Driver recommendations - Eminence
Wednesday, 20-Aug-2008, 08:56:14 GMT
Last modified: 25-Mar-2007, 19:51:34 GMT








Eminence overview
Eminence branded
Unbranded Eminence


Vendor guidelines - Eminence:

This is an unusual entry, since Eminence's core business is as an OEM. You will, therefore, find Eminence drivers sold under the Eminence name, under another name, or with no name. Sound confusing? It was even worse at the time of publishing the LDSG's last edition. At that time, Eminence was just beginning to sell its own Eminence line, so the whole Eminence driver market was in a state of flux. Fortunately, it's all settled down now, making the task of organizing the recommended Eminence drivers much easier.

This section now deals only with Eminence-branded drivers and Eminence-built "no-name" drivers (this include non-standard drivers sold as "Eminence" drivers by such vendors as Martin Sound). Eminence drivers sold under other names (many of which are represented in the LDSG) are listed under those specific vendor names. Like most OEM's, Eminence builds to order. The way you do business with Eminence is you specify the parameters, tolerances, technology, quantity (minimum orders typically start in three digits) and required delivery schedule. Eminence then tells you the price and volume discount schedule. As part of the specification process, you also tell them what name you want on the driver and they will, within the bounds of trademark and copyright law, make sure it appears on the driver. Some notable Eminence clients are Klipsch, M&K, Dunlavy, and Avatar - as well as others I can't disclose.


Vendor guidelines - Eminence Brand Drivers:

Almost all of Eminence's standard lines of drivers are high efficiency designs targeted at the pro sound market. A number these are, however, useful for home hi-fi applications:
  1. The LAB12 subwoofer is currently Eminence's only hi-fi subwoofer. Designed specifically to Tom Danley's specs for the Lab Horn subwoofer shown on the Pro Sound Web web site. In the crowded 12" subwoofer market, the LAB12 competes head-to-head with the best. This driver uses a cast alloy frame.  view   response 
  2. The Kilomax 18 subwoofer is Eminence's "big gun" pro driver. Most noticeable is the heat sink extending from the from of the driver which allows it to dissipate 1,000 Watts continuously. This driver uses a cast alloy frame.  view   response 
  3. The Kappa 15LF subwoofer has been recommended by many DIY-er's as an excellent high-efficiency 15" bass driver. Its frequency response is smooth and extended, easing crossover design and integration with other drivers. This driver uses a stamped steel frame.  view   response 
  4. The Beta 12LT is a wide-range 12", but is recommended here over the similar Beta 12 woofer because of its lower Fs and smoother response. This driver uses a stamped steel frame.  view   response 
  5. The Beta 10 woofer has been used successfully in a number of high-efficiency DIY projects as either a woofer or large midrange. This driver uses a stamped steel frame.  view   response 
  6. The Beta 8 woofer has been used successfully in a number of high-efficiency DIY projects as either a woofer or large midrange. This driver uses a stamped steel frame.  view   response   waterfall   step response 


Vendor guidelines - Other Eminence Built Drivers:

The Eminence-branded propreitary drivers listed are:

  1. The Order #2601 "Eminence 10" home theater subwoofer" from Martin Sound have reportedly been used as subwoofers for Bohlender Graebener ribbon drivers with excellent results. This is an highly compliant driver with a black PP cone, rubber surround and a notably low value of Fs.  response   waterfall 

    NOTE: Although this is called a home theater driver, it is not magnetically shielded!

  2. Order #2602 "Eminence 12" Hi-Fi Woofer" from Martin Sound. This is pretty much a "big brother" to the #2601 noted above. Many of the same comments apply. The caveat for this driver is its unusually high Qts, making it suitable primarily for open air mounting or use in TL enclosures.
Eminence distributors & dealers:
North America Orange County Speaker Repair, Adire Audio, Martin Sound, US Speaker, and Image Communications
International: See the Eminence web site




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