Simplex 1 x 12" with 3012LF vs Greenboy Fearless f112

[funkle]

Good afternoon all

Anyone have any thoughts at how the Simplexx 1 x 12" with the Kappalite 3012LF/APT80 would compare to one of the Greenboy Fearless f112 in terms of low end performance and sound?

The Simplexx plans recomend a range of drivers inclusing the 3012LF crossing over to the Eminence APT80. The SPL chart is reasonably smooth and the low end performance looks good for a direct radiator system in an appropriately sized box.

The Greenboy Fearless f112 is also also based around 3012LF, though crossing over to a Faital mid driver (M5N12-80) and then for the highs to either the Eminence APT80 or Faital HF102. (http://greenboy.us/cabs/view.php?model=FEARLESS%20F112 and http://jhawkcustoms.com/fearless.htm)

The greenboy design is 3-way as opposed to 2-way and I assume would require a more complicated (and expensive) crossover due to that. The f112 allows for tilt back monitoring as the cab is shaped a bit like a monitor. However, I assume it gives up a little low end because I assume the internal volume is reduced due to its shape.

In the UK, I can ask a builder to make me a Simplexx cab with 3012LF for circa £500 (or build it myself for around £300), whereas the Greenboy one is circa £700. I'm therefore a bit more inclined to the BFM cab as things stand, especially as I have a published SPL chart (though for the Deltalite 2512 driver, not the 3012LF).

In trying to decide...

Does anyone have any commentary on the merits of the greenboy design? (There are no published SPL charts for the f112 and I haven't had any success after requesting the info on the Greenboy.us forum).

Is a 2 way enclosure intrinsically better than a 3 way system?

Thanks for your thoughts

Pete

[LelandCrooks]

I have not heard nor built a simplexx yet. I have heard the F112 and it's an excellent cabinet. In looking at both designs and knowing Bill's chops I'd wager it's a close contest, would boil down to tonal preferences. The F112 is probably more mid forward, that MFN is a pretty hot driver. But Bill knows how to take advantage of everything the Neo series are capable of, right up to the top of their range. Both take advantage of the serious displacement of the 3012 to it's limit.

In cabinet design the tip goes to the simplexx. The multiple ports balance the load on the driver, as opposed to the single large port on the fEARless. But Dave knows all about that potential problem, and nobody's ever reported a problem either. I know I was very surprised at the quality of the f112.

Too close to call, I'd wager on bottom end response. Build them both and report back.

[funkle]

Thanks for your thoughts Leland.

I had wondered if the porting would take the Simplexx up a notch. I also notice that the four ports are placed such that no matter the orientation of the cabinet there might be a 'chimney' effect to allow air to move more easily out of the upper ports and permit heat to dissipate (e.g. at high SPL).

[Harley]

There are no published SPL charts for the f112 and I haven't had any success after requesting the info on the Greenboy.us forum...

Apparently the dog keeps on eating up his test result papers...