Members bassman1956 Posted January 15, 2009 Members Share Posted January 15, 2009 Looking at the Eminence site, eyeing the available range, I was looking into the differences between the Delta series and the Kappa series. Seems anyone here always talks using Deltas. But in comparing them, Kappa series seem to have a bit more loudness / sensitivity ratings, similar frequency response curves, and sometimes better minimum frequencies. They also seem to have slightly higher power ratings, larger magnets with much heavier weights, and higher price tags. Here are two 15-inchers to compare, but I did find similar results in the 12's and 10's: http://eminence.com/pdf/delta-15lfa.pdfhttp://eminence.com/pdf/kappa-15lfa.pdf So, is there much difference in tone, or other characteristics? Are Kappas like high-grade Deltas, or different beasties altogether? And, worth the extra weight and cost? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members PaulyWally Posted January 15, 2009 Members Share Posted January 15, 2009 The main things I see at a glance... The Kappa has a 3" voice coil... as opposed to the Delta's 2.5". The electrical and mechanical Q's on the Kappa are lower. (The Q of a speaker is basically a measurement of physical resistance to the cone) This allows the cone quicker response time, and more freedom to move. The Kappa also has a larger 'crossmax'... which allows the cone more room to move... and push more air. The sensitivity of the Kappa looks like it averages about 4dB higher across the spectrum. That's pretty huge. In fact, at 2,000 Hertz, the Kappa is close to 6dB higher in sensitivity. Based on all that, I wouldn't be surprised if the Kappa "sounded" 1.5 times louder than the Delta (each being in an optimal enclosure, of course). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rpsands Posted January 15, 2009 Members Share Posted January 15, 2009 I want to say Avatar used to use Kappa pros for their 4x10s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassman1956 Posted January 15, 2009 Author Members Share Posted January 15, 2009 The main things I see at a glance...The Kappa has a 3" voice coil... as opposed to the Delta's 2.5".The electrical and mechanical Q's on the Kappa are lower. (The Q of a speaker is basically a measurement of physical resistance to the cone) This allows the cone quicker response time, and more freedom to move.The Kappa also has a larger 'crossmax'... which allows the cone more room to move... and push more air.The sensitivity of the Kappa looks like it averages about 4dB higher across the spectrum. That's pretty huge. In fact, at 2,000 Hertz, the Kappa is close to 6dB higher in sensitivity.Based on all that, I wouldn't be surprised if the Kappa "sounded" 1.5 times louder than the Delta (each being in an optimal enclosure, of course). Thanx! Exactly what I think looking over the specs. But I always hear, in places like this, that specs aren't the whole story. So, why do we always see delta's recommended here, and not kappa's? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members burdizzos Posted January 15, 2009 Members Share Posted January 15, 2009 Price. If you are looking to replace the speaker in a low end combo, the delta is the way to go because it's cheap and will be very effective in most combo boxes. For a 15" box, I think most people would actually recommend the Kappalite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members PaulyWally Posted January 15, 2009 Members Share Posted January 15, 2009 Thanx! Exactly what I think looking over the specs. But I always hear, in places like this, that specs aren't the whole story. They're not. And the specs do vary from speaker to speaker (the same model). But if, on average, they perform like their specs state... that's your price/performance difference. Personally, I've never tested a Delta and a Kappa side by side by building the optimal enclosure for each. Maybe someone else here has? So, why do we always see delta's recommended here, and not kappa's? Why do we always see SX's recommended here? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassman1956 Posted January 16, 2009 Author Members Share Posted January 16, 2009 Thanx Pauly and Birdz. There's a reason for this. I'm thinking, well, if I'm going to wind up with one of these, I'll need a cab. I'm thinking a 112 + 6" midrange, but maybe a 115 +. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Kindness Posted January 16, 2009 Moderators Share Posted January 16, 2009 Thanx Pauly and Birdz.There's a reason for this. I'm thinking, well, if I'm going to wind up with one of these, I'll need a cab. I'm thinking a 112 + 6" midrange, but maybe a 115 +. By the time you finish your build, there should be a Kappalite 3012 and 3012LF. Wait for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassman1956 Posted January 16, 2009 Author Members Share Posted January 16, 2009 By the time you finish your build, there should be a Kappalite 3012 and 3012LF. Wait for them. Yah! I was wondering, because there already IS a 3015. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Kindness Posted January 16, 2009 Moderators Share Posted January 16, 2009 Yah! I was wondering, because there already IS a 3015. I believe they are being unveiled this weekend, but I haven't been following closely enough yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassman1956 Posted January 16, 2009 Author Members Share Posted January 16, 2009 I believe they are being unveiled this weekend, but I haven't been following closely enough yet. How DO you know all this schtuff?!!? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Kindness Posted January 16, 2009 Moderators Share Posted January 16, 2009 How DO you know all this schtuff?!!? I am inquisitive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members burdizzos Posted January 16, 2009 Members Share Posted January 16, 2009 B!ll F!tzmauruce is already claiming to have his hands on one. I'm assuming the Kappalite 12s will be available after NAMM. I may just have to build a box just for them and get in on this tube amp craze. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassman1956 Posted January 16, 2009 Author Members Share Posted January 16, 2009 I am inquisitive. No. I am inquisitive! You , my friend, are over the top! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassman1956 Posted January 16, 2009 Author Members Share Posted January 16, 2009 B!ll F!tzmauruce is already claiming to have his hands on one. I'm assuming the Kappalite 12s will be available after NAMM. I may just have to build a box just for them and get in on this tube amp craze. Cool. I'd be coming to you for help anyways. I'm thinking the long side horizontal, so the amp can sit on to, and rest entirely on the cab without overhang. So, outside dimensions on the order of 24" long x 15" tall x 12" deep, or so, which is around 2.2 cuft. With a 6" or 8" midrange driver, no tweeter. Maybe the 1" wide rectangular ports along one side instead of the 4" rounds. Any merit in this idea? I was also thinking a Schroeder 1212 under the tube project. Seems like a lot of cab for the amp. I'm thinking especially to pair up with the upright or fretless, and I tend to like tube tone and full bottom ends (not boomy) and strong lower mids. The homebrew may be fun to find out what it does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members burdizzos Posted January 16, 2009 Members Share Posted January 16, 2009 There's always merit to new gear. With a low powered tube head, I'd probably want a pair of Kappalites. If you're not planning on gigging the rig, then a single 12 and a mid would sond great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassman1956 Posted January 16, 2009 Author Members Share Posted January 16, 2009 With a low powered tube head, I'd probably want a pair of Kappalites. If you're not planning on gigging the rig, then a single 12 and a mid would sond great. I have the Mesa short stack if I ever need anything big and loud. Looking at more of a small-gig rig. So, I'll consider 2 kappas too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members burdizzos Posted January 16, 2009 Members Share Posted January 16, 2009 I forgot about the Mesa stack. One Kappalite 12 would definitely fill the gaping hole in your gear arsenal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Kindness Posted January 19, 2009 Moderators Share Posted January 19, 2009 Holy Kappalite 3012 and 3012LF! Nearly the same displacement as the 3015/3015LF, but loves the small box - under 2 cu. ft. per driver (I'm playing with 1.75 cu. ft. at the moment). You can drop a pair in a 3.5 cu. ft. box and just crush. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members burdizzos Posted January 19, 2009 Members Share Posted January 19, 2009 Link? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassman1956 Posted January 19, 2009 Author Members Share Posted January 19, 2009 Yes! Link? BTW, Birdz, I'm thinking 2 of the 12" cabs if I do it. I'm going for the "small rig in every room" effect over the next few years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members knuckle_head Posted January 19, 2009 Members Share Posted January 19, 2009 3012LF TSs Fs = 37Re = 5.6Le = 0.98Qms = 6.94Qes = 0.34Qts = 0.32Vd = 496Vas = 106.65Cms = 0.26BL = 16.7Mms = 72.4EBP = 109.7Xmax = 9.1Xlim = 14.5Sd = 545.4Pe = 450 They're available in February - expect to see the usual suspects making use of them. Looks like I might be building a pair of 1x12s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators isaac42 Posted January 19, 2009 Moderators Share Posted January 19, 2009 Holy Kappalite 3012 and 3012LF! Nearly the same displacement as the 3015/3015LF, but loves the small box - under 2 cu. ft. per driver (I'm playing with 1.75 cu. ft. at the moment). You can drop a pair in a 3.5 cu. ft. box and just crush. Gotta be giving up something. Hoffman's Iron Law still applies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Kindness Posted January 19, 2009 Moderators Share Posted January 19, 2009 Gotta be giving up something. Hoffman's Iron Law still applies. Of course. If you've had a chance to experiment with the other Kappalites though you'll know the drivers are a huge leap forward over preexisting designs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators isaac42 Posted January 19, 2009 Moderators Share Posted January 19, 2009 Of course. If you've had a chance to experiment with the other Kappalites though you'll know the drivers are a huge leap forward over preexisting designs. No, no experimentation for me. Can't afford to anything other than simulate these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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