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Lowthers midrange: how do they compare?

I realize Lowthers aren't very popular here. A quick search returned threads from 10 years ago, and 3 from 2012/2013 asking for pointers to repairs...

Still I'd like to try and ask since my question isn't geared at them being used as fullrangers but instead as midranges. How do they sound compared to the better dedicated midarnges you have heard? I'm thinking of using them in an active system, from 300 to 2000Hz (where I understand they cross to their wheezer cone).

Their sensitivity and 15 ohm impedance is great for SETs. Their price is very high compared to most midranges so not a trivial decission. The "Lowther shout" seems to be above 2kHz. I read they are very fast and detailed, dynamic, and able to retrieve details buried in the music, all while being musical. But would like to hear from anybody who has experienced them.

Thank you!
lewinskih01
boxer12
8,655 posts
 
" I read they are very fast and detailed, dynamic, and able to retrieve details buried in the music, all while being musical"

They are all of that and very 3d as well if matched with a good single ended amp. I've been listening to them for 15+ years & although occasionally temped to try something else, don't because they are that good. Another thing they do well is produce a wide deep very convincing sound stage. I've never heard this so called "shout" but have read that before. Not sure what that is. The downside of them is they are bass shy and will sound terrible with a mid-fi amp. I've been running a sub with them and good single ended amps which have alleviated those issues. 
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,467 posts
 
If you are bulding try to find the Seas Excel 4.5" or 7" magnesium-cone with copper phase plug mid range driver that Joseph RM33 audio use. It measures really well. Linkwitz tested the 7" one and it performs well all round. Trust me you dont want that piece of whizzer cone flapping around if you dont actually need it.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
If you are going to use it as a mid-range, see if you can find a modified Lowther like the ones Horning uses, which have the whizzer removed.  I have a pair of Hornings, and I've never heard them shout ;-)
lewinskih01 OP
907 posts
 
@shadorne 

Yes, I'm building. I looked into those but their sensitivity, at 88dB @1W, is too low for SETs. Also lowinsh impedance for SETs. Doing MTM and connecting the two midranges in series would fix this, but would be expensive and the tweeter is large and lobbing issues are liekly to show up.
fineito
34 posts
 
Talk to Brian Charney of Charney Audio about Lowthers.  He uses them in many of his offerings.  Disclaimer: I own his Concertos.
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