Looking for Advice on Next Project - 2-way with a Non-standard Tweeter

[Arctos]

Hi All,
I haven't been out here in a few years, but as I just finished building my last project (Bagby Mandolins) I'm ready to start another. I'm sorry if this topic has already been set up, but I couldn't find it so here goes:

I'd like to build a 2-way kit, around the same size or even a bit smaller than the Mandolin, but that utilizes a non-standard (non-dome) tweeter. i've heard great things about ribbons, AMT's, etc. and want something that will offer exceptional clarity/air especially for vocals and violin. I don't want to skimp on the mid-range or lower range, but also don't need a full-range speaker. I'd like to keep it under $600ish if possible. Here is what I've looked at so far:

- Carmody Speedsters
- Carmody Spitfire
- Salin Keramiskas
- Shaffer Nephilas
- Shaffer Stance
- Holtz/Campbell Micro Statements

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

RDS

[djg]

All nice stuff. Based on what I would want to build, Wolf's designs or the Keramiskas.

[Arctos]

Thanks djg,
Are your thoughts based on personal preference, experience listening to some of these or other factors?

[djg]

These designs interest me enough to want to build them.

[Arctos]

Got it, thanks!

[fpitas]

I hope you understand that the typical ribbon won't dig as deep as a dome tweeter without distorting. In any event, the crossover will change completely.

[Arctos]

Thanks fpitas,
I'm aware of this and expect that these designs and others will take that into consideration.

[Wolf]

Of that list, the Nephila are floor standing towers. Box mods would be up to you. That said, Speedsters I feel are a little thick in the midbass, but still good. Keramiskas are well refined. Stances are fun and sound great, but I would note they do not measure flat. I heard the Spitfires once, but not sure if the build was faithful to design. I have not heard the Micros.
Another option would be Jhollander's Seriatim, or Scott Sehlin's Rhodium
Wolf

[PWR RYD]

I'll concur with Wolf. Wolf's Stances, John Hollander's Seriatims, Scott Shelin's Rhodiums, or my Keramiskas would all be good choices.

[Arctos]

Hey Guys,
Thanks so much for your input! Great to have some guidance from the pro's. Don't know how I missed that the Nephila was a floor stander, but that puts it out of contention for this build (already have some large floor standers I built from a Dave Ellis design). Balance and the qualities of a well-integrated ribbon or AMT tweeter are what i'm looking for so I'll keep the Keramiskas and Stances in my realm of consideration and will also look at the Seriatims and Rhodiums. And I'm still open to other options if anyone has further input.

Regards,

RDS

[Wolf]

isaeagle's 'Midnight Magic' have an AMT/FaitalPro combo, and also sound quite good.
If you're in to tweaking, my simulated 'Profusion' build has enough info to build them, but they have not been proven.
John also did a design for DrJay, using the HiVi F5 and an RT1.3WE, very similar in format to my Profusion hypothesis.
Scott designed a small 2-way with marvin, using the RS150T and an AMT.
JeffB did the Auricle, with the RAAL and an SB unit. I never got to hear that one.
The Cryolite from our departed Lou Corragio should also be mentioned. It is a dynamite sounding stand-mount. RS180/Neo3

I'm sure there are others...
Wolf

[djg]

https://www.rob-elder.com/LouC/speakers/DaytonRS7/Cryolite.htm

[Wolf]

Tom Zarbo's 'Bantams' also apply...
Wolf

[Arctos]

Thanks, really nice choices. i"m not much of a tweaker, so want to go with a tried and tested design. i looked at the Bagby Auricle, but believe it's well over the $1k mark. I really liked the looks of the Cryolite. Will give the others some consideration.

[djg]

The cost stated in the Cryolite post is from 2005.

[Arctos]

Right, thanks!

[Arctos]

Well, after some additional research I'm leaning toward the Keramiskas. Does anyone have an opinion on how these would compare/contrast to the Bagby Mandolins? I just finished building a pair of these a few weeks ago and really like them. But would also like my next project to provide something different, though stil awesome. Not sure if this statement will make sense, but: Do I need to spend alot more than the Mandolin's to get to the next level?

Here is a photo of my Mandolin's done in red oak (still breaking them in):

[djg]

That all looks very nice. I'd build what interests you.

[Arctos]

Thanks, I appreciate the advice.

[Drjay]

I have not heard most of the candidates you are considering but have heard the Keramiskas and feel they are, by a significant margin, the best small 2 way I have heard.

Jay

[PWR RYD]

Thanks Jay!

[Arctos]

Thank you Drjay! It looks like a great build and I really want to try something with a tweeter other than a typical dome. My Mandolin's are fantastic and keep getting better with run-in but I need to stay busy and want to work on a new project. That said, my mind seems to change with the wind sometimes and I'm also considering a woofer module build to augment the Mandolin's.

l'm also looking at something cheap and fun while I decide on my next bigger spend project and may take a shot at building Mr. Shaffer's Triumph sub.

Thanks again,

RDS