Fostex FE103A-VB

Full Range : FE-103A-VB

Fostex FE103A-VB 4" Full Range

SKU: FOFE103AVB

Since the introduction of the FE103 full-range speaker unit in 1964, the FE series has featured ferrite magnets, with the exception of limited editions. This series incorporates premium Alnico magnets, highly regarded by audiophiles. While preserving the traditional FE sound—vibrant, bright, and transparent—it delivers richly expressive, dynamic, smooth, and pleasant high-quality reproduction. The “A” Series, featuring Alnico magnets and joining Fostex's proud full-range tradition, presents a special regular line up of 8cm and 10cm models. These models maximize the potential of Alnico magnets through cutting-edge technology.

FEATURES

• Features Alnico magnet
For the first time in the regular FE series, we've adopted Alnico magnets, renowned for their expressive and pleasant sound quality. Furthermore, copper caps placed on the pole pieces within the magnetic circuit reduce current distortion. This lowers distortion in the drive system, significantly enhancing clarity in the mid-to-high frequencies.

• 2-layer paper cone
This two-layer cone paper utilizes ES cone pulp, characterized by fine, supple fibres and high density. This achieves enhanced rigidity and internal damping while maintaining light weight. The base layer primarily uses long-fibre pulp, achieving high rigidity through a high-bulk structure while maintaining internal damping. The surface layer employs short-fibre pulp, increasing the propagation speed across the diaphragm surface. This delivers bright, punchy mid-range reproduction, crisp, speedy highs, and rich, deep bass.
* Double-layer papermaking (patented) is our proprietary technology, in which paper is made in two stages to form a single diaphragm with two layers, the base layer and the surface layer.

• Low distortion in the midrange by eliminating the eyelets
The weight of the holes added to the diaphragm created an uneven weight balance. This caused unequal segmented resonance to appear in addition to the ring-shaped vibration mode inherent to cone-shaped diaphragms, which was the cause of midrange distortion. By adopting a hole-free design, harmonic distortion in the midrange has been reduced.

• Pocket neck damper
A pocket neck damper is used to bond the three vibration system components (voice coil, damper and cone paper) on the same circumference. The shape and material of the damper also provide highly linear amplitude characteristics.

• Gold-plated terminals
The input terminals are Faston 205 type low-loss gold-plated terminals. In addition to providing secure joints for speaker cables, this prevents sound quality degradation.