Imperial Russian Stouts - Fountek 3 Way

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  • fastbike1
    Seasoned Veteran
    • Mar 2010
    • 3904

    Imperial Russian Stouts - Fountek 3 Way

    AKA Imperials.
    DX25TG09, FW146, 2x FW168
    Crossover Design by Jay (Brewski)
    Black Walnut Baffle, Figured German Beech Veneer over plywood. Waterlox for finish.

    Didn't seem like it would ever happen. Like several others, painting the cab led to several problems and required stripping then veneering the cabs. I am pleased with the final finish, and I learned a ton about some of the construction choices I made.

    At the risk of being over-subtle, these speakers really are a home run. Tight bass, clear mids, orderly highs. Kick drums thump, acoustic bass sounds like you're in front of the stage. Vocals (Alison Krauss, Norah Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lyle Lovett) are clear and display each singer's style perfectly. I've heard Lyle live six times and the speakers nail his sound.
    I have some solo cello pieces that really put the cello in the room. I could not be happier about the sound quality. So far, I've only run them through a Squeezebox and a DTA-100A. With better (more) power I expect them to be a further revelation.

    I can't thank Jay (Brewski) enough for his design, patience, and encouragement. Best news: All of these drivers are available.

    Design Thread here: http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...light=imperial

    Build Thread here: http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=228238

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    Last edited by fastbike1; 06-18-2012, 08:21 AM.
    I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now.
    OS MTMs http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=220388
    Swope TM http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=221818
    Econowave and Audio Nirvana AN10 fullrange http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=216841
    Imperial Russian Stouts http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...=1#post1840444
    LECBOS. http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...ghlight=lecbos
  • Brewski
    Seasoned Veteran
    • Feb 2010
    • 1651

    #2
    Re: Imperial Russian Stouts - Fountek 3 Way

    They look beautiful hopefully they'll give you many many years of service as your mains and HT speakers. Thanks for building them.... Alright if I add a link to my sig for them?

    Take it easy
    Jay

    crossover info:







    "I like Brewski's threads, they always end up being hybrid beer/speaker threads based on the name of his newest creation." - Greywarden

    Breakfast Stout - HiVi RT2 II/Aurasound NS6
    Imperial Russian Stout - Vifa DX25/Fountek FW146/(2) Fountek FW168s - Built by Fastbike
    Ruination 2.5 way - Vifa DX25/Fountek FW168
    Levitation TM
    - Vifa BC25SG15/Fountek FW168

    Comment

    • fastbike1
      Seasoned Veteran
      • Mar 2010
      • 3904

      #3
      Imperial Russian Stouts -More pics

      Jay: absolutely feel free to link

      More pics.
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      I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now.
      OS MTMs http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=220388
      Swope TM http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=221818
      Econowave and Audio Nirvana AN10 fullrange http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=216841
      Imperial Russian Stouts http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...=1#post1840444
      LECBOS. http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...ghlight=lecbos

      Comment

      • JasonP
        Seasoned Veteran
        • Aug 2011
        • 2102

        #4
        Re: Imperial Russian Stouts - Fountek 3 Way

        They do indeed look amazing. I hope they sound like they look! Someday I'll finish my Wavefronts, but I'm too busy listening to them to take them down and do that @.@ I should never have set them up before they were cosmetically done.
        Audio: Media PC -> Sabre ESS 9023 DAC -> Behringer EP2500 -> (insert speakers of the moment)
        Sites: Jupiter Audioworks - Flicker Stream - Proud Member of Midwest Audio Club

        Comment

        • sriegel923
          New Member
          • Jan 2012
          • 31

          #5
          Re: Imperial Russian Stouts - Fountek 3 Way

          those look fantastic! i love the figuring/grain pattern on the veneer. makes me want to start another project. congratulations and thanks for the build links. i'm heading there right now.
          Scott
          Duvall, WA

          Comment

          • Paul K.
            Seasoned Veteran
            • Sep 2005
            • 4986

            #6
            Re: Imperial Russian Stouts - Fountek 3 Way

            Very nice job and while I know you're tickled pink with how they sound, I want to make the point about your comparison to live sound. When you say you've heard Lyle Lovett live 6 times and your new speakers nail his sound, you must realize you didn't really hear Lyle "live" at those concerts. Yes, Lyle was singing live in front of you, but he was singing into a microphone, whose signal was processed through who knows how many stages of electronics and, likely, equalization, then through some power amplifiers, ending up coming out of some speakers. So, when anyone says their system sounds exactly like what they heard by the same performers in concert as in your example, what we're really saying is the sound coming from our system is exactly like the sound coming from another system, albeit at a live performance. The only true way to compare to a live sound is when that live sound is not in the least augmented or affected by electronics and/or speakers. Please do not take what I've said as criticism of your accomplishment, as it's absolutely not meant to be that. Rather, just view what I've said as a little bit of reality. Again, you did a really good job and your speakers look might nice.
            Paul

            [QUOTE=fastbike1;1840441]AKA Imperials.
            DX25TG09, FW146, 2x FW168
            Crossover Design by Jay (Brewski)
            Black Walnut Baffle, Figured German Beech Veneer over plywood. Waterlox for finish.

            Didn't seem like it would ever happen. Like several others, painting the cab led to several problems and required stripping then veneering the cabs. I am pleased with the final finish, and I learned a ton about some of the construction choices I made.

            At the risk of being over-subtle, these speakers really are a home run. Tight bass, clear mids, orderly highs. Kick drums thump, acoustic bass sound like you're in front of the stage. Vocals (Alison Krauss, Norah Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lyle Lovett) are clear and display each singer's style perfectly. I've heard Lyle live six times and the speakers nail his sound.
            I have some solo cello pieces that really put the cello in the room. I could not be happier about the sound quality. So far, I've only run them through a Squeezebox and a DTA-100A. With better (more) power I expect them to be a further revelation.

            I can't thank Jay (Brewski) enough for his design, patience, and encouragement. Best news: All of these drivers are available.

            Design Thread here: http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...light=imperial

            Build Thread here: http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=228238

            Comment

            • fastbike1
              Seasoned Veteran
              • Mar 2010
              • 3904

              #7
              Re: Imperial Russian Stouts - Fountek 3 Way

              I know what your're saying, but I don't get your intent. With the exception of symphonic, chamber, or small venue jazz, one almost never hears music without some associated processing chain. Your definition foregoes any amplified music, i.e. even a simple guitar and amp. Continuing with that logic how would one ever have "reference" music for comparison? So we should have this pedantic caveat whenever we describe a system's sound? It's hard enough as it is.

              However just so we're all perfectly clear, I do know what a live guitar, kick drum, bass, cello, violin, orchestra, etc sounds like. FWIW, Lyle has a characteristic sound from his guitar/soundman/mixing panel, etc. The Imperials faithfully reproduce that sound.

              Also, it's Jays accomplishment, I just built them.


              [QUOTE=Paul K.;1840468]Very nice job and while I know you're tickled pink with how they sound, I want to make the point about your comparison to live sound. When you say you've heard Lyle Lovett live 6 times and your new speakers nail his sound, you must realize you didn't really hear Lyle "live" at those concerts. Yes, Lyle was singing live in front of you, but he was singing into a microphone, whose signal was processed through who knows how many stages of electronics and, likely, equalization, then through some power amplifiers, ending up coming out of some speakers. So, when anyone says their system sounds exactly like what they heard by the same performers in concert as in your example, what we're really saying is the sound coming from our system is exactly like the sound coming from another system, albeit at a live performance. The only true way to compare to a live sound is when that live sound is not in the least augmented or affected by electronics and/or speakers. Please do not take what I've said as criticism of your accomplishment, as it's absolutely not meant to be that. Rather, just view what I've said as a little bit of reality. Again, you did a really good job and your speakers look might nice.
              Paul

              Originally posted by fastbike1
              AKA Imperials.
              DX25TG09, FW146, 2x FW168
              Crossover Design by Jay (Brewski)
              Black Walnut Baffle, Figured German Beech Veneer over plywood. Waterlox for finish.

              Didn't seem like it would ever happen. Like several others, painting the cab led to several problems and required stripping then veneering the cabs. I am pleased with the final finish, and I learned a ton about some of the construction choices I made.

              At the risk of being over-subtle, these speakers really are a home run. Tight bass, clear mids, orderly highs. Kick drums thump, acoustic bass sound like you're in front of the stage. Vocals (Alison Krauss, Norah Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lyle Lovett) are clear and display each singer's style perfectly. I've heard Lyle live six times and the speakers nail his sound.
              I have some solo cello pieces that really put the cello in the room. I could not be happier about the sound quality. So far, I've only run them through a Squeezebox and a DTA-100A. With better (more) power I expect them to be a further revelation.

              I can't thank Jay (Brewski) enough for his design, patience, and encouragement. Best news: All of these drivers are available.

              Design Thread here: http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...light=imperial

              Build Thread here: http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=228238
              I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now.
              OS MTMs http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=220388
              Swope TM http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=221818
              Econowave and Audio Nirvana AN10 fullrange http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=216841
              Imperial Russian Stouts http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...=1#post1840444
              LECBOS. http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...ghlight=lecbos

              Comment

              • Brewski
                Seasoned Veteran
                • Feb 2010
                • 1651

                #8
                Re: Imperial Russian Stouts - Fountek 3 Way

                Originally posted by fastbike1
                Also, it's Jays accomplishment, I just built them.
                Don't short change your cabinet handy work I wish I could make something that looked that nice from scratch and the part that will be noticed over the internet was all you.

                Take it easy
                Jay
                "I like Brewski's threads, they always end up being hybrid beer/speaker threads based on the name of his newest creation." - Greywarden

                Breakfast Stout - HiVi RT2 II/Aurasound NS6
                Imperial Russian Stout - Vifa DX25/Fountek FW146/(2) Fountek FW168s - Built by Fastbike
                Ruination 2.5 way - Vifa DX25/Fountek FW168
                Levitation TM
                - Vifa BC25SG15/Fountek FW168

                Comment

                • greywarden
                  Seasoned Veteran
                  • Sep 2010
                  • 4434

                  #9
                  Re: Imperial Russian Stouts - Fountek 3 Way

                  Pure sexiness. I cant wait to get back home and get my hands dirty on the Deadhorse project again.

                  रेतुर्न तो थे स्रोत
                  return to the source
                  leviathan system thread
                  deadhorse thread
                  shockwave build thread

                  instagram :: greywarden_13

                  in war, victory . . . in peace, vigilance . . . in death, sacrifice.

                  Comment

                  • Paul K.
                    Seasoned Veteran
                    • Sep 2005
                    • 4986

                    #10
                    Re: Imperial Russian Stouts - Fountek 3 Way

                    The point I'm trying to get across is that for the most part whenever anyone says "when I'm listening to (him/her/them) on my system, they sound exactly like when I've heard them live at concerts", with the unrealized implication, and belief, perhaps, that their system is able to accurately able to reproduce a truly live performance that has not been electronically altered and, that, hearing those performers without any of the electronic manipulation or effects would sound the same. For my case I only attend performances by symphony orchestras where there is no electronic meddling with the sound. The one time I did attend a "live" performance in the last 20 years that was altered, which happened to be one by Doc Severson (sp?) and the Tonight Show band, I was sorely and completely disappointed because all I heard was coming from mikes and amplifier and speakers, not the least bit live in my opinion, even though there were live musicians performing on stage. I'm not saying that my audio system can completely and accurately reproduce a truly live performance by a symphony orchestra, because that will probably never be able to be accomplished, but it is the reference I use. Yes, you are correct; my definition does preclude any and all amplified music, including a single guitar and amp/speaker. That's okay because I don't listen or much like those types of instruments or music. Nothing wrong with other people liking it, however.
                    Paul

                    [QUOTE=fastbike1;1840475]I know what your're saying, but I don't get your intent. With the exception of symphonic, chamber, or small venue jazz, one almost never hears music without some associated processing chain. Your definition foregoes any amplified music, i.e. even a simple guitar and amp. Continuing with that logic how would one ever have "reference" music for comparison? So we should have this pedantic caveat whenever we describe a system's sound? It's hard enough as it is.

                    However just so we're all perfectly clear, I do know what a live guitar, kick drum, bass, cello, violin, orchestra, etc sounds like. FWIW, Lyle has a characteristic sound from his guitar/soundman/mixing panel, etc. The Imperials faithfully reproduce that sound.

                    Also, it's Jays accomplishment, I just built them.


                    Originally posted by Paul K.
                    Very nice job and while I know you're tickled pink with how they sound, I want to make the point about your comparison to live sound. When you say you've heard Lyle Lovett live 6 times and your new speakers nail his sound, you must realize you didn't really hear Lyle "live" at those concerts. Yes, Lyle was singing live in front of you, but he was singing into a microphone, whose signal was processed through who knows how many stages of electronics and, likely, equalization, then through some power amplifiers, ending up coming out of some speakers. So, when anyone says their system sounds exactly like what they heard by the same performers in concert as in your example, what we're really saying is the sound coming from our system is exactly like the sound coming from another system, albeit at a live performance. The only true way to compare to a live sound is when that live sound is not in the least augmented or affected by electronics and/or speakers. Please do not take what I've said as criticism of your accomplishment, as it's absolutely not meant to be that. Rather, just view what I've said as a little bit of reality. Again, you did a really good job and your speakers look might nice.
                    Paul

                    Comment

                    • fastbike1
                      Seasoned Veteran
                      • Mar 2010
                      • 3904

                      #11
                      Re: Imperial Russian Stouts - Fountek 3 Way

                      I debated responding again but I'll just leave it at: I think you miss the point with your narrow definition. When I play a Lyle Lovett tune, his guitar sounds like it does when I see him on stage. No more, but no less.

                      Originally posted by Paul K.
                      The point I'm trying to get across is that for the most part whenever anyone says "when I'm listening to (him/her/them) on my system, they sound exactly like when I've heard them live at concerts", with the unrealized implication, and belief, perhaps, that their system is able to accurately able to reproduce a truly live performance that has not been electronically altered and, that, hearing those performers without any of the electronic manipulation or effects would sound the same. For my case I only attend performances by symphony orchestras where there is no electronic meddling with the sound. The one time I did attend a "live" performance in the last 20 years that was altered, which happened to be one by Doc Severson (sp?) and the Tonight Show band, I was sorely and completely disappointed because all I heard was coming from mikes and amplifier and speakers, not the least bit live in my opinion, even though there were live musicians performing on stage. I'm not saying that my audio system can completely and accurately reproduce a truly live performance by a symphony orchestra, because that will probably never be able to be accomplished, but it is the reference I use. Yes, you are correct; my definition does preclude any and all amplified music, including a single guitar and amp/speaker. That's okay because I don't listen or much like those types of instruments or music. Nothing wrong with other people liking it, however.
                      Paul
                      I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now.
                      OS MTMs http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=220388
                      Swope TM http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=221818
                      Econowave and Audio Nirvana AN10 fullrange http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=216841
                      Imperial Russian Stouts http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...=1#post1840444
                      LECBOS. http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...ghlight=lecbos

                      Comment

                      • Paul K.
                        Seasoned Veteran
                        • Sep 2005
                        • 4986

                        #12
                        Re: Imperial Russian Stouts - Fountek 3 Way

                        That's odd. I got email notifications that you had responded twice to me in this thread but only this one shows up in the thread. Did you delete the one where you said you agreed with me on no system ever being able to reproduce accurately a symphony orchestra but that you felt sad for me? Don't feel sad because of my musical tastes; I'm not missing anything just because I don't listen to or like popular or amplified music. We all have our likes and dislikes (I hate beer but love wine) and just because ours aren't the same as others doesn't mean either of us is less fortunate or missing out.
                        Paul

                        Originally posted by fastbike1
                        I debated responding again but I'll just leave it at: I think you miss the point with your narrow definition. When I play a Lyle Lovett tune, his guitar sounds like it does when I see him on stage. No more, but no less.

                        Comment

                        • greywarden
                          Seasoned Veteran
                          • Sep 2010
                          • 4434

                          #13
                          Re: Imperial Russian Stouts - Fountek 3 Way

                          Y'all shut the hell up. Bickering like children.

                          रेतुर्न तो थे स्रोत
                          return to the source
                          leviathan system thread
                          deadhorse thread
                          shockwave build thread

                          instagram :: greywarden_13

                          in war, victory . . . in peace, vigilance . . . in death, sacrifice.

                          Comment

                          • fastbike1
                            Seasoned Veteran
                            • Mar 2010
                            • 3904

                            #14
                            Re: Imperial Russian Stouts - Fountek 3 Way

                            You know, it was done well before you added your reasoned guidance. :rolleyes:


                            Originally posted by greywarden
                            Y'all shut the hell up. Bickering like children.
                            I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now.
                            OS MTMs http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=220388
                            Swope TM http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=221818
                            Econowave and Audio Nirvana AN10 fullrange http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=216841
                            Imperial Russian Stouts http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...=1#post1840444
                            LECBOS. http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...ghlight=lecbos

                            Comment

                            • Paul K.
                              Seasoned Veteran
                              • Sep 2005
                              • 4986

                              #15
                              Re: Imperial Russian Stouts - Fountek 3 Way

                              I'm not really bickering or arguing with you and I apologize for not stating my point(s) clearly enough. Thus, I want to take one more shot at it. First this has nothing to do with musical preferences and there is no intent on my part of criticizing your or anyone's preferences.

                              I would certainly hope that when one listens at home to music, from a CD for instance, that's a performance one could also hear "live" via all amplified sound, the musical reproduction at home should fairly easily and accurately replicate that live performance within reasonable expectations of dynamic and loudness abilities, and frequency response to a lesser extent. IOW considering those 3 probable limitations, what you hear at home ought to sound very, very close to what you would hear "live", and the fact that you enjoy it because you really like that kind of music is icing on the cake, actually. When you listen at home and compare it to a "live" performance, essentially the only difference in the chain is your source at home is a CD, for instance, and the "live" source is a vocalist singing into a mike, both comparison sounds going through similar electronic manipulation and amplification to exit a speaker system.

                              But what I'm saying is even though the above is true, on a purely technical basis a better measure of your audio systems capabilities is to compare its sound to that of live un-amplified and non-augmented music. which is virtually impossible to achieve with any popular music just due to the nature of the process. For me, then, this reference can only be a symphony orchestra. The fact I don't like or particularly care for other types of music is besides the point.
                              Paul


                              Originally posted by fastbike1
                              You know, it was done well before you added your reasoned guidance. :rolleyes:

                              Comment

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