Martin Audio DLS1847 - equivalent B&C driver?
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URL: https://forum.speakerplans.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=107962
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Topic: Martin Audio DLS1847 - equivalent B&C driver?
Posted By: Requiem
Subject: Martin Audio DLS1847 - equivalent B&C driver?
Date Posted: 04 July 2023 at 11:09am
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Hi guys, I'm looking for a few off the shelf replacements for the Martin audio DLS1847 driver which I know B&C manufacture, It's the driver from the WSXa. I was wondering what the equivalent B&C branded driver is, if there is one, I've been told its the B&C 18TBX100 18" 1000W but I wanted to confirm this first before spending any money, Martin Audio quoted me an extortionate price and B&C were exceedingly unhelpful, but if it is the tbx100 rebranded as martin audio dls1847, as I've been told (it may well not be) then ill save almost 50% on the price by getting those, even at full RRP. And I need to buy a lot... We run original WSX with the older DLS801 600w original driver currently, but was looking at upgrading them to the WSXa with the conversion kit, which is simply the DLS1847 and a spacer ring, for an extra 3db output, or so the specs say. I'd also be open to suggestions on higher end neo drivers to get the same, or better result. Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers! ------------- www.requiem-soundsystem.com Custom Martin Audio WSX, USB & CSG Soundsystem based in Bristol |
Replies:
Posted By: APC321
Date Posted: 04 July 2023 at 5:30pm
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I believe that what you are planning to do is correct. Here is a list of Martin DLS drivers: https://ibb.co/RDXDdTZ" rel="nofollow - https://ibb.co/RDXDdTZ Several companies online list the B&C 18TBX100 as a direct replacement for the DLS 1847. I couldn't find any visual differences between them, although as Martin do not list any T/S parameters for the DLS 1847 it is impossible to be totally certain. I have found that a cost effective alternative to a spacer ring (plywood ones are really expensive, especially if you are replacing lots of drivers) is to use suitable size mains cable glued into position against the inside edge of the rebated baffle. The cable is "crushed" against the driver to make an air tight seal, using a sine generator set to say 30Hz as you go along, to confirm chassis alignment. Maybe Andy Kos on here has more information on the B&C driver as it is listed on Blue Aram as as an "original (or virtually identical part) for the DLS 1847" whatever that means. |
Posted By: KDW32
Date Posted: 04 July 2023 at 5:44pm
| Yes B&C 18TBX100 18" 1000W in the wsxa if you have rcf loaded wsx then you need spacer ring. There's a thread on this on speakerplans in the search facility to help you. |
Posted By: Requiem
Date Posted: 04 July 2023 at 11:36pm
Many thanks APC321, this is very helpful for a cost effective solution. yep, the only info I could get from Martin Audio about the driver was what they had on the datasheet: FREQUENCY RESPONSE (1) 35Hz-150Hz ± 3dB, -10dB @ 28Hz DRIVERS 18” (460mm)/4” (100mm) voice coil, ultra-long excursion, water resistant cone RATED POWER (2) 1000W AES, 4000 peak RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER MA12K SENSITIVITY (3) 105dB MAXIMUM SPL (calculated @ 1m) 135dB continuous, 141dB peak (half space) NOMINAL IMPEDANCE 8 ohms And the model number, which they told me. What was going to cost me £10,519.20 plus delivery is going to cost £4357.03 inc. delivery if this is indeed the right driver, thats a good result. Even the spacer rings were £43.20 each, I was going to look into making my own. The things that come to mind, however, when looking at this compared to the 18tbx100 specs, is that the WSXa datasheet lists sensitivity as 105db and the tbx100 has its sensivity at 97db, would this be because one is measured loaded in the horn and one is not? because thats quite a big difference.. Theres also the power rating differences, the WSXa is listed as 1000w AES 4000w peak, and the tbx100 is listed at 1200w , with a continuous program power capacity of 2400w both are 4inch coil, high excursion w. waterproof cones, and look identical... I take it the two companies are just stating their power ratings in different ways? or is there something that jumps out as odd there.. Ill probably drop Andy a message as you say, its getting late now. Thanks again ------------- www.requiem-soundsystem.com Custom Martin Audio WSX, USB & CSG Soundsystem based in Bristol |
APC321 wrote:Posted By: Requiem
Date Posted: 04 July 2023 at 11:42pm
Thanks, I was sure I'd seen it on here before somewhere but couldnt find it on the search bar.. I think its where I got the idea from in the first place to be honest. EDIT: found them all after remembering to change the search bar settings to older than 6 months... apologies for dragging up a topic which has been done several times before on here... Admin, if your reading this, this can be deleted. Many thanks guys ------------- www.requiem-soundsystem.com Custom Martin Audio WSX, USB & CSG Soundsystem based in Bristol |
Posted By: fat_brstd
Date Posted: 05 July 2023 at 12:37am
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The Original WSX had an RCF 18P300 (often also seen with RCF L18S800 but not as good) then the later upgraded WSXa model has the 18TBX100 with a spacer ring. The main reason for the difference in power ratings is one is free air/test bench rating and the other is loaded into the horn. As folded horns build up heat in the closed chamber that means that drivers go pop earlier than if they have good ventilation around them. ------------- Melbournes Rootical Warrior Roots - Dub - Steppers http://www.facebook.com/adrians.wall" rel="nofollow - facebook page |
Posted By: levyte357-
Date Posted: 05 July 2023 at 10:39am
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Just to be a fly in the ointment, long time ago, V18-1000 was found to be exceptionally good in WSX, outperforming 18TBX100 easily. Would suggest 99% probability, there are modern B&C drivers, even better in WSX. There is one I really like for Scoops, but not tested it (yet), so cannot recommend it. ------------- Global Depopulation - Alive and Killing. |
Posted By: APC321
Date Posted: 06 July 2023 at 5:16pm
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I thought that I would gather some technical information on the B&C 18TBX100 and the Void V18-1000 for a comparison: B&C 18TBX100 Void V18-1000 Voice coil dia. 4 inch 5 inch fs 34 Hz 34.5 Hz Total Q 0.35 0.22 BL 25.5 T-M 34.9 T-M Xmax 9.0mm 10.5mm Sensitivity 97dB 98dB Suspension Triple roll / double spider Double roll / double spider Cone Ribbed - waterproof both sides Non-ribbed Overall dia. 460mm 463mm Depth 209mm 187mm Net weight 13.0 kg 17.8 kg Single unit price £260.00 £410.00 Blue Aran inc.vat Availability In stock In stock Blue Aran |
Posted By: levyte357-
Date Posted: 06 July 2023 at 5:32pm
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Would be better you search forum, and read posts regarding feedback of of V18-1000 in WSX. People used to call them WSXtras... Couple of things your tabulated results won't tell you, but experience would: V18-1000 Exceptionally high BL, means driver will stay in control, at much higher power input/sub freq boost. Much lower Qts, means V18-1000 will more suited to tight throat and smallish chanber of the WSX. This driver was designed for Folded Horns, so better suited to the stresses caused by WSX horn loading. ------------- Global Depopulation - Alive and Killing. |
Posted By: Requiem
Date Posted: 18 October 2023 at 3:41am
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Just seen this (albeit too late as have already gone ahead with B&C 18tbx100), and would have considered the V18 but wanted to keep the cabs to an original martin audio specification. Also, the void v18s have gone absolutely crazy in price these days! and would have been double the outlay. If I could of picked up a load for £150 resale value like the old days then I may have considered it, but bearing in mind with the bulk buy discount I managed to get a considerable amount off of the sale price on bluearan for tbx, I think I made the right decision, with the amount of boxes we are talking here (18!) As I get older the system gets used less and less and is now more of a very expensive hobby that sometimes earns me money, so the kind of expenditure it would have taken for 18 new void drivers , which would of most likely detracted value from the box rather than added, wasnt really an option. ------------- www.requiem-soundsystem.com Custom Martin Audio WSX, USB & CSG Soundsystem based in Bristol |
Posted By: Father-Francis
Date Posted: 18 October 2023 at 10:39pm
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Kind of good you didn’t pick void , recones are impossible to get ahold of. Got 4 sitting on the shelf can’t get recones. ------------- Music is the strongest form of magic.(+45 31879997)blakmanpro@gmail.com, foa@sweetboxaudio.dk |
Posted By: epicure
Date Posted: 01 April 2025 at 8:43pm
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Hi Guys, I am curious if the Void V18-1000 is still considered the ultimate driver for the WSX? Or is there a new alternative? Regards, Andreas
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Posted By: Keen
Date Posted: 02 April 2025 at 12:33am
There's a bunch of drivers you could choose from these days epicure. Here are the T/S parameters of the original WSX driver, the RCF L18P300:
Look for drivers with similar values to be suitable.
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