Bookshelf speakers with M2 WG: woofer options

[Aaron]

At some point this spring I hope to embark on my first proper speaker project in about a decade.
I'd like to make a living room friendly compact monitor capable of reaching down to 60Hz, using the M2 waveguide and I find I'm a bit spoilt for choice in the woofer department.

I currently have pairs of the following:

2216nd
1400nd
1200fe-8
LE14H-3


I've read that LE14s don't like small boxes despite what simulators say, so I guess it's something outside of the T/S parameters. Maybe the shallow cone geometry audibly strains when fighting against the big pressures in a small box?

If so, I suppose the 1400nd will suffer the same fate if the cone is similar.

I know next to nothing about the 2216nd other than it's the new darling. Do you think it would ruin all the magic if I jammed it into a 2.5cuft box?

The 1200fe kinda looks like the obvious choice: I don't think I need huge pro levels of dynamic range (I've already got hearing damage) and at normal playback levels, it has lower distortion than anything else I can afford. My only real misgivings are a small woofer like this will probably look dwarfed by the waveguide (not a big deal) and the big 'what if'...What if I really notice the lack of a metric butt-load of dynamics?

[grumpy]

I like the 1200 for this. Have heard it in an effective 2-way with horn on top, and it delivered in butt loads... metric or otherwise.

[BMWCCA]

Not to talk you out of a bookshelf project, but have you considered the LSR308?

SPECIFICATIONS^

	Frequency Range	37Hz - 24khz
	Max Peak SPL	112 dB SPL C-Weighted
	Max Peak Input	+23 dBu
	LF Driver Size	203 mm (8")
	HF Driver Size	25 mm (1")
	LF Driver Power Amp	56 W Class D
	HF Driver Power Amp	56 W Class D
	LF Trim Control	+2 dB, 0, -2 dB
	HF Trim Control	+2 dB, 0, -2 dB
	Input Types	1 x XLR, 1 x TRS Balanced
	AC Input Voltage	100-240 VAC +/- 10% 50/60 Hz
	Dimensions (H x W x D)	419 mm x 254 mm x 308 mm (16.5 in x 10 in x 12.1 in)
	Weight	8.6 kg (18.9 lbs)

[Aaron]

I had considered the 708i, but I've got the waveguides, DSP, amps and all these woofers...I feel compelled to build a thing.

[BMWCCA]

I had considered the 708i, but I've got the waveguides, DSP, amps and all these woofers...I feel compelled to build a thing.

Good luck and I hope you keep us updated on your progress!

[JuniorJBL]

I like the 1200 for this. Have heard it in an effective 2-way with horn on top, and it delivered in butt loads... metric or otherwise.

I agree with Boris!! Definitely some magic there!

[Aaron]

Thanks for the input guys, I'll try the 1200fe first.