Anyone else considering getting in on the group buy for these, for IB use? I'm thinking of upgrading my IB (presently 4 Dayton IB15's, 250W total). I'm getting the Dayton SA1000 amp, and am considering 2 of the Obsidian 18's or 4 of the FiCar IB315's. I have no intention of ever going super high power, so I'll never push the Fi's to their limit. The Obisidians will be far cheaper, and only a little below the Fi's in output. Any thoughts? I'll likely have to re-do my manifold, for sure for the 18's...not sure about the Fi 15's.
I would be interested if they really could be used for IB. Has anyone posted any models of them being used for IB? How do they compare to the FI IB 318?
I don't have plots to share, but here are the numbers for a single of each. This is with 250W. The lower Fs of the Fi gives it a bit better output down low, but it is approaching Xmax at 10Hz while the Obsidian is comfortably within its limits. All simulation though. I'm holding out for the Fi's, simply because I don't have the power to push the Obisidians to get their max output. Plus I'd have to make a new manifold for the 18's; I'm sticking to Fi 15's. But, with enough pre-orders, the price of the Obsidians gets even better. Mention HTS if you pre-order, to get the count higher for a lower price (potentially).
Obsidian 18D2
Max Output W/ Filter 110.76
Relative -3 dB Point 25.17 Hz
Relative -6 dB Point 19.43 Hz
Relative -10 dB Point 14.87 Hz
Fi IB318
Max Output W/ Filter 112.35
Relative -3 dB Point 22.32 Hz
Relative -6 dB Point 16.92 Hz
Relative -10 dB Point 12.71 Hz
I'm also running 15's and would have to modify my manifolds also. I'm running 8 Kicker Comps on a EP 2500. I will have to model 4 obsidians against the 8 Kickers to see if it's worth all the trouble. I know 8 obsidians would be worth it, but 4 is about all I could afford right now.
It's a tough decision; I simply wouldn't get enough improvement to warrant the trouble of rebuilding my manifold. I don't think they'll outperform your Kickers either (by much), assuming your Kickers have at least 12mm of Xmax. My Daytons are limited under 10Hz, so that's my main motivation to upgrade. The Fi's have a significant edge in Xmax over the Obsidians, and I believe they are more efficient too. I refuse to go above a 1000W amp, so I'm pretty much set on the Fi's.
Kicker rates the Xmax as EXmax = effective excursion 11.4 mm (what ever that means). I read some where they were like 13.1 or 14.1 Xmax don't remember exactly. I'm happy with them, but I haven't reach the bass extreme i'm looking for of breaking something in the house yet. Lol
Before doing home theater I use to compete in car stereo comps about 10-15 years ago. I guess I'm trying to go back to my spl roots. I'm just at a point where I need to stop investing in more equipment and finish the room with carpet, acoustic treatments, curtains, etc., But when a good deal comes along, the upgrade bug starts whispering in my ear, "hey those 8-15's sound pretty good, but 16-18's would sound better"
Still not sure I'll upgrade mine. I mean, will I really get over $1000 of improvement!?! I've yet to hear the limits of my present IB, but we know logic plays no part is this hobby. I would like to make a big statement and move up to 18's, but it was hard enough getting my manifold for 15's in place. I'll decide by fall if I make the move, too hot up there already. Good luck with your quest!
Not sure...I think it's a 'work in progress'. They have a preorder on their site. Just mention the forum and they'll count the numbers and apply any discounts.
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