Erse products

[tpremo55]

Considering the crossover components that I will use in my next few projects, I've seen Erse products recommended by many designers on the forum. As DanN has pointed out in a couple of threads, the Erse test of the Erse IXq coil vs the Jantzen Pcore looks compelling (if not self-serving). The quality and tolerance of the PulseX caps seem to be a value and have also been recommended (or at least identified as a 'should consider' by a number of members).

What are your findings with Erse products? Value, bargain, quality, consistency...

Let's not make this a boutique cap flame war. This is a value priced option in the realm of where many recommend we invest in caps for crossovers for the speakers we build. Looking for experience and opinions against standard lines like Dayton, Jantzen, Solen, etc.

Thanks!! :D

[benhinkle711]

Re: Erse products

I'm from the school of thought that you can't hear a difference between components, just my opinion guys. So for me it comes down to build quality, consistency and value. I tried Erse on my last project and was very impressed.

I will add however that if you are already ordering from PE and only need a small number of components than it would be cost prohibitive to order and pay separate shipping from another vendor. I ordered from them because I was building 5 XO's for my HT speakers. I saved $15-$20 ordering from Erse even after shipping and feel I got as good or better product.

[JustinG]

Re: Erse products

Considering the crossover components that I will use in my next few projects, I've seen Erse products recommended by many designers on the forum. As DanN has pointed out in a couple of threads, the Erse test of the Erse IXq coil vs the Jantzen Pcore looks compelling (if not self-serving). The quality and tolerance of the PulseX caps seem to be a value and have also been recommended (or at least identified as a 'should consider' by a number of members).

What are your findings with Erse products? Value, bargain, quality, consistency...

Let's not make this a boutique cap flame war. This is a value priced option in the realm of where many recommend we invest in caps for crossovers for the speakers we build. Looking for experience and opinions against standard lines like Dayton, Jantzen, Solen, etc.

Thanks!! :D

The one thing you should look at about those tests is the amount of power they are putting into the 8 ohm load. The P-Core really started to get to higher levels of THD around 100 watts, which for any normal application will be at SPL levels of over 105 dB (for any >84 dB sensitivity speaker). Granted the ERSE was better all around.

You also have to look at what inductance of the coil they are testing. A 15 mH inductor starts rolling off at 85 Hz or so (for a 8 ohm load)... how many designs have you seen a 15 mH inductor used? I'm not saying that the ERSE inductors are bad but I try not to take everything at face value.

It would be nice to see a comparison at a more likely used value (<5mH) as many more designs use inductors in this range.

[brianpowers27]

Re: Erse products

In my opinion, you are well off to use all of their products in your xos. I have done this on several builds and came out ahead financially. The quality/price of the products are very good.

[lunchmoney]

Re: Erse products

If the products are equivalent, I like to use PE where possible, even if it costs slightly more.

My way of saying thanks for everything I've gotten from this forum.

[jclin4]

Re: Erse products

If the products are equivalent, I like to use PE where possible, even if it costs slightly more.

My way of saying thanks for everything I've gotten from this forum.

I think this is a good thought, but personally I've spent enough $$ with PE that this is not an issue for me. :p Where I can, I try to spread my business around, help out some of the other vendors. The more vendors, the better, right? I like ones that include candy with their shipment ;)

I've not used Erse inductors, but I'm quite happy with their caps.

[tpremo55]

Re: Erse products

The one thing you should look at about those tests is the amount of power they are putting into the 8 ohm load. The P-Core really started to get to higher levels of THD around 100 watts, which for any normal application will be at SPL levels of over 105 dB (for any >84 dB sensitivity speaker). Granted the ERSE was better all around.

You also have to look at what inductance of the coil they are testing. A 15 mH inductor starts rolling off at 85 Hz or so (for a 8 ohm load)... how many designs have you seen a 15 mH inductor used? I'm not saying that the ERSE inductors are bad but I try not to take everything at face value.

It would be nice to see a comparison at a more likely used value (<5mH) as many more designs use inductors in this range.

These are good points. The Erse site allows for requests. Maybe I'll submit something to that affect.

[tpremo55]

Re: Erse products

If the products are equivalent, I like to use PE where possible, even if it costs slightly more.

My way of saying thanks for everything I've gotten from this forum.

I agree in general and do this as well. PE is the first place I go.

If Erse is a quality product that becomes popular by the DIY community, maybe we could all appeal to PE to begin carrying the line of products! Meniscus just picked up part a few months ago IIRC.

[tpremo55]

Re: Erse products

In my opinion, you are well off to use all of their products in your xos. I have done this on several builds and came out ahead financially. The quality/price of the products are very good.

Thanks Brian. Anything in particular that you have had experience with - that you draw your comparison to? (Jantzen, Bennic, Dayton, Solen, Clarity, etc...)?

[Wolf]

Re: Erse products

Thanks Brian. Anything in particular that you have had experience with - that you draw your comparison to? (Jantzen, Bennic, Dayton, Solen, Clarity, etc...)?

While I have not used the PulseX caps, I have seen and held them. They are compact for their value, so if real estate on your boards is at a premium, then ERSE has my bet. It should also be said that Jim and the guys at ERSE are great to deal with.

As to sound, I have only heard them in one/two projects, and can't give a fair comparison there. They were not terrible on the drivers used at any rate.
Later,
Wolf

[brianpowers27]

Re: Erse products

Thanks Brian. Anything in particular that you have had experience with - that you draw your comparison to? (Jantzen, Bennic, Dayton, Solen, Clarity, etc...)?

I think they compare well with the Dayton line. It is also nice to see high quality specs for the measurable cap parameters.

[rogoll]

Re: Erse products

If the products are equivalent, I like to use PE where possible, even if it costs slightly more.

My way of saying thanks for everything I've gotten from this forum.

I agree. I try to buy exclusively from Parts Express, unless there is a significant difference in price. Also, as another member said, you have to factor in the cost of shipping.

Now, with that said, I have made some volume purchases from Erse (resistors, caps, and coils), as well as buying some prebuilt XO's for parts and as a base starting platform for building XOs. Their quality is good, and their service is almost as good as PE's (although no one can completely match the level of service you receive from PE!).

[tpremo55]

Re: Erse products

To round this out, I ended up placing an order with Erse directly for some of the parts for my next project. I must say that I am impressed so far. I had some questions on 8/26 at 8:45pm and submitted an email - which was answered in less than 5 minutes. A back-ordered coil was listed as "could be up to 90 days to have in stock" which if real, would have killed my order. The Erse rep responded that they would have them the following week so I placed the order expecting (reasonably) for them to hold the order until the coils came in the following week. I was surprised to get a order fulfillment and shipped confirmation on 8/27. I reviewed it assuming it would be less the back-ordered coils. A note stated that they had unwound the next value higher in the same coil line and shipped a complete order. With FedEx home shipping (the cheapest option) it is supposed to arrive 8/29 from Ohio to Iowa.

I'll measure the coils to confirm values (with the WT3) and then see (hear) how I like them, but as for customer service I'd say I'm impressed.

While I continue to (and have since 1991) look to PE first for all parts/projects/etc. and by far have sent more of my money to PE than any other supplier, I will be interested to see how these Erse products work out.

With Erse right there in Ohio - I wonder if PE has considered working with them...

[brianpowers27]

Re: Erse products

With Erse right there in Ohio - I wonder if PE has considered working with them...

I am pretty sure the PE laminate cores are Erse products.

[johnddaugherty]

Re: Erse products

I am pretty sure the PE laminate cores are Erse products.

They sure look like it to me, too.