02 October 2012

Fostex FE206En Double Bass-Reflex Speakers

Fostex FE206En Double Bass-Reflex Speakers

Fans of low power tube amps love high-sensitivity full-range drivers like the 200 mm Fostex FE206En and with good reason.  The drivers are relatively inexpensive, they sound good and they do not require a crossover.  The main reason for the fan fare is because of their high sensitivity (96 dB / 1 W / 1m), which makes them ideal for use with very low power amplifiers.  However, the high sensitivity and wide frequency bandwidth of the driver come at a cost - a very low mass paper cone and a tiny excursion (Xmax=0.8 mm).  This adds up to mean that extracting bass from the Fostex FE206En is often a challenge.  The common solution to this challenge is a large back-loaded horn type enclosure.


Fostex FE206En Back-Loaded Horn Speaker Enclosures 
The problem is that these elaborate back-loaded horn type enclosures often require a skilled woodworker to construct.  The Fostex FE206En driver datasheet also include a recommended enclosure plan for a suitable bass-reflex type enclosure which is far easier to construct.  Mark has built a couple sets of the Fostex FE206En double bass-reflex speakers and reports that the simple enclosure works well with the FE206En full-range driver.


Fostex FE206En Double Bass-Reflex Speakers 
Since Mark will be using the speakers as part of his home theater setup, undercoating paint was used for a stipple like flat black and non-reflective finish.  Mark reports that the speakers are an excellent mate for use with his 6EM7 SET amp.  Full details are available on the Fostex FE206En Double Bass-Reflex Speaker project page.

More Single Driver DIY Speaker Projects



Posted by Gio on Tuesday, October 02, 2012
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5 comments:

  1. Anonymous3:10 PM, March 31, 2013

    Where can I find the cabinets in the first picture?
    "Fostex FE206En Back-Loaded Horn Speaker Enclosures"

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gio7:35 PM, March 31, 2013

    Hi, the horn speakers are an early version of the Dallas II horn for the FE206E. You can find the latest plans here: http://p10hifi.net/FH/download/DallasII-plans.pdf

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous8:24 PM, March 31, 2013

    Thank you for the reply. I took a look at the plans however the partially finished ones in the picture don't seem to be made "to print". The picture shows a really nice piece of work.
    My question is: are there any kits available "like the ones in the picture"? The ones you recommend look pretty close to the Fostex from Madisound.
    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous10:42 PM, December 22, 2013

    I'm really keen to source plans for the pictured cabinets too. I have the DallasII plans - but the pictured ones with the curves look to be so much better - any ideas if they are available? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  5. Unknown1:27 PM, September 09, 2020

    hi i am a fan of self-built loudspeakers as i am about to purchase a pair of fostex extended range ff225 wk i am looking for the horn or labyrinth loaded cabinet design to better enhance the low frequencies of this wonderful loudspeaker. I have already made a cabinet for a fostex precisely a 38 mod. L470 in reflex but for reasons of space I gave the couple to my brother. They are now without speakers and with a smaller saloon. Where can I get the project? thank you

    ReplyDelete

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