Conversion to Econowave

[ckmoore]

I built the Golden Boys for Garage duty, but have outgrown their auditory performance. I was thinking a version of the Econowave designs would work, but I do have some questions for those with first hand knowledge.

First off, just how is the sound quality of them? I know a garage setting is not ideal, and thats what I was thinking in doing the Golden Boys, but they are lackluster, and I can tell even with background noise.

And does my baffle look like it would be a good candidate? I cant tell if cutting out the tweeter/mid would leave too big of a hole for the waveguide.

And lastly, what are the factors determining which version of the Econowave to choose?

Thanks for any and all input.

Golden Boy hanging on the wall, in unfinished glory.

[fastbike1]

Re: Conversion to Econowave

I'll measure when I get home, but IIRC the cutout for the PH612 is about 5x10.
You will have to mount the speakers vertically to make them work as an EWave.

Simplest version is the original (AudioKarma). There were two minor variations, one for high sensitivity woofers and one for low. I think 90dB was the line.

I still have the XO schematics for that version somewhere. This would be the Selenium D220ti /PH612 waveguide w/ your woofers.Will be great garage system. HF levels adjustable w/ Lpad.

You're talking around $150-175 to do the conversion. $100 for 2 D220Ti, $30 for 2 PH612, ~30-40 for XO. Don't know what XO stuff you might have that can be reused.

[rudyjakubin]

Re: Conversion to Econowave

I'll measure when I get home, but IIRC the cutout for the PH612 is about 5x10.
You will have to mount the speakers vertically to make them work as an EWave.

Simplest version is the original (AudioKarma). There were two minor variations, one for high sensitivity woofers and one for low. I think 90dB was the line.

I still have the XO schematics for that version somewhere. This would be the Selenium D220ti /PH612 waveguide w/ your woofers.Will be great garage system. HF levels adjustable w/ Lpad.

You're talking around $150-175 to do the conversion. $100 for 2 D220Ti, $30 for 2 PH612, ~30-40 for XO. Don't know what XO stuff you might have that can be reused.

+1

I was looking at these the other day;
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...umber=294-2072
Border line 95 db and maybe split thhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/rjakubin/HiSensXOSchematicB.jpge difference in Jackgiffs crossover resistor R1 in the tweeter ckt. I'm using the C-Rex drivers;
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=290-824
The Celestion Driver has a smoother upper frequency rolloff than the C-rex.
I have tried the Celestion Vintage 30's but I couldn't get my subs to integrate nicely. The TF1218's spec closely to the C-rex but cost almost 1/2 as much...

-95db;



+95db;

[fastbike1]

Re: Conversion to Econowave

I measured a PH612. The hole wants to be 5 1/4 by 10 3/4.

Rudy has the XO diagrams I was thinking about. I built the low sens version for my Mach 1 DC300 Ewaves. I need to do some fine tweaking and finish the cabs, but they've been my equipment test rig for a while now. Pretty pleased w/ the sound.

[ckmoore]

Re: Conversion to Econowave

Great information. Even if the hole is too big, I can make it smaller. I have it all figured out in my crazy mind...

Next question, will this woofer suffice?
This is what is currently in there. Its specs just do not seem up to par...
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/psho...number=290-335

[fastbike1]

Re: Conversion to Econowave

The specs make the model go wacky and the FR curve as well. I have found it hard to beat the DC300 for cost/performance as an Ewave driver. The other important thing is the original XO crosses at ~1600Hz, so the woofer needs a pretty extended response. The Dayton PA310 will play a lot louder and looks pretty smooth but is a lot more money than a DC300.

Send me a PM, I have a thought for you.

Great information. Even if the hole is too big, I can make it smaller. I have it all figured out in my crazy mind...

Next question, will this woofer suffice?
This is what is currently in there. Its specs just do not seem up to par...
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/psho...number=290-335

[MagicO309d]

Re: Conversion to Econowave

Stay with the GW if you intend to add a subwoofer someday, otherwise go with the Dayton DC300 and port the cabinet. That's what I'm thinking anyway.

(If you just rearrange the GB's drivers into a vertical stack with the mid as close as possible to the tweeter, you'll at least mostly fix the design's major peaking problem.)

[ckmoore]

Re: Conversion to Econowave

There will never be a subwoofer to compliment these speakers. So far the DC300's are looking like a good performance/value ratio.

[MagicO309d]

Re: Conversion to Econowave

There will never be a subwoofer to compliment these speakers. So far the DC300's are looking like a good performance/value ratio.

Big speakers should at least have deep bass to match their size!

[fastbike1]

Re: Conversion to Econowave

Even sealed my DC300 EWaves do F3/F10 45/26 in 62 liters net. 104dB w/ 30 watts. Vented 36/24 105 dB all else the same. Not really worth venting (I've become more interested in F10 than F3).

[djg]

Re: Conversion to Econowave

I made a pair like fastbike's, the standard econowave. I was very surprised by the really nice sound. Mine are vented.

[ckmoore]

Re: Conversion to Econowave

latest update.

With some expert advice, and graciousness from Fastbike, this project is moving along.

He sent me a pair of D220Ti's and a pair of PH612 Waveguides for the project. I bought the DC300's and requisite XO hardware and started.

Old Golden Boys to be used.



For once I was glad I was lazy and never got around to finishing..


Square cut and ready for patch...


Routing edges for patch piece.



Test fitting patch.


It will not need to be perfect, as I am going to cover with old school grill cloth, like this...


Outline of waveguide traced.




Cutting out existing bracing since it will interfere with waveguide.








Revised XO board. I reused old board. It was oddly difficult for me to accept the non-perpendicular angles of this.... a bit of OCD i suppose...


Installed in without any speaker gasket material.... and already blows the Golden Boy out of the garage....



My first experience with an L-pad. Very cool..

Thanks again Fastbike... I will post more soon...

[fastbike1]

Re: Conversion to Econowave

Glad you like 'em. Nicely done!

[donprice]

Re: Conversion to Econowave

Nice mod! The only problem with the ewave is the cost. It isn't the pair for the garage that is the problem. It is the premium pair (or 5) that you build for your other system. ;)