My First Speaker Build - TriTrix

[jared117]

After a mediocre amount of research I decided to go with the TriTrix design for my first ever speaker build. Wasn't sure if I was going to make a thread or not about my progress after seeing soooo many TriTrix threads on here but I figured I would get all the help I needed since this is such a popular build.

Being an average carpenter I decided not to buy the pre-cut MDF from PE. Just didn't seem like the manly thing to do. I'd have to say it was a little more difficult than I thought but I am thoroughly enjoying the whole process! I'm currently almost finished with them (at least that's what i tell myself everyday). Pictures will follow this and so will my questions...Thanks for any help you can provide.

[jared117]

Cutting and marking holes

[jared117]

MTM center clamped down.

[jared117]

Jasper 200 Circle Jig and a couple routed out circles

[jared117]

This was one of many mistakes.....I didn't set the depth of my router back to the tweeter depth. I used some wood glue mixed with MDF sawdust to try and repair. Not sure if this will have negative effects on the quality...

[jared117]

made some breathing room for the woofers and knotches for the tweeter terminals

[jared117]

Installed T-nuts. Has anyone had issues with their t-nuts getting in between the front baffle and top panel?

[joemomma]

I see a lot of guys using tnuts...why not just use screws?

EDIT: looking good so far!

[jared117]

Routed out holes for back panel and support bars....I'll admit, the fit was not as snug as I would have liked....I'm gonna cake on the glue :D.

[jared117]

And the assembly....

[jared117]

I had a solid wire for my common....decided to change to speaker wire.

Does this look like a functional crossover?

Also, do you just solder directly to the speaker terminals or can you use quick disconnects? I couldn't find the right size. I tried 3/16 and 1/4...

[jared117]

So I layed the center channel speaker on its back with the baffle sitting on top (not glued, just gravity). I hooked it up to an old Onkyo TX-SR603X. Ran a dvd player for the audio testing. When I turned up the volume to a normal listening level there was lots of hissing that seemed to come from the tweeter. I could still here the audio fine from the movie but there was a constant hissing ("sssssssss") Any ideas what this may be?

Is it because it's not sealed yet?

[cwad8505]

Congrats on selecting the TT... awesome speaker for the money..or rather ..in general. XO looks correct. Quick Disconnects should be 3/16..may have to take your small handy dandy PE screwdriver (should've been in ur packaging somewhere) and stretch them just a hair. Not sure about the hissing.. might try swapping the XO's or the tweet and see what's causing the issue. Good Luck!! You'll love them when you get it all lined out! Take care - Chris.

[jared117]

I swapped out the tweeter last night, still have the hissing...more like buzzing now. Think I will try swapping crossovers next. Thanks for the input!

[jared117]

Pretty much ruled out the speakers since every one of them is making the noise. No chance that all of them are damaged....they came in 2 different shipments. Also, tried swapping crossovers and noise persisted so must be the amp? I just ordered a new Onkyo 608. It was time for a new one anyway.

[jared117]

JoeMamma, this is an educated guess because I'm no expert by any means. I would think you use T-nuts or hurricane nuts in the case of un-mounting your speakers for repairs and such. Using screws while un-mounting and remounting might hurt your ability to get a tight hold every time.

Jared

[cwad8505]

JoeMamma, this is an educated guess because I'm no expert by any means. I would think you use T-nuts or hurricane nuts in the case of un-mounting your speakers for repairs and such. Using screws while un-mounting and remounting might hurt your ability to get a tight hold every time.

Jared

Agreed, and more importantly, IMO, MDF will have a tendency to want to start falling apart with continual screwing in and out... the T-nuts will also allow it to be tightened more creating a better seal where the driver meets the baffle.. Happy building.. Chris

[Leroy R]

I used screws for the tweeters and t-nuts for the woofers. Can't remember why I didn't use the t-nuts with the tweeters. Crossovers and anything else are accessible through the woofer openings, so shouldn't need to take the tweeters out unless they need to be replaced.

[Leroy R]

Ok during disassembly for beginning the task of applying and finishing veneer, I was reminded why I used screws for the tweeters. At least one t-nut was going to be too close to the inside edge of the enclosure and was going to wind up pinched between the baffle and the top(center speaker) or sidewall(surround speakers).

[Randall Kepley]

Jared do you mind posting the diminsions of your center channel? R.K.

[CWH&R]

After putting in all of your screws 1 time take them back out and fill the holes with super glue, let the glue soak in and dry and put the screws back in. Works great!