DIY speakers or kit for a 10W valve amplifier

[1200GXman]

Where can I buy speakers that will work great for a 10W valve amplifier?
All the things these days are build for high output amplifiers.

[bbe22]

You need speakers with a high sensitivity  , say 98dB / W  /output    These are easy to source but u need to look in the PA  / Pro sections rather than the usual Hifi  catalogs
this is an example and test to illustrate
https://www.audioxpress.com/article/Test-Bench-Acustica-Beyma-s-12CXA400Nd-12-Pro-Sound-Coaxial-Driver
another
https://faitalpro.com/en/products/Coaxial_Loudspeakers/product_details/datasheet.php?id=351050010

[Jacobus]

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/haigner/rho.html

https://za.rs-online.com/web/p/speaker-drivers/0512764/

[bbe22]

Visaton not suitable , after baffle step correction you'd be lucky to get 88dB .........

[bbe22]

Correction on the above and to explain.............
from the manufacturers datasheet

plus Xover / filter

results in

however  note

green   -   little to no bass response  will need a lot of help from box alignment
blue      -  poor treble
red       -  83dB  ave achieved   

 

[fdlsys]

Where can I buy speakers that will work great for a 10W valve amplifier?
All the things these days are build for high output amplifiers.

Visiting JHB any time soon? Bring your amp, I can demonstrate what it will do on DIY HE speakers.

[Michon]

I have a push pull EL84 amplifier which has an output capability of around 12W.

I have used it with satisfactory results with a pair of Tannoy Cheviot II speakers which have an efficiency around 93dB/1W.

Higher efficiency will not hurt, but depending on your room size, listening distance and desired dB SPL output efficiency in the lower 90s will be suitable too in my experience in a small room.

I've been thinking about selling my Tannoys, as I've been playing with a pair of Philips full range drivers (which too will meet your efficiency demands), but I see from your profile that you are in Bloemfontein and I am in Johannesburg.

I have bought a pair of Visaton B200 drivers from a member, but haven't received them yet. I wouldn't mind moving them on to you if they are what you are looking for. I also have a pair of high efficiency Dayton planar tweeters should you want to build a two way.

[bbe22]

another option  to increase sensitivity is to use multiple drivers
eg
http://speakerdesignworks.com/SB6pakproject_1.html
as a kit avaialble here
https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/2.5-way-speaker-kits/uluwatu-sb-acoustics-tower-speaker-kit-pair/

[Michon]

Build a straight array with fifteen of these per side; https://www.thesoundguy.co.za/Pro-audio/Components/Woofers/FaitalPRO%204FE32%20Neo.

[Jacobus]

Your other option is Eminence Beta 12LTA. Plenty of options on Google. Also available from The Sound Guy.

[bbe22]

The FaitalPro small woofers certainly are over achievers and good value . I had a  good result with the 3 inch variant in my recent Unsquare 3 way build and expect the same from the 4 inch. They are however still only a mid range / full range and even in a line array will have no bass on their own.

For a design that certainly will work and probably with a very simple Xover (200-300Hz),  with drivers available locally,  at really modest cost I suggest the following 2 way     (should be circa 93 dB ave)  and be able to do 40Hz upward, ie true full range
mid / tweeter      the Faital   as Mich indicated
Bass   one of the Hybrid 15H  15  inch drivers , eg
https://www.soundselect.co.za/hybrid-15h300-15-loose-speaker
The  box will need a good size baffle to get close (in smooth response) to the Faital factory specs for eg

Caveat :  high efficiency bass needs volume , so the cabs will be substantial.

[PsyCLown]

I may be willing to sell my Philips drivers which are in my sig, will include the current enclosures.

They're around 95 db 1w / 1m. Drop me a PM if you're interested.