Does Size Matter?

[tele_savalas]

May I pick your brains, folks? I need a pair of tops to run with my RCF 905 Mk.2 sub, for use in a duo working with backing tracks. I’m looking at either the RCF TT08 Mk. 2’s, or the TT10’s, and I’m wondering is it better to have the 8’s or 10’s with my sub? There’s an extra 2dB with the 10’s but they’re around £300 each dearer, and the 08’s are a bit smaller (and cheaper),

I would appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks

Edited June 15, 2019 by tele_savalas

[Brian]

There’s an extra 2dB with the 10’s...

 

You can't hear 2dB of difference.

[Jivemaster]

As above 2dB is insignificant, what matters is how each speaker responds at and around the crossover point that you pick and the type and slope of the filters. Some would specify a crossover frequency out of their intended vocal range so that a vocalist is handled only by one driver.

[tele_savalas]

They both crossover at 900 Hz.

[Jivemaster]

The crossover frequency that YOU chose is the bass to mid frequency, best kept out of vocal range. The mid to top crossover built into the top box should be optimised by the makers.

[tele_savalas]

Thanks.

 

Thanks for the replies.

[Simon Lewis]

You can't hear 2dB of difference.

 

I'd suggest you can, but it's not a significant difference!

 

 

Tele -

 

RCF do not qualify their frequency response limits (which is somewhat naughty) so we can't fully tell if the lower end is at -3dB or the far more flattering -10dB. If they are being good and it's the former, then you go a useful 5Hz lower with the 10". That may be noticeable if run on their own, but not if run with subs.

RCF don't give polar patterns either. There's an unqualified coverage angle but no information concerning from what frequency constant directivity (if that's the horn type?) works. The crossover frequency is cited as being the same, but there's the possibility of a slightly larger horn in the 10" which may allow more controlled dispersion to lower frequencies?

If you can, listen to the 8" and 10" side by side and compare the horizontal coverage control and low frequency extension...

Edited June 15, 2019 by Simon Lewis

[tele_savalas]

Thanks, Simon- I appreciate your response. Not got the option checking them side by side, but I have used the Mk 1 08’s with the sub, and found them very good- especially with vocals. I was crossing over at 100hz. I’ll likely not use the tops on their own, so probably just go with the 08 Mk. 2’s

[Geetrt]

RCF do publish polarplots and freq curves in their datasheets, and also give you GLL files which you can use with EASE Focus and GLL Viewer.

But These two speakers are new products, and it seems they haven't posted those yet. They might be available if you contact RCF.

Btw I would buy the 10". For little more you get almost twice the speaker, In my modest opinion the subs and tops should be no more than 2 sizes apart. 18" sub with 15 or 12" top, 15" sub with 12 or 10" top and 12" sub with 10 or 8" top. In the future I would sell the 905's and replace them with the tts15, which is suprisingly affordable. Would make for a very nice, professional set.

Edited June 17, 2019 by Geetrt

[tele_savalas]

RCF do publish polarplots and freq curves in their datasheets, and also give you GLL files which you can use with EASE Focus and GLL Viewer.

But These two speakers are new products, and it seems they haven't posted those yet. They might be available if you contact RCF.

Btw I would buy the 10". For little more you get almost twice the speaker, In my modest opinion the subs and tops should be no more than 2 sizes apart. 18" sub with 15 or 12" top, 15" sub with 12 or 10" top and 12" sub with 10 or 8" top. In the future I would sell the 905's and replace them with the tts15, which is suprisingly affordable. Would make for a very nice, professional set.

 

Thanks, Geetrt. You’ve changed my mind- just in time. I’ll get the 10’s and investigate the sub upgrade, too.

[Simon Lewis]

RCF do publish polarplots and freq curves in their datasheets, and also give you GLL files which you can use with EASE Focus and GLL Viewer.

 

Good to know this - I was a little disappointed at the scarcity of information in the available sheets !

[Jivemaster]

Years ago I heard a rule of thumb that 10 and 12" mids were better for a male lead voice and 8/10" was better for a female lead voice.