Fostex DIY High Efficiency Full Range Speaker Kits Projects

Many of you will be unfamiliar with Fostex speakers.  You may be surprised to learn that Fostex is one of the largest speaker manufacturers in the world.  But most of their sales are for the OEM market.  In other words, other speaker companies use Fostex 'drivers' in their products.  Although Fostex speakers are well known in Japan and Europe, they were never mass marketed in America.

You may also be surprised to discover that Fostex speakers are among the world's best speakers.  We've heard most of the world's so-called greatest speakers--Wilson Grand Slamm, JM Labs Grande Utopia, Genesis 1, Dynaudio Evidence, etc. (all over $50,000/pr).  Incredibly, none of these speakers sound any better than our Fostex designs.  That sounds ridiculous, but it's true.  These expensive speakers will play louder and have more dynamics, but don't sound as 'natural' or 'musical.'  And isn't that what you want from your speakers?

We're not just a business.  We love music as much as you do.  Our goal is to make the best possible sound affordable for everyone.  We honestly feel that the Audio Nirvana, Lowther, and Fostex speakers we sell are the finest in the world at any price.

Because of our experience with full range and coaxial speakers, and all types of audio electronics.

We have been building speakers using full range, coaxial, and triaxial speakers for more than 25 years.

We've been involved in the audio hobby for more than 45 years.

When you buy from us, you get free, unlimited lifetime technical support and help with any cabinet design.   We'll even design a custom cabinet for you--for free.

What do you get from mail order companies?

Fostex FE206En 8 inch full range speakers with free cabinet plans, parts list, and setup tips--$275/pr with free shipping in the USA.

Custom design work so you can build cabinets to your own specifications or modify your existing cabinets--free with any purchase.

Fostex speakers work in identical cabinets to our other systems, so you can upgrade to Audio Nirvana or Lowther with no change to your cabinets.

Guaranteed lowest prices.

1. Because Fostex speakers are FULL RANGE. NO separate woofer, NO tweeter, and NO crossover.

2. Frequency Response: 40-20,000 Hz.

3. Clarity, detail, accuracy, and realism are excellent because the sound comes from a single voicecoil.

4. Imaging and soundstage are incredible because the sound comes from a single point in space.

5. Fostex speakers are precision made with very light paper cones and incredibly strong magnets for precise control.

6. Fostex 8 inch speakers are very efficient--at least 96 dB.

Fostex makes seven different 8 inch full range speakers. We have evaluated all of them over a period of many months, side by side, in identical enclosures. We choose to sell only the best, even though that model happens to be the least expensive. We can't recommend a more expensive speaker to our customers if it doesn't sound better--even if we would make more money by doing so. If you want better sound than these, you will have to move up to Lowther , Audio Nirvana , or PAudio speakers.

The FE206En is the most detailed, the most extended, the most efficient, the most natural sounding, and has the best bass of all Fostex speakers.

The FE207E is similar but has 'cancellation magnets' so it can be used in close proximity to a direct view television set. It gives up some detail, extension, and efficiency to do this.

The FE206En and FE207E both use a 'whizzer cone.' What's a whizzer cone? It is an inner paper cone that acts as a midrange driver. It is mechanically linked to the main cone and shares the same voice coil. In our experience, only full range speakers with this design are truly capable of satisfying full range performance.

The FE206ES-R Full Range Special also uses a whizzer cone. But it has less than half the excursion of the FE206En or FE207E. So, it is only suitable for bass horn enclosures. It's also not quite as clear and natural sounding as the FE206En or FE207E.

The four other Fostex 8 inch full range speakers do not use a whizzer cone. Instead, three of them use an aluminum dustcap in the center of the main cone. The other uses a paper dust cap. These extend the mid and high frequencies somewhat but not nearly as well as a whizzer cone

Two of these speakers have huge magnets and cast frames. They are very expensive. These are the FX200 and F200A. They do not go high enough in the treble to be truly satisfying. And the midrange is somewhat veiled, soft, and lacking in detail compared to the FE206En.

The FF225K is much cheaper and also uses an aluminum dust cap. It has a rather nasal sounding midrange and lacks high frequency response.

Finally, we have the new FE208EZ Sigma. It's not really a 'full range' speaker at all but would be more properly termed an 'extended range' speaker. It lacks high frequencies and lacks detail in the midrange.

All of these speakers are very good. However, in side by side comparisons with the FE206En they lacked the same level of extension, detail, realism, clarity, and accuracy. They're not even close.....

Fostex makes more expensive models, but their best sounding speaker is the FE206En. We won't sell a speaker that costs more--unless it sounds better--so we won't carry the other Fostex 8 inch models.

For even better sound (the world's best, in fact), you might also want to consider our own Audio Nirvana full range speakers.  There are 27 different models, beginning at only $125/pr with free shipping.  Audio Nirvana are available in 3, 4, 5, 6.5, 8 and the world's only 10, 12, and 15 inch full range speakers.  There are three different cone designs and three different magnet types (alnico, neodymium, and ferrite).

There are eight different Audio Nirvana 8 inch models, including a 'Super 8 Ferrite' with whizzer cone, phase plug, and cast aluminum frame ($250/pr with free shipping).  And a design that does not require a whizzer cone or phase plug (based on the classic Altec 755A and Goodmans Axiom 80), the 'Classic 8 Ferrite' ($275/pr with free shipping).  There are two affordable alnico magnet models (aluminum, nickel, and cobalt) --the Audio Nirvana 'Classic 8 Alnico' ($795/pr with free shipping) and 'Super 8 Alnico' ($695/pr with free shipping).   The hyper efficient 'Classic 8 Neodymium' and 'Super 8 Neodymium' ($795/pr with free shipping).  And a brand new design using a paper cone with 'camel humps':  'Super 8+ Ferrite' ($350/pr with free shipping), and the world's best 8 inch full range (nothing else is even close....), the 'Super 8+ Alnico' ($1595/pr with free shipping).

Even the least expensive Audio Nirvana 8 inch model--the 'Super 8 Ferrite'--has a bigger magnet, lighter cone, better surround and spider materials, cast aluminum frame, and much safer packaging.......for $25 less per pair than the Fostex FE206En.  Audio Nirvana also makes the world's only true 10, 12, and 15 inch full range speakers (starting at only $350/pr with free shipping).  These are many times better than any 8 inch full range ever made.  We don't build larger full range for more bass, but for MUCH more detailed midrange and smoother high frequencies.

You can visit the Audio Nirvana page by clicking here Audio Nirvana  The reason they can cost less than Fostex is that they're built in our own factory.  There are no middlemen in distribution.  Audio Nirvana are the best sounding speakers in the world--at any price.  We're over 20,000 pairs sold--with 100% money back guarantee.  We've had 7 pairs returned in 15 years.

We offer many different cabinet designs for Fostex 8 inch full range speakers. When you purchase Fostex speakers from us, you will receive the plan of your choice for free. We will also include a parts list and setup tips.

'Micromonitor' (16T x 10W x 7.25D inches or 406 x 254 x 184 mm)

'Minimonitor' (19T x 10.5W x 11.25D inches or 483 x 267 x 286 mm)

'Monitor' (24T x 13.5W x 11.25D inches or 610 x 343 x 286 mm)

'Monitor MkII' (24T x 11.25W x 13.5D inches or 610 x 286 x 343 mm)

'1.3' (32T x 10W x 10D inches or 813 x 254 x 254 mm)

'2.8 Mk II' (38.5T x 12W x 13.75D inches or 978 x 305 x 349 mm)

'2.8 Mk II Ambience' (38.5T x 12W x 13.75D inches or 978 x 305 x 349 mm)

'2.8 Series I' (38.5T x 14.5W x 11.25D inches or 978 x 368 x 286 mm)

'2.8 Series I Dynamic' (38.5T x 14.5W x 11.25D inches or 978 x 368 x 286 mm)

--Also Available in 'slimline' Mk II style

'5.6' (44T x 18.75W x 14.75D inches or 1118 x 476 x 375 mm)

'Open Baffle' (30T x 24W x 15D inches or 762 x 610 x 381 mm)

A well designed larger cabinet will always sound better than a well designed smaller one.  So, if you have the space, we recommend choosing a larger cabinet design.

We also offer two different dual driver designs: the 2.8 Dynamic and the 2.8 Ambience.  The Dynamic gives a big, powerful sound while maintaining the same overall tonal balance as the normal 2.8.  The Ambience puts a lot more 'weight' in the bass and adds a sense of 'air' to the music.  It's our favorite version of the 2.8.

Shipping is free in the Continental USA.  Overseas customers please email for the shipping prices.

We're happy to share our experience with other enthusiasts. Feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.

All speakers are covered by the full factory warranty against original manufacturing defects.

If you already have speakers, you can purchase cabinet construction plans for only $25. We will also include a parts list and setup tips. If you later buy any speakers from us, we will refund the $25.

We guarantee your satisfaction. If you are unhappy with your speakers--for any reason--you can return them (in new condition) for a restocking fee of 10%. However, in 15 years of doing business, we can recall no one who has ever returned their speakers.

Contact

David Dicks

CommonSense Audio

34 Wild Horse Way

Chesterfield, Missouri 63005

USA

Email:

sales@anspeakers.com

Telephone:

Visit Us:

BACK TO TOP

"I am delighted with the stunning performance of the Fostex Ambience 2.5 Speakers. They look good and they sound great. They produce a very open and highly detailed image. It's the next best thing to being there!"--PJ Wagner

"I was very impressed with the professional packing, the quality of the cabinet construction, and of course the sound. The Fostex make my formerly favorite speakers sound lifeless, and I no longer constantly twiddle the amp controls looking for a balance between boom and shrill. My tube amps seem to run cooler, and in fact now seem almost overpowered because of the speaker sensitivity. And the ultimate compliment- when friends and family simply say "wow."-----Joe Strouse

"I just completed construction of the MKII twin port, with Fostex drivers. The clarity of your design is amazing, even before completing the break-in. My main system consists of an Audible Illusions preamp, Sonic Frontiers power and Proac Response 1sc`s. The MKII`s with a modest receiver allow me to hear details that I can`t with the expensive stuff. I`ve been a hobbist for over 30 years and these have changed everything. These have put fun back into the hobby. I was getting burnt out on over priced, under performing components and an industry built on reviewer's hype. I will be singing your praise (and demonstrating it also) to my friends who share our passion."--Ray Kobald.

"The 1.3/FE206E combo has been a great performer in my room. Actually, the best there is. When I can afford, I will consider the 1.3/PM6A or 2.5 II/PM6A."-----Paul Bui

"First of all, thanks for an amazing loudspeaker. A friend of mine ordered a pair of Fostex 206E for himself and for me. We have been speaking of doing this for the past 10 years or so and finally we decided to go for it. Luckily I finished the woodworking first......My friend came down to my house for the first listening session......We were just sitting there and laughing, the sound is amazing, just AMAZING. The clarity and detail is out of this world. And the sound is getting better and better every day. My former loudspeakers were ProAc Response 2.5. They are placed down in the basement for the moment, probably one of my kids will get them in their room, or I will put them on the fire in my garden this summer.!"--Sigurd Krekling (from Norway)

"I have just finished the short run in period of about 30-40 hours. The FE206E are indeed full range drive units. They are mounted in 2.77 cubic foot enclosure with your recommended porting. I am very impressed, there appears to be no frequency peak/ dip that intrudes into the music. Both male and female vocals are beautiful, no hard edge. I am amazed at the sweet high frequencies, no need for a super tweeter. I cannot find anything to complain about, even the low end is correct, not booming or under weight, just there when needed. The FE206E drive units must be the bargain of the century, I have built one of the best loudspeakers systems I have heard for about $300.00. Thank you."-----Laurence Platt

"First of all, I wish you a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year spent spreading the cheer of awesome musical reproduction!! I am enjoying your Fostex Micromonitors so much I can't tell you. They are the best speakers, by far, I have ever had or heard, and I have had and heard megabuck speakers from most of the 'big names' in audio. I would endorse them above anything else I know. My space is simply too small for the Minimonitors, and I am happy. Now I read on your site about the Nirvanas. If they are so much better than the Fostex, I am interested."--Jan Middeldorf

"The speakers continue to break in and are awesome, much more detailed and open than the Vandersteens!"--Robert Cavanaugh

"I installed the Fostex FE206E speakers in the cabinet built on your plans last night. I lack words to describe how ecstatic I am with the sound. Thanks!"--Richard Meyer

"I received them today, Tuesday, in fine shape. I'm very pleased. Thanks."-----Doug Criner

BACK TO TOP