Merrill Zigmahornet

[planet10]

Some comments on your answers...

Hugh's AKSA is nice.

Given the need for simplicity of build, and your SO's comment on Steve's Metronome, it seems that might be your best bet. It is actually just as easy to buid as the zigmahornet (actually 2 less pieces if you don't count the port tube), just requires a different approach with the straight edge. There are more or less optimum dimensions for a wide range of drivers. They are all modern designs (ie the dimensions all come out of MJK models).

If that works for you, then it just comes down to choosing a driver. Given your 1.2 m hieght preference (i call it a preference, not a restiction because Zigmahornet is 1.5m) and the desire for mid/top detail over bass slam, then a smaller driver makes sense.

The drivers (of the currently available) then come down to FE108eS (like Steve's) or FE126/127. The 108 has it all over the stock FE126/127 in the midrange but really needs help in the bass.

Modded FE126/127 come within a whisker hair of the FE108 in the mid with better bass (& top) -- quite satisfying bass into the 50s. The Metronome for the 126/127 is 25 cm taller than the FE108 (ie 1.33 m tall). To boot the modded FE126/127 is cheaper than FE108. Of the FE126/127 the 127 is better suited to the enclosure and is a bit smoother at the sacrifice of a bit of efficiency.

If you want more bass precence and can live with a bit pudgier enclosure, then you can go for a bipole.

dave

FE127 metronome picture attached.