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Fostex Full Range DIY high efficiency speaker kits. The world's best sound. Fostex 'S-168'. Full Range Loudspeaker. There will be no crossovers needed, no integration issues between two or more separate drivers, and no time alignment, phase or polarity errors. The output of the amplifier, therefore, would be connected - via the speaker cable of choice - directly to the speaker driver.
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from CommonSense Audio
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www.commonsenseaudio.com
FostexFE206En eight inch full range speakers--the best sounding of all Fostex speakers.....$275/pr with free shipping.
INCLUDING FREE PLANS, PARTS LIST, AND SETUP TIPS FOR 10 DIFFERENT CABINET DESIGNS
--ALL FAR BETTER THAN THE PLANS ON THE FOSTEX SITE--
Buy Now!
Fostex FE206En--$275/pr
FREE SHIPPING IN THE USA!
(Discount Shipping Overseas)
International Customers:Please email for prices: [email protected]
Plans Only
($25)
CommonSense Audio Fostex Speaker Systems
Some of our enclosures for Fostex 8 inch full range speakers.
Left to Right: 2.8 Mk II, 2.8 Series 1, 1.3, Minimonitor, and Micromonitor
Why Buy From Us?
Because of our 50 years experience building full range and coaxial speakers, and vacuum tube amplifiers.
When you buy from us, you get free, unlimited lifetime technical support, on our speakers, and help with any cabinet design.
We'll do custom design work so you can build cabinets to your own specifications or modify your existing cabinets--free with any purchase.
We'll even design a custom cabinet for you--for free.
What do you get from mail order companies?
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 best full range speakers in the world at any price.
What Do We Offer?
Fostex FE206En 8 inch full range speakers with free cabinet plans, parts list, and setup tips--$275/pr with free US shipping.
Fostex speakers work in identical cabinets to our other systems, so you can upgrade to Audio Nirvana or Lowther speakers with no change to your cabinets.
Guaranteed lowest prices.
Why Are Fostex Full Range Speakers So Good?
Fostex
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.
Model Range
Fostex makes several different 8 inch full range speakers. We have evaluated all of them over a period of many years, side by side, in identical speaker cabinets. We choose to sell only the best Fostex full range speaker, 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 the FE206En, you will have to move up to Audio Nirvana or Lowther full range 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 full range speakers. It is a traditional full range whizzer cone model.Any whizzer cone model is not really a full range speaker, but a two-way speaker where the tweeter cone is glued to the woofer cone.Almost all Lowther and Fostex models use whizzer cones.Audio Nirvana 'CLASSIC' and 'SUPER PLUS' models, without whizzer cones, will have higher quality sound (lower distortion and the sound comes from only one cone).
There is one additional problem with the Fostex FE206En. To save money, the FE206En does not use a phase plug. This is a bullet shaped plug that sits in the middle of the whizzer cone. The purpose of it is to prevent cancellation of sound from one side of the whizzer cone across to the other side. Audio Nirvana and Lowther whizzer cone models use phase plugs. The Fostex does not.
Which Speaker Should You Choose?
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 full range speakers, in fact), you might also want to consider our own Audio Nirvana full range speakers. There are 29 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 10 different Audio Nirvana 8 inch models, including a 'Super 8 Ferrite' with whizzer cone, phase plug, and cast aluminum frame ($295/pr with free shipping)--available in black or white cones. 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' ($295/pr with free shipping)--also available in black or white cones. 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 models have a bigger magnet, lighter cone, better surround and spider materials, cast aluminum frame, and much safer packaging.......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 speaker. We don't build larger full range speakers 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're so affordable is that they're built in our own factory. There are no middlemen in distribution. Audio Nirvana are the best sounding full range speakers in the world--at any price. We're over 20,000 pairs sold--with 100% money back guarantee. We've had 8 pairs returned in 15 years.
Our Enclosures
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)
Which Enclosure Should You Choose?

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.

For those requiring a smaller system, we have three different 'bookshelf' size bass reflex cabinet designs available:

TheMicromonitor(.41 cubic feet or 12 liters) was designed primarily as a surround speaker for home theater. It still makes a nice 'extension' speaker for small rooms. It is also an excellent computer speaker. You can supplement it with a subwoofer for more bass output. We make a fantastic Audio Nirvana subwoofer for only $599 with free shipping. Many people also choose it as a center channel speaker.

TheMinimonitor(.87 cubic feet or 25 liters) is really our smallest standalone system. It has full bass and dynamics and a satisfying overall balance. It also makes a wonderful center channel or surround speaker.

TheMonitor(1.5 cubic feet or 43 liters) is our largest bookshelf system. Similar in size to the classic bookshelf systems of the 1960's and 1970's, it gives the bass of many floor standing systems in a smaller package. As with all the bookshelf systems, they can be placed upright or on their side. This cabinet was specially designed for 8 inch full range speakers and the performance is stunning. But it works well with Audio Nirvana full range up to 10 and 12 inches.

The Monitor MkII (1.5 cubic feet or 43 liters). The same cabinet as the Monitor but with the speaker mounted on the thin side. Sound is similar. The difference is mostly the appearance.

For those who want a floor standing system, we have the following bass reflex systems available:

The1.3(1.3 cubic feet or 37 liters)is our smallest floor standing system. It makes satisfactory bass for those who have space limitations.

The2.8(2.8 cubic feet or 80 liters) comes in two versions. TheSeries Ihas a wide front baffle, but is shallow in depth. TheMk IIhas a thin front baffle, but is deeper. The difference is mainly in the styling. Both versions are available with two different porting arrangements. The 'Big Port' version offers more mid bass at the expense of some low bass output and is best for most people in most rooms. The 'Twin Port' version has 1/3 octave more bass extension, at the expense of some mid bass output. We generally recommend the 'Big Port' version for most customers.

We also offer two different dual driver designs: the2.8Dynamicand the2.8Ambience. TheDynamicgives a big, powerful sound while maintaining the same overall tonal balance as the normal2.8. TheAmbienceputs a lot more 'weight' in the bass and adds a sense of 'air' to the music. It's our favorite version of the2.8.

The5.6or5.6 Mk II(5.6 cubic feet or 160 liters)offer more bass and dynamics, in a cabinet that is not too large for most rooms. The Mk II is narrower and deeper, but will not accept the Audio Nirvana 15 inch full range speaker.

The8.0 Stealth(8.0 cubic feet or 227 liters) is for those guys for whom WAF (wife acceptance factor) is important. It looks like the smaller 5.6 from the front, but is 5.75 inches deeper. It has more bass and dynamics than the 5.6, but doesn't really look that large.

The13.6(13.6 cubic feet or 385 liters)is a huge cabinet that works best with the larger Audio Nirvana models. It can even hold two 15 inch speakers.

And for those of you looking for something 'different', we offer an open baffle speaker type of cabinet:

TheOpen Baffleis basically just a piece of wood supported by two 'wings' to hold it upright. It doesn't generate a lot of bass and rolls off below 63 hz. However, the sound from the back of the speaker is free to reflect off rear walls and join the sound from the front of the speaker. This gives a 'fat' sound that is very nice for classical music or for people favoring this type of sound. Supplemented with a quality subwoofer, this system gives an unusual presentation. It works best with the largest full range speakers which can generate more bass without the help of a cabinet.

Shipping Information
Shipping is free in the Continental USA. Overseas customers please email for the shipping prices.
Miscellaneous Comments
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 Fostex speakers to us.

Contact
David Dicks
CommonSense Audio
34 Wild Horse Way
Chesterfield, Missouri 63005 USA
Email: [email protected]Telephone:

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What Our Customers Have to Say
'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 $300.00. Thank you.'--Laurence Platt
'First of all, I wish you a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year spent spreading the cheer of awesome musical reproduction!! I am enjoying your Fostex Micromonitors so much I can't tell you. They are the best speakers, by far, I have ever had or heard, and I have had and heard megabuck speakers from most of the 'big names' in audio. I would endorse them above anything else I know. My space is simply too small for the Minimonitors, and I am happy. Now I read on your site about the Nirvanas. If they are so much better than the Fostex, I am interested.'--JanMiddeldorf
'The speakers continue to break in and are awesome, much more detailed and open than the Vandersteens!'--Robert Cavanaugh
'I installed the Fostex FE206E speakers in the cabinet built on your plans last night. I lack words to describe how ecstatic I am with the sound. Thanks!'--Richard Meyer
'I received them today, Tuesday, in fine shape. I'm very pleased. Thanks.'--Doug Criner
Hehe, I keep getting bitten by the upgrade bug -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif --
I'm probably gonna (try to) build myself a pair of speakers using Fostex 207E drivers, with Fostex Double Bass Reflex enclosure design. Forseen cost total 500-600$cdn.
Whats funny, I have never heard a Fostex driver before :P But supposedly they sound really good.. The audio show I went to had an impressive pair of fullrange driver speakers, but I've found out they weren't Fostex though looked very similar with the whizzer cone...
Has anyone actually ever heard one?