Fast Monitor     in Klang+Ton 5/2008

Fast-Monitor aus Klang+Ton 5/2008
Technical data:
- impedance: 8 Ohm
- rated SPL (2.83V/1m): 86 dB
- size: 37 x 22.6 x 30 cm
- frequency range (-8dB): 40-20000 Hz
- crossover frequency: 400 Hz
- speaker type: bass reflex
The objective was to design a loudspeaker with a full range driver that is also able to produce some bass. After several listening sessions and lab test Dennis Frank decided to go for the Fostex FF 85K.

Due to the small size of the full range drivers some bass support was needed: on the shortlist were several Visaton drivers showing an excellent price / performance ratio, Peerless and the Audaphon M8-18.

Dennis Frank selected the Audaphon woofer; this driver is quite capable of producing even lower bass if the cabinet size is enlarge, e.g. by doubling the capacity.

Excerpt from the review in Klang+Ton:

"Right from the word go it was clear that the full range drivers were calling the tunes. However, the Audaphon was in no way inferior to the Fostex. The mids and tops produced by the small full range is offset by the Audaphon with a solid bass foundation. There is absolutely no audible gap between the two drivers due to the low crossover. The latter is also advantageous for vocals, coming almost exclusively from the Fostex. Female vocals are floating, percussion is sparkling and the entire sound is distributed generously, especially do to the parallel placement of the speakers. Through angling of the speakers the high frequencies can be adjusted according to taste. Pointing the speakers slightly inwards has the effect of engaging loudness. The upper bass dominates somewhat; the speaker is just too small to produce serious low bass. Apart from the bass reflex solution described here, a closed cabinet version is also thinkable; this might require some better electronics, though. Another alternative could be a 30 litre cabinet for the bass driver, where the Audaphon could really excel (see also the simulation in Klang+Ton 6/2007). The dynamics of this compact speaker are surprisingly good due to powerful drives of the Fostex and the Audaphon. They generate a lot of movement since moved mass is low, resulting in an extremely airy presentation that floats in-between the two speakers; this unfatigueing sound is certainly a motivation to continue listening. Especially the jazz lovers will enjoy themselves, experiencing the lively performance of the FAST Monitor. And last but not least, even large orchestral performances draw attention – they sound at least double the size, meaning that enthusiasts of jack-of-all-trades requiring small speakers due to lack of space will get their money's worth."

Verdict:
"The FAST Monitor is an excellent start to seriously getting involved in full range with bass support. The lively Fostex full range obtains appropriate support by the punchy Audaphon bass. As a uniform and integrated whole this pair show liveliness and enthusiasm at a price where one doesn't have to think twice."

Our standard kit consists of

- Fostex FF 85K full range driver
- 18 cm Audaphon MB 18-8 bass driver
- damping material polyester fleece for 20 litres
- bass reflex tube HP70
- 2 gold plated brass binding posts
- 12 Pan screws 4x20, black
- 1.5 metres loudspeaker cable 2x1.5 mm2
- building instruction
The crossover components to be mounted on wood:
- 4.7 mH Mundorf ferrite core coil (40 mm core)
- 3.3 mH core coil/1.41 Ohm
- 47 μF ELCO, etched
- 33 μF MKT capacitor
- 1.0 Ohm MOX4 resistor (brown-black-gold)
- 27 Ohm MOX4 resistor (red-purple-black)

Fast Monitor kit without cabinet
Price per unit - not available

Our Fast Monitor high-end kit

The crossover components to be mounted on wood:
- 4.7 mH ferrite core coil, 0.24 Ohm
- 3.3 mH core coil/1.41 Ohm
- 47 μF MKT capacitor
- 33 μF Mundorf MKP capacitor/400 V
- 1.0 Ohm MOX4 resistor (brown-black-gold)
- 27 Ohm MOX4 resistor (red-purple-black)

Fast Monitor kit with high-end crossover without cabinet
Price per unit - not available

if you prefer to fit the components yourself on PCB:
PCB 150x115 mm, Order No. I-8805017,     Price   EUR 4,70 excl. VAT: € 3.95 / $ 4.27

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