Dayton Dilemma

[KeithL]

So I have 4 of the Dayton 6.5" classic drivers and 2 of the Dayton silkie tweets. I originally had been running them in an mtm with the Dayton 2k 2way xover and not that impressed. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=260-140

What is the best design for these speakers?

DIII

BR-1 and save the other 6.5's

2.5way

Add a mid and run a 3way

???

[Pete Schumacher]

Re: Dayton Dilemma

So I have 4 of the Dayton 6.5" classic drivers and 2 of the Dayton silkie tweets. I originally had been runnig thme in an mtm with the Dayton 2k 2way xover and not that impressed. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=260-140

What is the best design for these speakers?

DIII

BR-1 and save the other 6.5's

2.5way

Add a mid and run a 3way

???

Adding a mid would be the most difficult, but probably best sounding option. However, MTM as 2 way or 2.5 way would work just fine. But you need an optimized XO for that driver combination to get the most from them.

The DIII should be an improvement over the stock XO. Start with that.

[HareBrained]

Re: Dayton Dilemma

Are these the shielded 8-ohm 6.5's?

If they are, they're worth using as a woofer. I suggest an inexpensive 3.5-way buying a pair of drivers for midrange. You could use the RS100 ($27/) but I don't think I'd spend any more than that. There are the Peerless 3.5" buyouts for less then $20. Or the HiVi full range drivers. You could also go with the Peerless HDS 5.25 buyout. They're an outstanding value.

For xover points, shoot for 350-850Hz and 2500-3500Hz (both depending on midrange size & capability).

[Paul Carmody]

Re: Dayton Dilemma

Adding a mid would be the most difficult, but probably best sounding option. However, MTM as 2 way or 2.5 way would work just fine. But you need an optimized XO for that driver combination to get the most from them.

The DIII should be an improvement over the stock XO. Start with that.

+1

[critofur]

Re: Dayton Dilemma

The Buyout Peerless Nomex HDS 5.25" woofer (832873) is a very nice deal, will work great in a nice small sealed enclosure as a mid, and with a pair of those 6.5" woofers on each side, you'll have nice bass output!

The Peerless P830856 3-1/2" Shielded Woofer or the Peerless P830941 SDS 5-1/4" Shielded Woofer: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=299-252 are also good choices. Any of those three would give you better high end response on the woofer more smoothly integrating with the tweeter with less distortion, and, better dispersion.

How about showing us a picture of your existing speaker cabs?

Years ago when I tested the "Dayton Classic" 6.5" woofer I liked the construction, the vented pole piece, the bass output - but, not the rough "roll off" on the high end. Their 5.25" Dayton Clasic is much more suitable for a 2-way (IMHO).

Oh, and the RS100 does seem like a very nice mid also, I have a pair and I like them, but, some of the Peerless buyouts would be fine at less than 1/2 the price...

[Mike2112]

Re: Dayton Dilemma

adding A Mid Would Be The Most Difficult, But Probably Best Sounding Option. However, Mtm As 2 Way Or 2.5 Way Would Work Just Fine. But You Need An Optimized Xo For That Driver Combination To Get The Most From Them.

The Diii Should Be An Improvement Over The Stock Xo. Start With That.

Diii
+ 2

[Jason]

Re: Dayton Dilemma

If you want to go the 3-way route, you may want to consider adding a Dayton 5-1/4" and building the UniCC. My guess is you'd have a pretty decent upgrade in the midrange compared to the DIII. You could modify the design fairly simply to be a TMWW in either a large stand-mounted monitor or a floor-standing tower.

http://www.parts-express.com/projectshowcase/indexn.cfm?project=UniCC

[KeithL]

Re: Dayton Dilemma

[QUOTE=HareBrained;1568607]Are these the shielded 8-ohm 6.5's?

They are the 8 ohm non-shielded.

[KeithL]

Re: Dayton Dilemma

Are there any tweeks that I could add to the Dayton 2k 2-way crossover to improve the sound or would I be wasting my time?

[johnastockman]

Re: Dayton Dilemma

Are there any tweeks that I could add to the Dayton 2k 2-way crossover to improve the sound or would I be wasting my time?

Maybe a zobel on the woofer, L-pad for the tweeter, but mostly not worth it. I know Dan's SO-1 in the Showcase uses a tweaked pre-made XO and Curt C. has some stuff on generic XO's here, the "GXO page":

http://www.geocities.com/cc00541/speakerbuilder.html

Baffle step is another issue that pre-made's can't deal with...Curt has some terrific info on baffle step, too. Having years of experience trying to get pre-made & textbook-value XO's to work, my vote is for "don't bother". It does depend on the drivers, though. Some can be made to work, but will still fall short of even adequate.

John A.

[Jason]

Re: Dayton Dilemma

Are there any tweeks that I could add to the Dayton 2k 2-way crossover to improve the sound or would I be wasting my time?

Unfortunately the midrange performance on those 6.5's isn't the greatest, so crossover tweaks are only going to gain you so much. You could go with the DIII crossover... probably as good as you'll get out of those drivers, but to be honest the midrange performance still isn't all that great. You could compare the layout of the stock crossovers with the DIII's and you might be able to just swap out a few components, add the zobel, etc.

[johnlinvell]

Re: Dayton Dilemma

D III gets my vote as i have built 2 pr. A set of towers and also a stand mounted pr. It is true they do lack in the mids.....But they also still sound pretty good for the $ invested......

[Jason]

Re: Dayton Dilemma

Yep. I had a pair for a while, too. Whatever the 6.5's lack in the mids, they make up for in the kickin' bass department. FWIW I think the DIII's qualify as a great party speaker.