Driver extension on low frequency :scratch2:

[MyPal]

I use Dali Grand Coupes for my surrounds which are full range monitors, 250w into 6ohms nominal, 4.3 ohms minimal. 85db sensitivity. I recently replaced the large 6" mid/bass driver on 1 pair with new replacement stock from Dali. They were not NOS. Dali claims the new drivers are better, fully compatible & inherently the same type they are using in their new Epicons. Dali now manufacture their drivers in-house.

This pair is being used on the sides. The original spec pair are used in the rear. I may swap them around for comparison.

All are bi-amped @ 300w each into 4ohms. I have the option to bridge @ 500w into 4ohms but have taken the conservative approach. I'm finding that at the very lowest frequencies, they pop a little when pushed. Is this a driver extension limitation or is it that the cabinets have insufficient volume to push the drivers on the suck when they go so low? They are rear ported.

They are set to LARGE by default as recognised by the processor.

[LordoftheRingsEE]

-- Steve, try to reset them manually to Small.

[MyPal]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRingsEE

-- Steve, try to set them to Small.

Yeah, I thought about that, but there is nothing like having a full range spread even with two F113s on tap. I love watching The Lady jump out of her seat & the dog ducks for cover when they hit the notes! I might swap them around for comparison.

[MyPal]

After swapping the surrounds around, both sets perform similarly. So, I'll give the SMALL setting a go with a surround crossover of 60hz. That is well within the spec of these monitors. LFE remains at 80Hz.

Who here uses floor standing loudspeakers for some or all of their surrounds?

[LordoftheRingsEE]

-- I got floorstanders for my Side surrounds. But I still set them to Small, with an 80Hz speaker crossover (for Movies).
And for multichannel SACDs they are set to Large (they're good to about 30Hz, so that's fine for music).

[MyPal]

40Hz for the fronts, 60Hz for surrounds, 80Hz LFE & the F113s dialled in at just under 40Hz, blends it all in nicely. Pushing the crossover up on the surrounds has stopped the monitors from maxing out.

I'll finish the driver swap over on the 2nd set of Dali Grand Coupes so all will be identical, nevertheless & put the working originals into storage.

[LordoftheRingsEE]

Originally Posted by MyPal

40Hz for the fronts, 60Hz for surrounds, 80Hz LFE & the F113s dialled in at just under 40Hz, blends it all in nicely.
Pushing the crossover up on the surrounds has stopped the monitors from maxing out.

---- Sounds good Steve.

I'll finish the driver swap over on the 2nd set of Dali Grand Coupes so all will be identical,
nevertheless & put the working originals into storage.

---- Excellent!

[chops-tube]

Originally Posted by MyPal

Who here uses floor standing loudspeakers for some or all of their surrounds?

I don't yet, but will be once I sell off some gear. I'm running NHT 2.9's up front and will eventually have a pair of 2.5i's or VT-2's for the rear. OR, unless I find a pair of VT-3's, I might end up moving the 2.9's to the rear.