Horn for 291-16K driver

[Spongeworthy]

Hi,

I'm looking to use a 291-16K to use in a 2-way system with a Homemade Klipschorn bass bin. I am currently running a 511b/902/2404 combo with nice results.

I came across the 291 drivers and wanted to give it a try. These things are beasts!!

Thanks for any advice.

Oh yeah, it would help if the driver is reasonably available and not $800 a pair.

[analog addict]

Hi,

I'm looking to use a 291-16K to use in a 2-way system with a Homemade Klipschorn bass bin. I am currently running a 511b/902/2404 combo with nice results.

I came across the 291 drivers and wanted to give it a try. These things are beasts!!

Thanks for any advice.

Oh yeah, it would help if the driver is reasonably available and not $800 a pair.

You want a suggestion on a horn? Driver? or you want to use the 291 on a horn as the top end of a two way system?

The problem as I see it is that the 291-16K uses an aluminum diaphragm that's only good to 13K if you believe the specs. To get the most out of them, you need to do a 'phragm conversion using a GPA diaphragm to convert to a 288-16G, with a jump to 15K on high freq reproduction. You'll lose power handling capability though, dropping from 50 to 15 watts.

As far as a horn goes, it depends on a lot of factors. How big is your listening room? How low do you want to cross them over? What kind of dispersion do you want?

Your typical choices might be 511E's, mantarays, or other large format multi cells. I have 1005B's, 203B's, MR94B's, and even some VIT's, and they all have very different characteristics...

[spkrman57]

You want a suggestion on a horn? Driver? or you want to use the 291 on a horn as the top end of a two way system?

The problem as I see it is that the 291-16K uses an aluminum diaphragm that's only good to 13K if you believe the specs. To get the most out of them, you need to do a 'phragm conversion using a GPA diaphragm to convert to a 288-16G, with a jump to 15K on high freq reproduction. You'll lose power handling capability though, dropping from 50 to 15 watts.

As far as a horn goes, it depends on a lot of factors. How big is your listening room? How low do you want to cross them over? What kind of dispersion do you want?

Your typical choices might be 511E's, mantarays, or other large format multi cells. I have 1005B's, 203B's, MR94B's, and even some VIT's, and they all have very different characteristics...

I bought the "pascalite" aluminum diaphrams to convert my 291's to 299's(same as current 399 driver Great Plains offers). Now I'm just waiting for Bruce Edgar to build my 1.4" to 2" adapters for use on my 350hz tractix Edgarhorns in my avatar.

Regards, Ron

[analog addict]

I bought the "pascalite" aluminum diaphrams to convert my 291's to 299's(same as current 399 driver Great Plains offers). Now I'm just waiting for Bruce Edgar to build my 1.4" to 2" adapters for use on my 350hz tractix Edgarhorns in my avatar.

Regards, Ron

Ron, Looks like you have it covered! I'd be curious to hear your impressions on the 299's. I haven't really listened to mine yet, since they're currently set up in the 4 bolt pattern, and the only 4 bolt 1.4" horn I have are the VIT's....

[spkrman57]

They sounded very nice.

Right now the EV DH1A's I have running on my 350hz Edgarhorns have a sizzle problem between 4khz and 8khz. It's nothing that jumps out at you, but I can't ignore it and that's the reason I am using the 291's with new diaphrams.

I noticed the OP mentioned using a K-horn bottom and wanting to use a 2-way. I don't see that as possible as you need a mid to go down to 300hz to avoid the midrange suckout..

BTW, I'm crossing over at 1.6khz with Pi crossover and powering with 300B triode power.

The OP should look at going with a 3-way with a cone-driven horn for 300hz to at least 800hz coverage where the 291(299/399) 1.4" drivers bottom limit would be.

Maybe some others will chime in with some ideas!

Cheers, Ron