Sonny emailed so I will ask my 3 cubic foot enclosure question here

[Mark Holmes]

I have two 3 cubic foot sealed enclosures. One has a Tumult II. The other is empty. (No missile silos for me )

Anyone have a Tumult in excellent condition they want to sell?

If not, what US made driver would you guys recommend to go with the Tumult.

I am using a BFD, a BASSIS and a bridged Cinepro 3k6SE that puts out about 1,400 watts into 4 ohms. I am using about 9 dB boost with the BASSIS and get pretty decent output down to 18 Hz or so. But would like to put something in the other enclosure.

I was hoping John of Acoustic Elegance was going to come out with a high excursion driver but all I have seen is an IB offering. I keep hoping someone will come out with another driver in the Tumult class.

I nearly pulled the trigger on a LMS driver, but am afraid I don't have enough power to drive it.

[Exocer]

Welcome aboard.

Immediately Rl-p 15, Fi Q-15 (modified to have a lower Q) come to mind. They have slightly less Xmax than the Tumult, but xmech would be very similar between the three drivers. Neither has a form of a linear motor topology but they've been proven to be rock solid performers.

Tc sounds is returning with AudioPulse drivers, some are LMS drivers with a few improvements. If you can wait a while (and don't have a financial limit) I would also suggest waiting for those. The only thing I would doubt check is if they're indeed made here in the USA still.

[BoomieMCT]

Personally, assuming the 3 cubic foot enclosures are the same, I'd buy two replacement drivers and use them. Then make a third enclosure for the Tumult and put it in your office (better than selling it). I'm a firm believer in matching drivers.

[Mark Holmes]

I am not in any real big hurry, but it is silly to have an enclosure sitting around unused. My first preference is to find someone with a spare Tumult. I am very pleased with the one I have.

The amp I have is between the RL-p15 and the LMS drivers. I think I have too much for the RL-p and not enough for the LMS. I have modeled the FI, but it did not do well in the 3 cu ft. Should I look into this low Q possibility?

I actually had another Tumult on order when Adire closed shop, and have yet to find something to fill the second enclosure.

[Exocer]

I don't know, but according to my simulations, that 1400watts may not be able to kill an rl-p 15 in a 3ft^3 box.

Assuming the amp is 100% efficient, you're only at about 31mm of excursion by 10hz. This is of course the point where electronics can start to roll off...I remember seeing an xmag of 27mm so Xmech might be slightly higher. I would contact Mike at SS first if anything.

I would also contact Scott at Fi to see what the T/S parameters would be like after lowering the Qts. I honestly do not think it models bad at all in the 3ft^3 enclosure before customizations. Stuff it heavy and you're under a qtc of.707.

[Mark Holmes]

Thanks for the info Robert. I have the BASSIS to boost the low end. It ends up being an expensive LT circuit. So if I do any boosting of the RL, I am afraid I will be hearing noises I did not expect.

I am using 9 dB and that is as much as the Tumult can take. Anything above that and when I run frequency sweeps, anything below 18 Hz and 12 dB of boost gives some mechanical noise.

I have been considering the thought Boomie brought up of getting two new drivers and move the Tumult to another enclosure. My problem is that I put a substantial amount of time in building the enclosures. Lots of cherry and a decent finish to match my main speakers. ( I attached a pic from when I was building them)

I have yet to find a better driver than the Tumult that meets the requirements of: 3 cu ft box, 1,400 watts and domestically assembled than the Tumult.

The LMS drivers are so expensive, even before TC changed their pricing. And need so much power. I keep hoping that someone comes up with a high excursion driver even better that the Tumult, but have yet to find one tht meets what I need.

[Warpdrv]

Those are some very nice enclosures Mark.... I'll be going in a similar direction with all cheery wood, ported but much larger... Do you have any finished pictures.

[Exocer]

Mark Holmes wrote:

Thanks for the info Robert. I have the BASSIS to boost the low end. It ends up being an expensive LT circuit. So if I do any boosting of the RL, I am afraid I will be hearing noises I did not expect.

I am using 9 dB and that is as much as the Tumult can take. Anything above that and when I run frequency sweeps, anything below 18 Hz and 12 dB of boost gives some mechanical noise.

I have been considering the thought Boomie brought up of getting two new drivers and move the Tumult to another enclosure. My problem is that I put a substantial amount of time in building the enclosures. Lots of cherry and a decent finish to match my main speakers. ( I attached a pic from when I was building them)

I have yet to find a better driver than the Tumult that meets the requirements of: 3 cu ft box, 1,400 watts and domestically assembled than the Tumult.

The LMS drivers are so expensive, even before TC changed their pricing. And need so much power. I keep hoping that someone comes up with a high excursion driver even better that the Tumult, but have yet to find one tht meets what I need.

Very nice boxes indeed, and glad to be of assistance.

Since you're not in any type of hurry might I suggest waiting a little longer for the next magical high excursion driver that fits your needs...IMO high excursion 15" driver options are currently at a low.

Who knows...maybe a group buy can be organized... I do remember reading something over on TC's site about custom drivers being a possibility with an order of at least 10 drivers (for larger drivers) etc...

[Mark Holmes]

Exocer,

Let me know if you get a group buy going. I might even spring for 2...

Warp,

I do not have finished pictures. I have one with just sanding sealer. I will have to take a picture and will post tonight when I get a chance. I had an interesting experience with the finish. I used what I thought was cherry veneer and some nice cherry hardwood for the trim. I could not get the dye and stain finish consistent between the two woods. I am convinced the veneer is not really cherry.