Xover and driver selection...

[snootch]

I've been hell-bent on going with a 3-way system for my mids-highs in my 2000 Trans Am, and I need some help deciding on the exact type of peerless midbass to go with, the CSX217C 8", (which is labeled as a "bass driver"on the peerless site):
http://www.d-s-t.com/peerless/data/850519.htm
or, the CSX165C 61/2" (which is labeled as "midbass")
http://www.d-s-t.com/peerless/data/850518.htm

My selection of drivers is this:
Tweeters: Peerless RDC2000 1" ring dome tweeter:
http://www.d-s-t.com/peerless/data/841939.htm

Midrange: Peerless WR100 4" tweeter:
http://www.d-s-t.com/peerless/data/830516.htm
Then either the 6-1/2, or the 8" for midbass.

I also am unsure of the crossover points as well. I was thinking: (12dB/Oct)
Tweet: 2Khz-20Khz
Mid: 300Khz-3Khz
Midbass: 500Hz-100Hz

All power for each pair of speakers will be supplied by thier dedicated Rockford 250a2 (65WRMS x 2) amplifier.
All crossover functions will be handled by my RF Symmetry EPX2. The whole motive for this is if I blow a speaker, I can buy a replacement without having to buy a set of speakers, and much lower cost than the Alpine SPX-F17T 3-way components ($475) that I was looking at. Opinions please? Oh, also, I forgot to mention that I have the 28 band eq card in the EPX2 to help smooth the xover overlaps. Which woofer would be better to use? the 6.5" or the 8"?

 

[tsmith1315]

Which woofer would be better to use? the 6.5" or the 8"?

If you can get an enclosed ¼ ft³ or so, use the 6½". That should get you down to the 100Hz range safely. The 8" would require roughly 3x the enclosure volume.
If there is no possibility for enclosure, use the 8" to give you and edge on efficiency/power handling.

Likewise for the 4", an enclosure would provide nice isolation if large enough. Too small (less than 80 in³ or so), and it might raise Fc and Qtc to the point of interference in the midrange.

As far as the crossover frequencies go, try to go a couple of octaves above the midrange and tweeter resonant frequency. That would be around 350 Hz and 4kHz. I have my doubts about the tweeter surviving at 2kHz anyway.

Nice looking components, especially for the price. I wouldn't hestitate on the purchase. You have good power and good electronics. Careful installation and filter tuning will do you more good than very expensive speakers.

I've been looking at that 4" or the trusty old Vifa M10 for a similar 3-way setup with a Focal 5N412DB or Dynaudio 17W75 and Focal T90K.
As such, I'd be very interested to hear about you results!

BTW, do put the interior back together before equalizing with such an extensive EQ.

Tim

 

[snootch]

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