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Lark DCR (Dual Chamber Reflex)
SB Acoustics SB16PFC25-8 with Goldwood GT-520
Active 2-way
In this project, I’m evaluating the performance of the 6″ SB Acoustics SB16PFC25-8 in a Dual Chamber Reflex (DCR) enclosure. At the same time, I’m also testing out a budget tweeter, a Goldwood GT-520. This is the first time I’m listening to the GT-520. I’m curious to see what a $12.50 horn loaded tweeter is capable of.
For convenience, the speaker is actively bi-amped. A 24dB/oct Linkwitz Riley electronic crossover is set for 3kHz for all measurements. Microphone is at 36 ins, tweeter axis. Impulse Window = 5msec. No Smoothing applied. Frequencies below 500Hz are in Nearfield.
RAW Frequency Response of SB16PFC25-8
DCR Box = 40 liters. Baffle Width = 9″
Fig 1 – Measurements below 500Hz are in Nearfield.
Crossing the SB Acoustics SB16PFC25-8 with Goldwood GT-520
fc = 3kHz • 24dB/oct • Linkwitz Riley
Fig 2 – Blue plot = SB16PFC25-8. Red plot = GT-520.
Summed Response of SB Acoustics SB16PFC25-8 with Goldwood GT-520
Fig 3 – Summed Response with GT-520 wired in Normal Phase
DCR Top and Bottom Port Frequency Response
Fig 4 – Blue plot = Top port. Green plot = Bottom port.
Lark DCR Cumulative Spectral Decay (CSD)
Fig 5 – Rise Time = 0.10 msec. Window = 1.3 msec ( 769Hz ). Time Range = 1.5 msec
Lark DCR Toneburst Energy Storage
 Fig 6 – SB16PFC25-8 with GT-520. Crossover 3kHz.
Lark DCR Spectrogram
 Fig 7 – SB16PFC25-8 with GT-520. Crossover 3kHz.
Lark DCR Step Response
 Fig 8 – SB16PFC25-8 with GT-520. Crossover 3kHz.
Harmonic Distortion of Lark DCR Fig 9 – Red plot = 2nd Harmonic. Violet plot = 3rd Harmonic.
How’s the Sound?
Unbelievable.
I never expected the SB Acoustics SB16PFC25-8 to sound so good in a DCR. The bass is more refined, unlike in the ported versions, the Lark and Lark-II. Generally, the Lark DCR bass is clearer and has better dynamics.
Equally impressive is the midrange. Vocal clarity and transparency is outstanding. Midrange positioning is the way I like, slightly forward in the sound stage.
As for the Goldwood GT-520, I can find no fault. It does what’s it’s supposed to do. No harshness. Listening to the Lark DCR, you wouldn’t know there’s a tweeter. It’s kind of invisible.
After listening to the Lark DCR for a few days, I am amazed at the quality of these drivers. The SB16PFC25-8 cost only $27.80 at Madisound. The Goldwood GT-520 is a ridiculous $12.50 at Parts Express. That’s $40.30 in total per speaker.
Yes, the SB16PFC25-8 has a plastic frame and the GT-520 has 2 deep notches, one at 9kHz and a lesser one at 18kHz.
Do they affect the sound? Frankly, I can’t tell during playback. |
Fig 6 – SB16PFC25-8 with GT-520. Crossover 3kHz.
Fig 7 – SB16PFC25-8 with GT-520. Crossover 3kHz.
Fig 8 – SB16PFC25-8 with GT-520. Crossover 3kHz.
Fig 9 – Red plot = 2nd Harmonic. Violet plot = 3rd Harmonic.