BWC (Big Woofer Club): Why Big Woofers Matter

I liked the stuff Kloss made when he started Cambridge Soundworks, though you have to dial your expectations down to the level of what you'd expect from a 2.1 desktop satellite system. It was miles better than anything Logitech was doing in that form factor, and a fair sniff better than the equivalent and larger Bose systems as well. Heck, I still have an old set of the "PC Works" speakers in a box, and the "Model Twelve" system is set up at my computer (it's also a cool suitcase system that I've set up for garage parties... well, nowadays I just use a bluetooth speaker, c'mon the Cambridge are nearly 40 years old, it's not a fair competition anymore).

 

There have been more and more manufacturers trying to cash in on nostalgia and rising values of vintage gear lately, the obviously mentioned KLH model 5 probably being the one I've seen shilled out the most but also stuff like JBL with the L100 classic and the Yamaha NS-5000 which is modeled to look the same as the NS-1000 - haven't actually heard any of these so can't comment on whether they're any good or not though. I saw a lot of pairs of the new KLH model 5 pop up for sale used around here really quickly after they came out though which isn't exactly a great sign, so glad to see some discussion about what the issues with them actually are.

Regarding new stuff with big woofers for 2k, you'll probably have a better time in the used market like you mentioned - I know tekton makes some speakers with 10"/12" woofers around that price if you have the room for them, they seem to have a pretty positive following in some communities but are another thing I haven't had a chance to hear so can't speak to them personally. They do have a trial period return policy, so might be worth trying if you don't mind waiting.

 

Why not a version of Troels' Faital 3WC designs (10, 12, or 15" versions)? Price lists for all 3 are here: http://www.jantzen-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/pricelist3.pdf

I'm assuming you want to get into BWC for both woofer surface area and efficiency, but that A26 isn't efficient at all compared to the Faital 3WC's.

 

Will investigate, thanks. Is this all EU/UK though ?

 

Yeah, the drivers, x-over components, and DIY instructions would come from the EU-which is kind of an advantage, lately.

If you're ever in NYC, you're welcome to hear my 3WC-15s.

Original Faital 3WC page
Faital 3WC-15 page
Faital 3WC-10 page

Also.. Mods, how do I get a BWC tag?

 

I love this thread. Nothing much to add, other than to say the 12” on the Klipsch Heresy IV (plus the rest of the horn witchcraft) is what makes them a great set for me. A man can’t live from horns alone.

Big is relative. I think if you’re in the bookshelf category, BW 606 and their 6.5” woofers are probably on the “big” side for the class. And it shows.

What API do I call to snag a BWC tag?

 

Woofers should be packed carefully and despatched to the the SBAF-Staff Woofer Appraisal Committee. with the appropriate fee and return courier payment.

(I don't think they believe in relativity)

 

Size is relative for human experience.

Hi-Fi and Hi-End audio wise it is fair to say that from 12'' or so starts the level where compromises are so much less sound wise that it can be considered a mature full range speaker.

In PA and concert gear 12'' can be midrange.

The Troels designed 3WC line up has among them 12'' and 10'' versions. The 10'' one has the most bass extension, the 12'' the least. Not that extension is most significant attribute, but this is a good example of trade-offs.

Not insignificant are the human conditions of perception and delusion:
'my 6'' supa woofer sounds beddurr than big speakers' folks.
Similar to --> my Golf GTi can run circles around your V8.

 

My '76 Cornwalls have fantastic high and mid-bass, and decent low-bass. The svs sb1000 pro takes care of everything under 70hz (with 12db slope) and the combo sounds incredible.

The Cornwalls really opened my eyes to the virtues of big woofers.

 

Finally something for the BWC boys.

 

Does it come in black?

 

Here's more info... https://www.aia-cinema.com/de/produkte/subwoofers/the-80-sub-pro-passive-sealed.html

And simply for the sake of sharing... because a peak of 145 dB is bonkers.

 

Here's a buddy of mine standing next to the size diagram. He himself isn't too petite and his PA company is one of the few in the country who operate the M-Force 40" sub. He once told me that they were able to reach the practical LF SPL limit in open air. The thing would move so much air that the rest of the spectrum would ride the bass and become Doppler distorted.

 

Interesting. Probably better for home theatre than music. Movie explosions that actually break things in real life!

I think I have posted this here before, but I've always been curious about this approach to the same problem.

http://www.rotarywoofer.com/

 

Apparently it is quite fast. There was a interesting look at this sub here:

 

Speakers in, headphones out.
JBL/Sansui EC138

 

Nice. But I think you should fill that room with soft stuff.

 

Yep, these will be moved to narrower room shortly. Present room is too large to treat

 

What remains of my lust doesn't often turn towards audio these days, but somehow, I don't know how, I found myself Internet-drooling over 15-inch woofers today. British too. PMC.

They even do a model with two 15-inchers.

Gave me a funny turn. Don't know how I would handle it in real life.

Just lie back and open my ears, I suppose.

 

You gotta do it!