Horn loaded center channel

[arlie]

Here's a couple of pics of a center channel I built for my HT. I built the project a while back after consulting with Wolf, just now getting around to posting the pics. Here's a list of the components I used:
- Tang Band 28-847SD Shielded Neodymium Dome Tweeter
Part Number: 264-822
- Selenium HC23-25 1" Exponential Horn 100x40 1-3/8"-18 TPI
Part Number: 264-318
- Selenium D250-X 1" Phenolic Horn Driver 1-3/8"-18 TPI
Part Number: 264-204
- Dayton PA165-8 6" PA Driver
Part Number: 295-015

The crossover was custom designed by PE's Chris Frechette. I built the cabinet to match as closely as possible to my existing built in entertainment center. The reason for going with a compression driver and horn/lens was that whenever my wife and I would watch movies, she didn't like it turned up too loud, but then would complain that she couldn't hear the dialogue. Knowing that the horn loaded compression driver coupled with the Dayton PA drivers would be highly efficient, I went for it. The results are awesome! Dialogue is no longer a problem, with voices and SFX clearly anchored to the center of the screen. The cabinet is built with a downward angle that hits right at my couch sweet spot so the imaging is great. Now, I just need to build some new left and rights with the same drivers for complete voice matching...

[johnnyrichards]

Re: Horn loaded center channel

Won't find that at Best Buy! Nice job!

[dooski3]

Re: Horn loaded center channel

Very nice! It matches your entertainment center almost exactly. Once you go horn you don't go back

[Randy L]

Re: Horn loaded center channel

That's sweet!
I too like the idea of pro drivers for HT.

One question though. You build the highly efficient CC so your wife could hear the dialogue. I'm guessing that's because the CC was now much louder than your L&R mains. I'm also guessing your CC volume on your reciever is at max?

With this said, if you build a L&R mains to match the center, you might end up with the same problem as before since the L&R is now more efficient and louder.

[arlie]

Re: Horn loaded center channel

Thanks for the compliments everyone! Randy - great point about being back to square one if everything is at the same efficiency level. Please note the "New Member" status and overlook that comment. :o

[hectorloshuk]

Horn loaded center channel

Keep in mind this is a fairly large horn cabinet. Not so wide, but tall and deep. *But as many will agree, big is the only way to get good bass out of a back-loaded horn cab.

[jmc]

Re: Horn loaded center channel

Keep in mind this is a fairly large horn cabinet. Not so wide, but tall and deep. *But as many will agree, big is the only way to get good bass out of a back-loaded horn cab.

I think the cab is sealed and that the horn is for the mid/highs.

[Wolf]

Re: Horn loaded center channel

While I don't recall helping with this, Arlie, I'm glad it worked out for you!
Later,
Wolf