroll surround, and does definitely look like an expensive driver. But the 7" flange will make for wider-than-ideal speakers.

Flanking subs
Three choices here. The most likely option is that I'll use my Aurasound NS12-794-4A's. They can play higher than any other good sub, and I just generally love the Aurasound drivers. All of my other subs in current use have Aurasound drivers.

The other main option I'm considering are the JBL SUB1500's that have been sitting idle for too long. These were the woofers used in the Revel Ultima Sub. They have more volume displacement.

As a dark horse, I could also do dual-opposed Peerless 830500 XLS12's without buying a thing...

I may also do two completely distinct variants, a "budget" one with the Q100 driver and NS6's in the PE 1 cube MTM cab, and a "high end" one with all Pio drivers in a bespoke cab. The ones I prefer will be mains; the ones I don't can be side surrounds.

 

[lsiberian]

The hardest part for me on the front end is driver selection. Be sure to factor in build complexity in your decision. Simpler designs mean less chance for error. I'd certainly go with KEF on the first choice. 1. The Price 2. They really are a proven commodity. 3. Much easier to move if things go south too.

For the sub go with what you love. Have you considered going fully active? The modular amps do exist and you could at the very least start with a minidsp and small amp like the sure 4 x 100 for testing purposes.

 

[DS-21]

The hardest part for me on the front end is driver selection. Be sure to factor in build complexity in your decision. Simpler designs mean less chance for error. I'd certainly go with KEF on the first choice. 1. The Price 2. They really are a proven commodity. 3. Much easier to move if things go south too.

Jack Oclee-Brown (KEF) recently wrote on DIYAudio that driver selection determines most of everything else.

The price is only relevant if I screw up, as I have three of each currently in my possession. (Well, six Q100's, actually, but three of the Pio Elite drivers.)

As for complexity, the Pio drivers do sound great with Andrew Jones' crossover between mid and tweeter.

Also, I think something that could be advertised as "TAD/Pioneer EX 5-inch magnesium cone/ceramic graphite dome concentric driver by Andrew Jones" could be easy to flip if it came down to that.

For the sub go with what you love. Have you considered going fully active? The modular amps do exist and you could at the very least start with a minidsp and small amp like the sure 4 x 100 for testing purposes.

I have plenty of amps, but I'd rather have fewer boxes in the living room. As it is, there are already three just for the mains (AVR - currently Anthem MRX though I keep meaning to try the Sherwood R-972 in here, miniDSP 8x8, Sherwood A-965).

 

[mattsk8]

I'm in the final stages of planning my next, and frankly possibly my last, mains speakers. (I thought that once before, when I had Nathan build me low-diffraction cabinets for the Tannoy System 12 DMT II Dual Concentrics, but those speakers are simply too wide to fit here.

I wouldn't bank on that unless you're in your 80s , it's way too addicting and rewarding!

 

[GranteedEV]

What you know you really want is a KEF R900 mid

 

[DS-21]

I wouldn't bank on that unless you're in your 80s , it's way too addicting and rewarding!

At heart, I'm much more a music guy than a gear guy. I'd rather get the gear right once and not think about it until/unless something breaks or there's a real innovation. (After these speakers, my next audio purchase will likely be Trinnov's then latest-greatest room correction suite, be it from ADA or someone else.)

If my previous "last speakers ever" fit attractively into my currently living space, I'd not be considering new ones.

What you know you really want is a KEF R900 mid

Yep, you're right. I've tried.

I don't want them quite enough to buy two pairs of R300's to harvest the concentrics, though. (My understanding is that the 3-way R-Series share a common concentric driver.)

I picked up the Pioneer drivers because of my inability to secure three of the 3-way R-Series' Uni-Q.

 

[macddmac]

I'm intrigued by the Q100 DIY. What size enclosure are you looking at and what sq improvements would you expect VS the KEF box?
Cheers, Mac