Supravox 215-2000EXC field coil wide range drivers have arrived!!!

[aertex]

They arrived today....and now what the hell do I do with them!!!!

Briefly, in a moment of DIY weakness and optimism, I decided to take on an enthusiastic project to set up a 3 way speaker system very much along the lines of a system a know of also heavily centered around the huge reputation of the Supra field coil drivers. I plan to use TAD 1601 or 1601a on the bass, Supra mid and a tweeter yet to be decided. The system I know of uses SEAS Exotic T35 but I have a fascination with the RAAL ribbons, maybe the "Lazy" model-not sure here and will have to find out more.

First though I need a power supply of some quality (about 5-15V at 5A) for the Supra's-have no real ideas where to go here-maybe a big vintage model or is a more modern Chinese unit of sufficient quality??

I can feel the "almost out of my depth" feeling coming on here but want to see this one through somehow. It is the reported results of the Supra's that are well sorted that encourages me to do this project-my first speaker project I might add. But, just to make sure I dont get stuck with one project....there are more on the way, or more specifically on the water (being shipped) as in a TAD 1601a/4002, 2 way horn loaded system-but that's another story for another time!

Any and all comments welcome here

all the best

Alan

Edited December 13, 2010 by aertex
adding stuff

[tuyen]

Hi Alan,

Congrats on purchasing the Supravox.

Regarding power supply, maybe the KingRex SLAP! 12v battery powered PSU could be an option. (http://www.coemaudio.com.au/Other/Power-Products/194/).

[aertex]

Thanks Tuyen. will check out.

Alan

[Guest]

Hi Alan

Can't wait to see your project finished . You could give Lucas a call to see what he could come up with to drive the 215 .Did you buy them direct from Supravox .

Cheers

mal

[aertex]

Hi Mal

No didnt get them from Supravox-too bloody expensive! got them from a guy in Uk who couldnt finish the project...new baby and all that stuff.

I have to say your casual one liner "Supravox" posted a while back enhanced the interest I had in them. Funny how things happen sometimes. It would be nice to hear them in some way soon. I will give Lucas a call/email to see what his thoughts might be.

David Cathro in Melbourne has the system I made reference too. He has O/B SEAS T35 tweeter, O/B Supra 215-200EXC(same as mine) and a very interesting Kilimanjaro 150WVL field coil bass driver in sealed cabinet in active 3 way set up driven by custom low power s/s class A amps. He has laboured on the set up for all of 12 months and it sounds phenomenal I understand. Hope to have a listen in Feb-ish. I am hoping to follow his lead as much as possible

Alan

[tuyen]

Interested to know how those field coil Kilimanjaro bass drivers are like. Especially the differences compared to the original drivers (ie. Altec 416/515).

Has David Cathro done the comparison? Any words?

I'm currently running standard rebuilt Altec 416-8a drivers.

[aertex]

Good questions Tuyen and ones that interest me too. I'm not sure I can answer your question on comparisons completely but can say that his 150WVL is based around the JBL K145 as I understand. This Kiliman model is no longer current. The closest current model is the 154WVL-not sure of its origins. I suspect each original version driver must have some sonic attributes of the Kiliman model on which it is built. I dont believe David has had a K145 to directly compare it too. He is very particular in seeking attributes he values in a driver and said his bass driver of choice must synergise exceptionally well with the Supravox, allowing its magic to be unadulterated in the mid band crossover range, whilst having the speed, impact and articulation as well-hence a low mass, efficient paper cone driver. He is very pleased with the 150WVL in this regard and is getting usable quality bass in to the low 30'sHz. The main benefit of a field coil driver of course is its ability to be tuned by way of varying the voltage across the coil. A bit of a blast to the past really. I see the Altec 604 now has a f/c version available.

For any more specific info, I could pm those interested Davids contact details-subject to him being happy with that, which I'm sure he would be. He is a great guy, most helpful and passionate about what he does in audio. Field coil bass is particularly interesting and not common. Maxonic do it too with a W401 bass driver. One thing I have learned about f/c's is that they are not cheap! Kiliman 154WVL's are about $3500 a pair plus shipping-Maxonic probably more! Chicken feed for those GOTO owners though I guess hey Tuyen!!!!!

[Guest atilsley]

Wolf uses Great Plain drivers as his bass for the Kilemenjaro field coil. He's got a good working relationship with Bill at GPA.