Lowther cabs (BD-Design)
In October last year, Steve Shiels wrote in this forum that he gets 30Hz +-3dB from his 3.6 metre corner horns, using Lowther drivers.
I have EX4s in Acoustas - not great bass, but wonderful otherwise.
I wish to build bigger horns.
I'm keen to establish how Steve gets his results.
viz: which cabs, and how are they situated. (TP1, Opus One B, I'm told require strong/solid corners :ie: walls solid 1.5 metres from apex, of brick or breezeblock construction.)
Since I don't have that, I'm advised that Opus One A are the cabs to make, since they perform well without the solid corners.
Comments please.
Lowther cabs
Since I don't have that, I'm advised that Opus One A are the cabs to make,
since they perform well without the solid corners.
Hi Terry,
I have heard the Opus One (in solid corners) using PM4A drive units (long time ago). These do go low but more -12 to -18dB....
The owner recently replaced his Lowther PM4 drive units because he wanted more body in the sound. These enclosures are a lot of work to put together (the drawings are also not 100% accurate).
The Acousta enclosures give the most body to Lowther drive units (besides the Carfrae LBH horns...), the longer the horn gets the less body in the lower midrange will be left to enjoy.
If the tonal balance of your Acousta's is okay and the lacking bass is the only problem then keep them and add a subwoofer...
Ciao,
Bert
Lowther cabs
Thanks Bert,
Interesting you should have heard a pair.
Opus One have two models, A & B. You probably heard B? Just guessing. They need solid corners.
Drawings on Lowther CD are all revised. Opus One have dwg format for large printing.
A Swedish enthusiast built Opus One B. His corners are not strong,
he's missing bass, but otherwise very happy with the sound.
I'm trying NOT to add a subwoofer. Only 15w amp - class A transistor.
I'll study the plans more and see how I feel in a few months. I'm using EX4 -I know you have reservations about them, but I find them really good.
Many thanks.
Since I don't have that, I'm advised that Opus One A are the cabs to
make,
since they perform well without the solid corners.
Hi Terry,I have heard the Opus One (in solid corners) using PM4A drive units (long
time ago). These do go low but more -12 to -18dB....The owner recently replaced his Lowther PM4 drive units because he wanted
more body in the sound. These enclosures are a lot of work to put together
(the drawings are also not 100% accurate).The Acousta enclosures give the most body to Lowther drive units (besides
the Carfrae LBH horns...), the longer the horn gets the less body in the
lower midrange will be left to enjoy.If the tonal balance of your Acousta's is okay and the lacking bass is the
only problem then keep them and add a subwoofer...Ciao,
Bert
Lowther cabs
Hi Terry,
Opus One have two models, A & B. You probably heard B? Just guessing.
They need solid corners.
I have no idea which ones but they were placed in solid corners...
I'm trying NOT to add a subwoofer. Only 15w amp - class A transistor.
Yes, I understand your thoughts. I have been there and less is usually more... :-)
I'll study the plans more and see how I feel in a few months. I'm using
EX4 -I know you have reservations about them, but I find them really
good.
Be happy and that it may take a long time until the "problem" starts after you've tasted something better (like I did...).
Ciao,
Bert
Lowther cabs
Bert,
South Africa is a long way away. School fees are expensive, so travels to Europe to actually LISTEN to various set-ups are difficult. We get the cheap, and the expensive here. More is better, the more powerful the amp, the higher rated the speakers etc. The industry is moving very much toward home theatre. There are some wonderful manufacturers of valve amplifiers etc. but the efficient loudspeaker is not yet on the list.
I would give a lot to spend a month actually hearing different set-ups. Especially single-driver cabs and related equipment.
I trusted my instinct nearly 25yrs ago and built Sudgen Class A amp - 10W- still using it. But very happy with it. Now building Linsley-Hood amp with mods suggested by Geoff Moss. I work with professional audio equipment - my job - for live classical music recordings. My Lowthers at home outshine the lot for their presence and detail. I've lived with Acoustas since '79. 1/2inch pine blockboard. Bitumen damping on the backs, has helped the boom, but they don't go down low enough.
As I said, I'll have to study plans and then see.
Take care.
Terry
Hi Terry,
Opus One have two models, A & B. You probably heard B? Just guessing.
They need solid corners.
I have no idea which ones but they were placed in solid corners...
I'm trying NOT to add a subwoofer. Only 15w amp - class A transistor.
Yes, I understand your thoughts. I have been there and less is usually
more... :-)
I'll study the plans more and see how I feel in a few months. I'm using
EX4 -I know you have reservations about them, but I find them really
good.
Be happy and that it may take a long time until the "problem" starts after
you've tasted something better (like I did...).Ciao,
Bert
Lowther cabs
by GC 
, Wednesday, February 16, 2005, 07:23 (7002 days ago) @ GC
I work with professional audio equipment -
my job - for live classical music recordings. My Lowthers at home outshine
the lot for their presence and detail.
Hello Terry. You message reminded me of something in HiFi News years ago, where there was an article about someone in SA whose setup was Lowther TP1s, backed up by Audiovectors a few feet behind ( in a big room !) to give the concert hall effect. It should have been splendid !.
I have Audiovectors (PM4s) in an ordinary sized room but I doubt if my wife would agree to the addition of TP1s ...
Cheers Tony
Lowther cabs
by GC , South AFrica, Wednesday, February 16, 2005, 09:11 (7002 days ago) @ GC
Hi Tony,
You say AV with PM4's. That all?
(I'm considering AV with EX4 upfiring only, not the additional front firing EX3.)
How full is the sound - do you ever feel the need for more bass?
AV's only go down to 50Hz.
One suggestion is to use a sub-woofer, but that gets costly.
Terry
Lowther cabs
by GC , Wednesday, February 16, 2005, 10:47 (7002 days ago) @ GC
Hi Tony,
You say AV with PM4's. That all?
How full is the sound - do you ever feel the need for more bass?
AV's only go down to 50Hz.
Hi Terry.Plain AVs. The sound is full enough. I do have subwoofs intended to be used under Quad57s, but the AVs do fine - orchestral basses and tymps sound real !
Mind you, nothing matches an orchestra or a quartet in full cry ...
Cheers Tony