Lowther vs Fostex

organ
organ Posts: 4,969
edited March 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
Can anybody describe the sound and tonal differences of Lowther compared to Fostex. My current single drivers are Fostex, so I was just wondering what the lowther "house sound" is like. Please, "no bright", "annoying" or "shouty" responses. We know these drivers sound amazing if loaded properly.
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  • Jim Shearer
    Jim Shearer Posts: 369
    edited March 2009
    Based on listening to 3 Fostex systems I have built: FE108eSigma Metronomes, FE127e Fonkens and FE206e Half Changs and comparing w/ Martin King's MLTL Lowther (don't remember which model)--

    The Lowther has better sound stage, better separation/definition of instruments, and you are there quality. Similar (to my ears) to the best electrostats I've heard. And w/o the amp killing qualities of the electrostats.

    Note, however, that they aren't well suited to heavy metal or full orchestra unless you build something like Martin's OB using the Lowther with two Emminence Pro 15A for bass. (see www.quarter-wave.com) Big, expensive, no WAF, but WOW, what a sound!

    If they weren't so expensive, I'd buy a pair! (Or perhaps I will someday...)

    Cheers, Jim
    A day without music is like a day without food.
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,808
    edited March 2009
    Not that simple because there are so many different flavors of Fostex FR and extended range drivers.

    The Lowthers IME have an edginess to them that can make really well recorded program material (e.g., Gregorian chant) eerily real-sounding. They can also sound (again, IME) absolutely horrible on highly processed/compressed "pop" recordings (vinyl or digital).

    IMNSHO the Fostex FE-207E (with which I have the most ears-on experience) is a smoother driver that's easier to live with day-to-day.

    The Lowthers are also almost frighteningly expensive (at least the AlNiCo models). I have not heard any of the newer Lowther drivers using "rare earth" magnets (DX series, IIRC).
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  • Jim Shearer
    Jim Shearer Posts: 369
    edited March 2009
    mrh,

    Indeed, for those of us who expect much from our systems, things aren't simple. For those who expect little, the choice can be easy--I know folks who have bought B*se and are happy. (And who am I to rain on their parade?)

    Like they say: "You pays your money and you takes your choice." ;)

    Cheers, Jim
    A day without music is like a day without food.
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,808
    edited March 2009
    Probably why I have a pair of Altec VOT family members(Valencias), Quad ESL-57s, and DIY mass loaded folded, tapered quarter-wave pipes loaded with Radio Shack :-) 40-1354 twincone drivers in the living room. At all times.

    I wouldn't turn down a pair of Lowthers if they showed up on my doorstep, y'unnerstan'? ;-)
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