Advice on Fostex 206E, quickie, paramount setup?

[DanR]

Hi All,

     I'm new to hi-fi  so I'd like to double check my thoughts and get feedback from the forum before I pull the trigger on a paramount system. I'd be using the amp with a pair of Fostex 206E speakers (like these http://diyaudioprojects.com/Drivers/FE206E/) inside a back-loaded horn design cabinet like the one at the bottom of that page.

     The SPL on these speakers is 96, so I think I'm OK there, is there anything else I should be on the look out for with this setup? It will be used as a part of a home theatre system along with regular listening, so one input will be from a DVD player and another will be from some sort of PC that I have yet to build. My musical tastes are all over the place, and I do realize this setup will be light on bass in comparison to others out there, but I am hoping I'll be happy sacrificing bass for clarity and simplicity.

     Am I on the right track here?

Thanks,
Dan
   

[xcortes]

I don't think the Paramounts will limit the bass in any form with your Fostex speakers.

The Paramounts are the way to go and they provide a great platform for improvements in many different avenues.

Go for them

[porcupunctis]

I'm currently using Fostex 166e's in back loaded horns with a SEX amp (much less power than the Paramounts) and I'm more than satisfied with the volume and bass.

In my listening room the SEX volume is usually set around 3/4 and the FPIII about 1/2 and that is plenty loud for me.  I listen to a wide range of music as well.  Prog rock from the classic and new era, Jazz, and classical.

For comparison, I'm using some 300b amps (similar wattage to Paramounts) to run some less efficient speakers in my living room and I have to turn the attenuators way down to keep my significant other from complaining about the volume.  Unless you need rock concert pain in the ears sound you will be more than happy with the setup.

Not to mention that these SE amps will brings tears to your eyes.

Those 206e's with horns will sound awesome with the Paramounts.  With efficient speakers, all you need is one good watt of power to fill most rooms in an average house. 

[glynnw]

I just completed a new pair of speakers using 2 Fostex 206Es per side (and a 12" bass driver) in an open baffle design.  Plays plenty loud in a 3K cu ft room with a pair of Paramounts and a passive pre.

[debk]

I use the Fostex 206e in a backloaded horn with my 300B amp.  It is plenty loud and the bass is more than adequate.  My enclosures are the BK-20 from  Madisound.  These come precut, great for someone like me with marginal woodworking skills.


There are other options, I would look at www.planet10-hifi.com for more information.  Someday I would like to build the Sachiko enclosures http://www.frugal-horn.com/spawn-plans.html

Have fun

Debra

[John Roman]

Hello Dan and welcome to the forum,
Speakers represent a real challenge for the DIY enthusiast. It's difficult to determine what to "take a chance" on, unless of course you are able to preview the design. My best advise is don't worry so much about esthetics and just concentrate on the sound that you are satisfied with. That sound may need to evolve before you're sure about a particular design. One other caveat, before you know it you can be into these new speakers for enough cash to buy something retail. As Grainger says, "you are the only one who has to enjoy your system". That's great advise. Just don't get to busy chasing something down before you've had a good chance to just listen and determine what you are really after. Just my 2 cents....
This forum is well suited to help, good luck!