WTD: Frugel Horn type speakers

[Idlewithnodrive]

I've always fancied a play with the single driver horn loaded type speakers.

The end game is to build a pair myself, using the Alpair 7 Mk3 (probably) drivers but having never heard a pair, of any description, I thought I'd see if there was a reasonably priced ready made pair looking for a home, before I invested the time, effort and money.

So, has anybody got an unloved / unwanted pair (don't need to be Alpair drivers) surplus to requirements ?

Cosmetics not too important but must be 100% working order.

[Cycleallday]

Check out the thread below - there is at least one speaker fitting your requirements

http://www.audio-talk.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=6825

Send a pm from there to toppsy or scottmouse as they design and make what you want - both are incredibly helpful.

On this site take a look at

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?49992-For-Sale-Two-way-floor-standing-speakers-TQWT-Audax-and-Seas-drivers-Silver-cable


Mel

[speedyj]

I have a pair that I built using gold Aplair 7's that are not being used since I upgraded my Tannoy Eatons.

They are in birch ply frugal horn cabinets that have been lightly oiled.

No idea what they're worth but how does £200 sound?

[lordmortlock]

Sounds like a fair price to me. Untouchable at that price I'd say

[itskeith]

Got some Alpair 12P's in an open baffle that I'll be splitting up and selling at some point.

Not sure of their suitability for frugal horns (though i do believe a 'pencil kit' is available for them).

PM me if interested as no idea how to split the cost of the various components yet.

[ianlenco]

A Frugelhorn big enough for the 12p would be massive! Great drivers though and there are Pensil (spelt with an S :)) plans for it which look very good and go satisfyingly deep.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Thanks for your input so far chaps.

In dialogue with speedyj about his so, here's hoping.

12p's in frugal's ? Now that would be something :)

[5acan]

If you will consider Frugal XL with alpair 10.3...I may part with mine, as bonus I will add a pair of Pensil enclosure....doesn't affect the shipping fee as they will be both on the same pallet ;-)
Just need to make some adapter as I tried the Pensil with bigger FR

[maverick2000]

in summary very, very fast and articulate, room positioning is very important otherwise bass can be lost and beaming occurs

Pensils are very good value indeed, and back is removable so they can be tuned
PM is you want contact details of the kit maker, top lad but don't think that he posts on here

[atomheartmother]

I've got a pair made bty Steve of electric beach I'm looking to move on in lovely condition. Drop me a pm and I'll send some pictures and detail..john

[Idlewithnodrive]

Just to close up this thread.

I met up with Steve @speedyj and took delivery of his rather nicely built Frugelhorn3's.

They're certainly not volume or bass light in my small room and they do some things (timbre and tone, drums, piano, voices, speed) astonishingly well. They're extremely good with Electronica and pretty capable with rock too.

The only thing that I can't get to grips with is their beaming (the sweet spot is about 4.2 mm wide by 1.6mm deep) and the lack of front to back soundstage. I guess that could come when they are optimally positioned, though I've been playing around with it for a few days now. We'll see.

John's a really nice guy too, so, all told, a very good deal I think :)

[ianlenco]

That's a bit odd. When I had Frugelhorns they created a great soundstage although I preferred them well in front of the front wall - bass drops a bit but soundstage opens out. I suppose it's all room dependent.

[struth]

metres is that?

[Idlewithnodrive]

Width of soundstage is fine Ian. Depth is fairly poor, though they are against the wall, so pulling them out may well help

By sweet spot, I mean imaging / focus. The vocalist is central in the image (when supposed to be) only until you move your head a couple of mm's either way, then the image moves left or right. I believe the term is beaming ?

Also seem to be a little lean in the upper bass / lower mids. Think it could be a set-up issue.

[ianlenco]

Understand what you mean by sweet spot, never had any problem but I'm guessing you're sat a lot closer than I was. Which drivers are in your horns? Mine were Alpair 7p.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Yep, I'd guess a lot closer, about 2.5 metres. Alpair 7 Golds.

[Lawrence001]

If it really is mm you would need some sort of head clamping rig on the listening chair or any nodding will cause the image to collapse, it would look like some sort of mediaeval torture device!


metres is that?