Re: COF< another Diy Speaker question!!

I havent had time to even build my sub yet, but Im trying to design some bookshelf speakers to go with... I have been reading everything I can on crossover design, but it kind of sounds like you really need measuring equipment and software to do it rigth. Is there any freeware or inexpensive crossover design software that is pretty good? Or, I have read that the Vifa P17 is really easy tyo work with(smooth freq. response). Could I use that wityh the tweeter of my choice(leaning towards an Audax 1" titanium driver), select a crossover freq., and use the textbook value crossover? I realize this may be too vague a question, but maybe you can help anyway. I know Ill need an L pad and a zobel, but I just dont know if a textbook crossover will make these drivers sound good. Any advice you could give would be VERY helpful.(As it has always in the past) Thanks, Ryan

[crazyoldfart]

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<DIV>This is the response of the Vifa P17SJ-00-08 sheilding 6.5" mid-woofer:</DIV><BR>
<DIV><A onfocus=this.blur() href="javascript:meas()"><IMG height=395 alt="" src="http://www.d-s-t.com/vifa/data/freq_p17sj-00-08.gif" width=585 align=bottom border=0></A></DIV><BR>
<DIV>That is a pretty smooth response in the midrange, but not perfect. With a standard Zobel network and a 12dB Linkwitz-Riley filter with the corner around 2.5kHz to 3kHz would be pretty nice. However, without measuring the resulting response, I cannot predict anything. </DIV><BR>
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<DIV>I have learned that it is very difficult to predict the performance of a system with standard tools. There are great software packages that do it well, but they cost over $500 to start and the good ones get as high as $5K. </DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
<DIV>In your shoes, I would start with a less expensive components and learn through trial and error. It is important to get at least a RTA, either software or stand alone, to confirm what you think you might hear. There are other things like phase and group delay that you can figure out later, once you understand response. </DIV>

Thank you COF. Maybe Ill start with some Dayton drivers or something comparable. On Speakerbuilder.net he shows how to build a testing microphone. I have aldeady downloaded a few different programs, but most of them you need to test the speaker with a mic. They have built in tones, so maybe Ill start with a mic, and go from there. I got a new computer and it wont let me sign in. This is Spam Luver, thanks for all of your help!!!