Basis 3       as reviewed in Klang+Ton 2/2007

Basis 3 aus Klang+Ton 2/2007
Technical data
- impedance: 4 Ohm
- rated SPL: 88 dB (at 2.83V, 1m)
- frequency range (-8dB): 48-25 000 Hz
- crossover frequency: 3300 Hz
- size (HxWxD): 110 x 23 x 28 cm
- cabinet type: bass reflex
We were looking for a new loudspeaker kit with an excellent price /performance ratio. After long discussions the Basis 3 was born, a joint venture by Gerd Lommersum (ASE) and Dennis Frank.

Our team - Frank Kleiber, Dennis Frank and Robert Foerster - believes that from a value point of view the Basis 3 is one of the most interesting loudspeaker kits in our range. The name, also, should reflect this: Basis 3, the foundation (of a range) with three drivers.

For high frequencies the Audaphon TWS 25/6 was chosen, an unspectacular driver, but then without real weaknesses. For bass we were looking for a reasonably priced but still good partner. After intensive search we came across the Vifa driver, we were totally happy with.

Excerpt of the lab results and the crossover comments in Klang+Ton 2/2007: "Looking at the total price of the kit and examining the crossover at the same time we have to give a nod. The crossover is on one hand technically quite sophisticated and well designed, and on the other hand equipped with high quality components where it matters, ensuring that even demanding souls can sleep at night with easy conscience." ...

"But how well do the drivers co-operate with the crossover? – Magnificently! The two Vifa drivers formed a formidable bass foundation with frequency response close to touching the 90 decibel line. The mids drop only marginally by two decibels rising again slightly at higher frequencies – a set-up often found at acoustically well designed speakers." ...

"Distortion figures are exemplary, the sound degrading factor 3 is mostly below 1% at all levels. The harmonic factor 2 shows similar results touching the 1% mark only at higher frequencies – but this is caused by the somewhat higher distortion of the dome tweeter. The rising distortion at lower frequencies is the result of a higher excursion required from the bass driver. But there are no slip-up either. Impedance response is faultless, but shows a rise with a peak at 2 kH. Therefore, I recommend that for valve amps an additional impedance linearisation. But then it's always down to trial and error. The waterfall spectrum is almost perfect. No annoying resonance or decay affect the excellent overall picture."

Review by Klang+Ton 2/2007:
"After looking at the lab results we had quite some expectations when we went into our listening room. The speakers were standing free, away from the walls and were driven by a run-of-the-mill amplifier playing a variety of music coming from vinyl and CD. Even without the support from adjacent wall we certainly couldn't complain about lack of bass. On the contrary – with the exception of the seldom used lowest octave - this reasonably priced floorstander developed a respectable bass punch, accompanied by a powerful and colourful timbre coming from the upper bass section. The slightly subdued mids lead to a pleasantly obliging sound that always remains transparent and accurate due to the sparkling and detailed tops. Obviously, the two 16 cm Vifa woofers are no match for a PA driver, but - considering their size - show a amazingly hand-on and inviting was of playing. Recordings that demand more subtle qualities from the reproduction chain show that the Basis 3 certainly has the talent of being refined and delicate. Even the smallest nuances are carved out of the musical context. Imaging is also outstanding, depth and width of instruments are realistically reproduced like on a concert stage. The Basis 3 succeeds in distinguishing individual instruments and their timbre, but doesn't get too analytical and always submits precision to the overall picture, thus avoiding listening fatigue ."
 

Our kit consists of:

  • Audaphon TWS 25/6 tweeter
  • 2 x Vifa BC18 WG49-08 bass / midrange drivers
  • 4 packs polyester fleece damping material
  • 2 x HP 70 bass reflex tubes
  • a terminal with gold plated brass binding posts
  • assorted PAN screws, black
  • self-adhesive sealing tape
  • 2 metres 2x1.5 mm2 loudspeaker cable
  • crossover components to be mounted on wood
    (on the right)
  • 1.0 mH air core coil / 1mm
  • 3.3 mH core coil, < 0.4 Ohm
  • 0.33 mH air core coil / 0.7 mm
  • 1.5 mH ferrite core coil, < 0.7 Ohm
  • 15 uF MKP capacitor / 400V
  • 4.7 uF MKP capacitor / 400V
  • 3.9 uF MKT capacitor
  • 1.0 uF MKT capacitor
  • 15 uF ELCO, non-etched
  • 5.6 Ohm MOX10 resistor (green-blue-gold)
  • 2.2 Ohm MOX4 resistor (red-red-gold)
  • 3.9 Ohm MOX4 resistor (orange-white-gold)
  • 15 Ohm MOX4 resistor (brown-green-black)

Order No. str-basis3, price per speaker (without cabinet)   EUR 162,00

Upon request a 220 x 155 mm universal PCB is available for mounting the crossover components.
Price per PCB EUR 8,80

Building Instruction    

Basis 3 with high-end crossover

Upon request we supply the Basis 3 with a crossover consisting of high quality components. All capacitors are Mundorf MKP, all coils are of low distortion air core type. The kits consists of the same components as above, but with the following crossover components:

Order No. str-basis3-he, price per speaker (without cabinet)   EUR 230,00

Upon request a 220 x 155 mm universal PCBs available for mounting the crossover components.
Price per PCB EUR 8,80

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