Speaker for B-15 clone

[Matt B]

Hi,

I am starting to build a B15 clone and would like a bit of input on the speaker choice.

I have searched these forums a lot and what it seems to come back to is that the eminence Delta or Beta 15a are both fair contenders. I was pretty close to ordering the Delta but keep thinking about the Weber Cali 15 with the Aluminum dome. It seems they are meant to be a close tribute to the JBL D140F which i understand was considered an upgrade speaker for the B 15 cabs.

Has anyone tried the Weber Cali 15 in a B 15 cab?

Cheers,
Matt

 

[Matt B]

If no one has tried a Weber Cali 15 in a B15 cab has any body here had experience with them in any other bass cab?

 

[TinIndian]

Cool project. Sorry I don't have any input in the speaker but I have a question are you building the amplifier yourself? Is it from a kit or are you building from a schematic?

 

[NKBassman]

I have nothing to offer, just curious about the answer.

 

[coreyfyfe]

Haven't tried the weber. I've had a few eminences, a JBL K140, and CTS (stock and recones) in my B15Ns. The single baffle I had was complete with its stock CTS. My double baffle came to me with the K140, I tried some eminence, and finally settled on the reconed CTS. The aluminum cap JBL was a bit honky in that cab IMO, the CTS and eminence were smoother. If I was building a new cab I'd probably go for an eminence beta, but not having heard a D140 I can't really comment on the weber. Best of luck to you.

 

[P Town]

Are you reproducing a double baffle cab, or the later design?

 

[Grissle]

Where did you find plans! I've looked all over. I've got a couple of Altec 421's begging for some B-15 cabs! I've also got a nice JBL-E140 looking for a cozy enclosure.

 

[Matt B]

Cool project. Sorry I don't have any input in the speaker but I have a question are you building the amplifier yourself? Is it from a kit or are you building from a schematic?

Hey. I am building it myself from a schematic. I am not aware of a kit for them. I have not started building yet but have started ordering so I am committed. Should have something to show February / march.

 

[Matt B]

Where did you find plans! I've looked all over. I've got a couple of Altec 421's begging for some B-15 cabs! I've also got a nice JBL-E140 looking for a cozy enclosure.

I don't have access to them from my phone here but the website ctg electronics. The guy that runs it is generous with info...

 

[Matt B]

Haven't tried the weber. I've had a few eminences, a JBL K140, and CTS (stock and recones) in my B15Ns. The single baffle I had was complete with its stock CTS. My double baffle came to me with the K140, I tried some eminence, and finally settled on the reconed CTS. The aluminum cap JBL was a bit honky in that cab IMO, the CTS and eminence were smoother. If I was building a new cab I'd probably go for an eminence beta, but not having heard a D140 I can't really comment on the weber. Best of luck to you.

I was planning on making 2 cabs for it so maybe I do a weber and a delta or beta. Once I have a preference order the extra driver. I will need to see how my budget looks in February. Thanks for the input.

 

[Vintage-Blue]

I don't have access to them from my phone here but the website ctg electronics. The guy that runs it is generous with info...

Here is a link to the latest B15N-style project on the site: CtG FCBN 51B

This latest rendition is sized so that it is "flippable" when used with a single or double-baffle cabinet. Keith does a great job of documenting his projects.

 

[Matt B]

For anyone that is interested... Once I get the chassis back from the laser shop (hopefully this week) I can start to put together my b15 clone based on the CTG layout. I have everything else here now.

I wanted to build 2 cabs. 1 with a weber Cali 15 and one with a beta 15a. I have the weber here now and then blew my beta 15 budget on a JBL k140. I will load the 2 cabs that way for now and get a beta in a month or two. Once I figure which speaker I like the sound of the best I will load both cabs the same way... If anyone is interested I will post some progress pics once the chassis is back.

 

[NKBassman]

Please do.

 

[Matt B]

I have got the amp running, a little bit of hum to tidy up this weekend and a cage to cover the tubes to be built but it sounds amazing!

I have all the cutting done for the single baffle cabs but will not get a chance to assemble the cabs for a week or 2 at the moment, I have the weber Cali 15 and JBL K 140 ready to go and will order a beta 15 in couple of weeks.

Thanks to Keith from CTG

 

[BassmanPaul]

Errr Matt?

This amp should definitely appear in the Amp Guts thread. Both top and under chassis shots are required.

What do you mean by "laser shop"? I question because I have six blank chassis that need cutting.

Edit: I would also like to see an example of your work. How other folk put stuff together interests me greatly.

 

[NKBassman]

I'm jealous of your skills.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Very nice work Matt. If it sounds half as good as it looks, you'll have a wonderful amp.

 

[vin*tone]

Fantastic.

 

[Matt B]

I will look to add some details to the amp guts thread later. Here is a quick gut shot for now... This is only my second build so still a lot to learn but pretty happy so far.

In regard to the laser shop. I put a lot of work through a local cnc production shop for my day job so the are helpful with one offs for me.

I will show more details once the cabs are done.

 

[bachlover]

Very, very nice Matt, Love my B15N. If I constructed it myself I'd probably starve to death (with a smile on my face) from not being able to leave it alone! Hope you can show more constraint......