NE3W

3-way floorstanding loudspeaker 8"+4"+0.75"

Drivers: Vifa NE225W-04, Vifa NE123W-04, Scan Speak D2004/6020

Cabinets: net volume 40l for woofer, BR

Sensitivity: ~86dB/2.83V/1m 

Impedance: nominal 4Ω, minimal 3.7Ω na 30Hz

Dimensions: HxWxD 600x260x400mm

Freqency -3dB: 36Hz

I have been long time curious about Fifa NE drivers. There was very few measurements available and even less projects with those drivers. Their datasheet curves don't look anything special. Nevertheless, from the little available of these drivers, the opinions and experiences were very good. I also got distortion measurement of NE123W, showing very clean midrange, and this was deciding moment for me to start project. 

I was quite sure to use NE225W for the bass. Simulations proved this woofer can work in BR 30-40l, which I welcomed and it was clear that larger standmount 3-way is feasible. Distortion is very clean and low upto 1kHz, and FR is also very linear, which are good conditions for crossover around 500Hz.

Tweeter was supposed to be the one with small faceplate. Scan Speak D2004 was chosen and available measurements showed well performing tweeter.

The first thing I thought when started with listening test was "Whauuu what a bass". NE225 goes deep and is firm and punchy. With regard to the overall size of this loudspeaker, it sounds fullrange.

For this project I decided to go with CNCed baffles to minimize diffractions. This was proven as the right step.

Simulace výhybky

I decided to use all LR2 crossovers and from the beginning it was clear that all-pass filter for the tweeter will have to be used to align mid and tweeter phases on the flat baffle.

Choice of D2004 proved right, as LR2 slope at 3200Hz is not what many 19mm domes can manage. Of course almost any 25mm tweeter would suffice here, but I wanted to try 19mm version. D2004 has low resonance frequency and distortion is gradually rising below 2kHz, so it is suitable for shallower crossover slope.

D2004 FR horizontal 0-90deg

Horizontal polar map, contours in 1dB steps

NE123W FR horizontal 0-90deg

NE225W FR horizontal 0-90deg

Crossover modelling graphs. Smooth and consistent horizontal dispersion, perfect phase alignment and easy load for any 4Ohm capable amplifier.

Crossover schematics for all bands.

Measurements

Mic distance 90cm, ref axis between mid and tweeter. No smoothing applied. 

Measured FR for finished loudspeaker and FRs of individual drivers with crossover. FR for reversed mid shown as well. 

FRs of both loudspeakers with and without grill.

Measured impedance of both loudspeakers. Minimal impedance is 3.7Ohm at 30Hz.

Horizontal FRs 0-90deg. Axial FR contain also NF measurement of woofer and port, bafflestep was accounted for.

Vertical FRs for 0°, -10°, +10°, -20° a +20°.  

NE3W waterfall.

Photos

Zebrano veneer, matt finish.

Crossovers for the midranges. 

Crossovers for the tweeters.

Crossovers for the woofers.