Scans

[Shonver]

The ideal though would be a versatile driver that could be used in many different confugurations from BR to transmission line... Not sure if such a driver exists... bang for buck wise it seems that 6.5" or 5.25" gives the best performance for price ratio... Like i say - I am new at this - so I could be wrong 

If I might suggest (for those on a tight budget), as above: a 5.5 to 6.5" mid-bass for use in a mini monitor configuration, that could serve (with a suitable tweet) as the upper 2 drivers in a 3-way system. I mean, build the mini monitors now. Add a woofer later when you can afford it (they will be in separate enclosures).

[alternativeroute]

If I might suggest (for those on a tight budget), as above: a 5.5 to 6.5" mid-bass for use in a mini monitor configuration, that could serve (with a suitable tweet) as the upper 2 drivers in a 3-way system. I mean, build the mini monitors now. Add a woofer later when you can afford it (they will be in separate enclosures).

I like the idea a future expandible driver selection... Are there any proven such projects out there that you know of?

[GearSlave]

Well, if I can throw the cat amongst the pigeons: What's the point for going for the entry level scans? We've got SEAS covering a pretty large slice of the market locally and the prices aren't too bad. And I'd hazard a guess here that there won't be too much to differentiate a midrange SEAS from a midrange Scan. Yes, the responses will be different but you can get one to sound like another. Pound for pound the SEAS units already have fabulous distortion figures compared against the Scans. And remember, entry level Scans are the same as entry level Peerless and are the same as entry level Vifa and used to be made by the same company as recent as a year ago. So there's really nothing special about an entry level Scan, unless it's really, really cheap. This won't be likely with 10 drivers.

The real benefit here, guys, is getting your hands on the real special drivers. I'm thinking Revelator or go bust. If I can get the 2 mids and 2 tweets for the ZRT for, say, R5k I'll buy it without batting an eyelid. Even R6k landed is still a very, very good price.

[Shonver]

Dunno about "entry level". I was indeed thinking of the slit-cone drivers as used in the Zaph ZRT .

[GearSlave]

Dunno about "entry level". I was indeed thinking of the slit-cone drivers as used in the Zaph ZRT .

Eggzachary

[ByronH]

I'm thinking Revelator or go bust. If I can get the 2 mids and 2 tweets for the ZRT for, say, R5k I'll buy it without batting an eyelid. Even R6k landed is still a very, very good price.

It would be a crying shame to pass on a deal like that! The ZRT's been on my radar for a while too...

[Hennie]

What's the point for going for the entry level scans?

Agreed. The Discovery series seem to be a little more expensive than the competition, so there's not much point in getting them. The Discovery midwoofers look like they were derived from Vifa OEM's and use an updated version of the Vifa PL frame (which I dislike from personal experience). Perhaps these drivers were originally intended to replace the Vifa PL series?

There are two exceptions though:

According to many reports, the Peerless derived D2608/913000 tweeter performs way above its price point, almost in Revelator / Illuminator territory.

The 10F/4424G00 / 10F/8424G00 4" midranges are rather special with very good cone behaviour,  very low inductance motors with copper sleeves on the pole piece like the more expensive Scan motors. Should give very low distortion and fills a niche for an affordable wide bandwidth mid driver. Although more expensive than Seas Prestige, they are priced way below the 4" Revelators and come with a better motor. The new Vifa NE series 4" (cheaper) might be better still i.t.o. motor design and frame, but the cone does not seem to compare well.

But for me, the value in what Stu is doing is getting the Revelator or Illuminator series at a better price than Madisound.

[Shonver]

I think, to bring some cohesion to this effort, there should be agreement on a workable project. Starting with ZRT. Alternatively, perhaps a home-grown design would make it more interesting. Then we could add CNC'd kits, etc.

[ByronH]

Sounds like a good idea. My vote would be for the ZRT first (only the 2-way configuration drivers for me though).

[MorneDJ]

Anyway. If there is a group buy, count me in.

[xumbug]

Indeed the Discovery line are much cheaper, but I agree with gbylevldt, the benefits would be in getting a super hi end product at an affordable price. The 18W8531 is the same driver used in the ZRT and i can tell you the build quality is exemplary, the sound is unmatched for the price. This is the same driver as used in the Wilson Sophia. The design that i used it in was with its brother the 18w4531 and D6600 tweeter - killer combination, when crossed at 2.5k.

Stu

[GearSlave]

Well, I've given my suggestion and an indication of price. What say you, stu? {fkt, I'm a poet and I don't even know it, man, I'm on fire !}

[ByronH]

subtle *bump*

[Rudi]

earth shaking *bump*

[dotVIBE]

was there an indicated price?