2x Celestion 1746 vs 1x B&C De85

Have a few MT121s to load, and for high end there are 2x possibilities for each cab,

a)2x Celestion 1746 (screw in version of cdx 1745)
b)1x B&C De85

Priorties are power handling from 1.8khz upwards, top end upto 16khz, and acceptable replacement diaphragm cost. The 2x 1746s are cheaper than 1x B&C DE85.

Horns are Alum B&C 2", so horn snapping isn't an issue.

Personally think the 2x 1746s would edge the DE85, with the only question mark being power handling @ 1.8khz, as the manufacturer spec states min xover approx 2.2k.


Edited by levyte357 - 23 November 2009 at 2:01pm

darkmatter wrote: How would you avoid destructive interference between the 2 celestion 1"? Are you going to use an adapter and fit them to the 2" throat horns you already have?   My gut feeling is that the de85 would be better but I've got no idea whether I'm right!

Would use 2x1"=>2" adaptor, similiar to older Turbo cabs.

Have heard the DE85 on the ME60 horn, and had decided on this combo months ago.

However can get the celestions at competitive price.

darkmatter wrote: Seen, my guess is it very much depends on how the CDX1746 behave with that specific adapter/horn combo. Seeing as the 12" will be beaming above 1.2k it seems like you'd want a driver that performs well from there upwards. Unless the celestions benefit lots from the additional loading offered by the decent sized horn, I can't see them being happy around 1.4k...   Also, you'd be forced to use steep roll off in the HPF for the CDs if you went with celestions, meaning potentially audible mismatch in dispersion around x-over point.   It seems to me that the benefit of using a 1" driver (HF extension) would be lost when using a throat adapter. Also from what I've read any imperfections in the driver/adapter/horn transition can have quite a large effect on response.   I'd go with 2" personally but I haven't heard the DE85 and I've only heard CDX1745 on standard horn.

Can't really argue with the above "likely 1745+adaptor issues"... 

To be honest, in a test, I've heard 1x DE85+ME60 horn, keep up with 2x PD186 kick bins, and 2x PD186 subs.

Use the right tool for the job and go DE85.

ceharden wrote: Use the right tool for the job and go DE85.

Yes.. And I did.

Marvin wrote: You knew the answer to this thread before but guess you needed re-assuring.

When money is a factor, all alternatives need examination...

EDIT:Also, can  I collect 2x more horns from same place !?


Edited by levyte357 - 25 November 2009 at 9:45pm