Ever tried Neodymium speakers?

[AdamJames306]

So I'm thinking about building my own cab. I want an 18" cab to add to my rig, but the cabs I see are all really heavy. The SWR Big Ben is nearly 80 pounds. And I don't feel like lugging that monster around.

I'm toying with the idea of building a cab with lightweight Neodymium speakers. It would be a fraction of the weight, not to mention I would save some serious cheese by getting the materials and assembling it myself.

Has anyone had any experience with these Neodymium speakers? I've heard they're just as good as regular speakers, but I've never actually met anyone who has used them. It's all been hearsay. Anyone?

[Joe Nerve]

Research a little more.

[hdracer]

Originally Posted by AdamJames306

, not to mention I would save some serious cheese by getting the materials and assembling it myself.

You will never save any "serious cheese" by building your own cab over buying a used one. Have you checked on the price of Baltic Birch plywood lately?

I would suggest you research this a little more. I am just finishing up my first cab build. Build your own only if you want something that is not readily available.

[Foz]

The Kappalite 3015LF and its 12" cousin the 3012LF are both fabulous woofers... astonishing output and clarity - practically weightless compared to traditional drivers of equivalent capability.

http://www.eminence.com/pdf/Kappalite_3015LF.pdf

http://www.eminence.com/pdf/Kappalite_3012LF.pdf

check out these designs

http://greenboy.us/fEARful/

http://www.talkbass.com/wiki/index.p...s_or_completed

[Gintaras]

they have come a long way. You could read for days on the posts on this forum. I have been using Neo's strictly for about 2 years and the sound has improved and love the weight.
Just read a post a few weeks ago on why you might be better off with a 2x10 or 4x10. The 18's supposedly do not cut through well. My opinions are based on reading and not experience.

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

Research a little more.

Research a lot more. There's far more to designing a speaker than sticking a driver in a box. First off there's these bits, with which one should be as familiar as the back of one's hand:

http://www.eminence.com/support/unde...dspeaker-data/

[lfbassguy]

you will not hear an 18 standing next to it. they do sound great about 50' out though.

[MuzikMan]

I use the Eminence Kappalite 3015LF and the Kappalite 3012LF. They are very well engineered drivers that just happen to have neo magnets.

I don't think you will save any money building your own, especially if light weight is a goal, but it is a lot of fun and educational (as long as you take the time to do it right).

[famstd]

I'm using neodymiums in a Hartke LH5210C. They sound good. I used 12" neodymium also. Very good speakers.

[WJGreer]

I can't really hear a difference between Neodymium speakers and ceramics. Furthermore, I find the weight advantage to be incremental and not a game changer, possibly excepting 410 and 810 cabinets where the weight advantage is multiplied many times. In a 1x12 or 1x15 configuration, the materials and bracing choices probably have at least as much weight impact.

[eastcoasteddie]

[cableguy]

Originally Posted by Foz

The Kappalite 3015LF and its 12" cousin the 3012LF are both fabulous woofers... astonishing output and clarity - practically weightless compared to traditional drivers of equivalent capability.

http://www.eminence.com/pdf/Kappalite_3015LF.pdf

http://www.eminence.com/pdf/Kappalite_3012LF.pdf

check out these designs

http://greenboy.us/fEARful/

http://www.talkbass.com/wiki/index.p...s_or_completed

+1000 on the fEarful cabs. If you're looking to ad an 18" I would look at the 15/15/6/6 design in the thread. For something smaller the 15/6. I wanted a small cab so I built the 12/6 for about $400. It weighs 38lbs and it really thumps for the size. I bet a bigger one would just destroy with enough power.

[JxBass]

And when you finally do your research you'll find custom, boutique, and major cab manufacturers are all using them.

[AdamJames306]

I love how everyone is telling me to do research. What do you think this is?

[audiomitch]

Originally Posted by AdamJames306

I love how everyone is telling me to do research. What do you think this is?

There are hundreds of threads on this. Do a search and you will have more answers than you can handle.

[Moe Monsarrat]

You only need to research the design of the cab. Neo speakers are the best I've ever used. I use mostly 10s (2x10, 4x10,8x10) & they sound better & weigh much less. They also have proved to be very durable so far. My current fave cab is the Carvin BRX210 Neo. You won't be disappointed with them.

[OldogNewTrick]

Originally Posted by AdamJames306

I love how everyone is telling me to do research. What do you think this is?

The FAQ section is an excellent place to start..

Resources for DIY Speaker Cabinet and Amp Builders Including Builds by TB Members, Useful links and Speaker Design Freeware

[Joe Nerve]

Originally Posted by AdamJames306

Has anyone had any experience with these Neodymium speakers? I've heard they're just as good as regular speakers, but I've never actually met anyone who has used them. It's all been hearsay. Anyone?

Probably half the people here use them. Seems you did no research whatsoever. Hence, research a little.

[Passinwind]

Originally Posted by AdamJames306

I've heard they're just as good as regular speakers, but I've never actually met anyone who has used them. It's all been hearsay.

Have you actually met any of us?

[MikeBass]

Every cab builder/manufacturer is using them for the most part.
From Ampeg to Eden to Crate to SWR to Genz Benz to well, pretty much everybody from cheap import from China to uber expensive custom stuff.

Oh, any second you should be told that an 18 is a bad idea.....not by me, do what you want. But you'll see..