Most attractive cabinets? [Archive] - Techtalk Speaker Building, Audio, Video Discussion Forum

icor1031

11-29-2011, 12:39 PM

bmaupin

11-29-2011, 12:52 PM

Either a painted cabinet with any shape imaginable (Aaron Hero style):

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/picture.php?albumid=6&pictureid=19

Or simple box, square edges and veener.

Aaron is very talented, but captainobvious showed that a beginner can pull off a well thought out and executed enclosure: http://techtalk.parts-express.com/showthread.php?t=220877&page=5

Steve Henry

11-29-2011, 01:05 PM

These are some of my favorites posted here:

Face

11-29-2011, 01:11 PM

These don't appear to be too difficult to make. :D

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/3514/avalonsentinel.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/62/avalonsentinel.jpg/)

Chris Roemer

11-29-2011, 01:42 PM

These don't appear to be too difficult to make. :D

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/3514/avalonsentinel.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/62/avalonsentinel.jpg/)

To me, all those need to be carrying is a sickle, and they'd look just like Death.

icor1031

11-29-2011, 01:46 PM

I agree... Wish I had them. :D ;)

To me, all those need to be carrying is a sickle, and they'd look just like Death.

Pete Schumacher ®

11-29-2011, 03:12 PM

I'm kind of partial to these. Cadillac Black Diamond on the enclosure, White Diamond on the baffle.

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w339/bkeane1259/Chicago%20DIY%202011/IMG_1976.jpg

cwad8505

11-29-2011, 03:22 PM

I'm kind of partial to these. Cadillac Black Diamond on the enclosure, White Diamond on the baffle.

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w339/bkeane1259/Chicago%20DIY%202011/IMG_1976.jpg

Show-off!! I must admit, these are stunning!

dlneubec

11-29-2011, 05:23 PM

I kinda like these:;)

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/dlneubec/HOSS/DSCF0131-small.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/dlneubec/HOSS/DSCF0026.jpg

or these::p

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/dlneubec/BaSSlines/DSCF0243-1.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/dlneubec/BaSSlines/DSCF0247-1.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/dlneubec/BaSSlines/DSCF0258.jpg

or maybe these::cool:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/dlneubec/The%20Blade/blades2.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/dlneubec/The%20Blade/Blades3.jpg

NyxOne

11-29-2011, 05:29 PM

Anything made by Rockport Technologies (http://rockporttechnologies.com/)

http://www.goodwinshighend.com/manufacturers/rockport/images/altair-front-med.jpg

http://www.goodwinshighend.com/manufacturers/rockport/images/altair-back-med.jpg

And dlneubec speakers!!! (really)

Chuck

fastbike1

11-29-2011, 05:32 PM

So Pete does Ed know that you think these didn't require " a very high skill level?" :D

Frankly same goes for Dln. ;)

I'm kind of partial to these. Cadillac Black Diamond on the enclosure, White Diamond on the baffle.

http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w339/bkeane1259/Chicago%20DIY%202011/IMG_1976.jpg

kevinr

11-29-2011, 05:39 PM

I have seen the PE cabinets when a friend brought over his gloss black 1.0 cu. ft. cabinets and they looked pretty nice.
Haven't seen the Madisound cabinets in person although several people online say they are quite good .
Has anyone experience with both retailers offerings and noted any differences in the two ?

greywarden

11-29-2011, 05:41 PM

Everyone just seems to have posted the most rediculously insane enclosures to build, haha...

icor1031

11-29-2011, 05:45 PM

That's O.K., I can make a new thread later. :p

Everyone just seems to have posted the most rediculously insane enclosures to build, haha...

mtmpenn

11-29-2011, 05:53 PM

I love the simple elegance of these cabintes:

http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=34465

My tribute build turned out pretty well (but not as nice as the build in the link, IMO):

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/9021/img0544m.jpg

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/3600/img0548b.jpg

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/5918/img0547f.jpg

Face

11-29-2011, 06:03 PM

We don't need no stinkin' cabinets.

http://img573.imageshack.us/img573/6446/img1620c.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/573/img1620c.jpg/)

Alex2507

11-29-2011, 06:14 PM

I made these.

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae227/Alex2507Audio/JBL%20GTx10/PICT0881.jpg

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae227/Alex2507Audio/JBL%20GTx10/PICT0874.jpg

Wolf

11-29-2011, 06:45 PM

http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae227/Alex2507Audio/JBL%20GTx10/PICT0881.jpg

I'd keep the grill on, but I like that!
Nice job!
Wolf

Pete Schumacher ®

11-29-2011, 06:51 PM

So Pete does Ed know that you think these didn't require " a very high skill level?" :D

Frankly same goes for Dln. ;)

Well, when the Grim Reaper speakers were posted, I figured all bets were off!!! ;)

Paul K.

11-29-2011, 06:53 PM

Since many posted photos of their own creations, and nothing wrong with that, I'm doing the same.
Paul

Wolf

11-29-2011, 07:04 PM

What are the best looking cabinets you've seen, that do not require a 'very high' skill level?
(Excessive time/labor investment is acceptable, however.)

Looking for ideas, I want to redo my sub and speaker boxes some time.

Thanks!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/wolf_teeth_speaker/Attitudes-preliminary/pa161267.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/wolf_teeth_speaker/NEHD/IMG_0145.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/wolf_teeth_speaker/Rubyks/100_2712.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/wolf_teeth_speaker/Sophomores/IMG_0156.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/wolf_teeth_speaker/Scandivifias/100_3161.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/wolf_teeth_speaker/Trichotomy/Picturekl042.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/wolf_teeth_speaker/Vijon/IMG_0150.jpg

Many more where that came from!
Later,
Wolf

icor1031

11-29-2011, 07:06 PM

The rubik's cube and the blue laminate(?) really stick out. Very nice, Wolf.

Many more where that came from!
Later,
Wolf

mtmpenn

11-29-2011, 07:32 PM

Forgot to mention Lunchmoney's colorful builds. Example here:

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/showthread.php?t=206622&page=3

Someone else painted a cabinet orange too. I like the combination of the bright color and satin finish. Satin is about a million times easier than high gloss for the newb.

Mike

tom_s

11-29-2011, 08:09 PM

I don't know who built them, but I really like these -

biff

11-29-2011, 09:03 PM

I did these a while back, they are getting replaced this spring, if the weather cooperates in my alfresco wood shop.

http://www.shootersphotos.com/biff/DSCN1546.JPG

6thplanet

11-29-2011, 11:47 PM

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/picture.php?albumid=272&pictureid=3833
http://techtalk.parts-express.com/picture.php?albumid=408&pictureid=4196
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder....or owner!:D

GranteedEV

11-30-2011, 12:03 AM

What are the best looking cabinets you've seen, that do not require a 'very high' skill level?
(Excessive time/labor investment is acceptable, however.)

All you need is to get your hands on some glossy Vinyl Laminate :D

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/emptek-e55ti/EMPback2.jpg/image

bolland83

11-30-2011, 12:05 AM

These were pretty simple to do, and less than $40 for finishing supplies :D

fezzywigger

11-30-2011, 12:09 AM

+1 for Lunchmoney's blue TriTrix's. Still my favorite looking speaker to date. I love the simple lines, bell's and whistle's just doesn't do it for me...

bmaupin

11-30-2011, 01:26 AM

All you need is to get your hands on some glossy Vinyl Laminate :D

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/emptek-e55ti/EMPback2.jpg/image

What is "glossy vinyl laminate"? That finish is nice! :D

iLovPieNCake

11-30-2011, 03:49 AM

+1 for tom_s, I love really slim floorstanding cabinets.

I LOVE the Singularities cabinet
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l280/pldawid93/Singulaities.jpg

greywarden

11-30-2011, 03:55 AM

Pretty much anything that Tony Gee, Troels Gravesen, or John Eekels have built/designed. I love love love the Dutch Architecture style. And anything that resembles Art Deco as well.

williamrschneider

11-30-2011, 08:13 AM

I found this on a woodworking forum. It looks relatively easy to do, yet still looks very upscale.

http://lumberjocks.com/assets/pictures/projects/75418-438x.jpg?1247293016

JimHRB

11-30-2011, 08:38 AM

I'm surprised no one mentioned these.

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/showthread.php?t=223813&highlight=tarkus

r-carpenter

11-30-2011, 08:45 AM

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/picture.php?albumid=247&pictureid=2038
http://techtalk.parts-express.com/picture.php?albumid=247&pictureid=2032
http://techtalk.parts-express.com/showthread.php?t=224843&page=7
http://techtalk.parts-express.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15780&d=1304393532
http://techtalk.parts-express.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=8247&d=1271595658
http://techtalk.parts-express.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=8383&d=1272413070

ROTECH

11-30-2011, 09:02 AM

I don't know who built them, but I really like these -

Those are the Troels Graveson Nomex 164. Go to his build page and you will get a link to that particular builders photos and feedback. Just google Nomex 164.

Sydney

11-30-2011, 09:18 AM

... that do not require a 'very high' skill level?

Back to the original criteria...
Of course you are the best judge of your skill level; and also important - your access to tools.
An easy approach is get an existing cab ( or new empty cab ) and focus customization on the front baffle.
It's is the most visible surface, and can be made to contrast or complement the rest of the cab finish.

Starkiller4299

11-30-2011, 09:23 AM

Satin is about a million times easier than high gloss for the newb.Mike

Plus a million! Satin finishes are sooooooo easy. No fuss, no muss, just apply 3-4 coats in the direction of the grain and call it a day :).

mtmpenn

11-30-2011, 09:39 AM

rickyj

11-30-2011, 10:16 AM

Maybe not the best looking you've seen but requires little skill level. Just add some sort of side panel.

bungelow_ed

11-30-2011, 10:18 AM

I'd add to that by saying veneer is much easier than you might think, and I personally think that some of the inexpensive veneers are very classy (flat cut walnut, maple, cherry, sapaele, etc). Paper backed veneer, heat lock, Danish oil and simple cabinet can be amazing.

+1, what MTMPENN said. Veneers can be had very inexpensively, done on the kitchen table, require no expensive tools and is very forgiving of small surface imperfections.

These have about $20 worth of Flea-Bay veneers and a weekends work in them.

michiganpat

11-30-2011, 10:35 AM

well, low skill level, try find some nice vintage cabinets with real wood veneer and repurpose them...basically need a jigsaw to cut out the old baffle, and the ability to cut a new one.....

but I'm a sucker for the vintage AR/KLH/Advent speakers with the linen grilles, or the old pioneers with the lattice grilles...

bendaniels

12-01-2011, 10:10 AM

No skill. Just time. (https://plus.google.com/photos/117043260720890179957/albums/5627098778626229345?hl=en#photos/117043260720890179957/albums/5627098778626229345)

edlafontaine

12-01-2011, 11:06 AM

No skill. Just time.

I strongly disagree with the former.

I understand the latter.

bendaniels

12-01-2011, 11:14 AM

Well, mainly time and patience.

jonasz

12-01-2011, 12:45 PM

I like these.

Respons Grand Artist

http://www.andervikaudio.no/Bilder%20Respons/grand_d_415_600.jpg

Davone Rithm

http://www.highfidelity.pl/foto_testy/0911/davone/01.jpg

Davone Ray

http://c745.r45.cf2.rackcdn.com/img/2009/davone_ray_speakers.jpg

Amphion Helium 520

http://www.mrhifi.fi/images/tuotekuvat/amphion/helium_520_koivu_large.jpg

I tend to like speakers with clean lines, not too busy, gives me a headache. :D

joeybutts

12-01-2011, 02:07 PM

I've always been attracted to these....
http://www.htguide.com/forum/attachment.php4?attachmentid=11191

http://www.htguide.com/forum/attachment.php4?attachmentid=11193

bungelow_ed

12-01-2011, 03:05 PM

I've always been attracted to these....

Those are very impressive. Bubinga? I always wonder if that much figured wood is to much, kinda like to much triple chocolate cake. Not in this case.

andykriech

12-01-2011, 04:58 PM

Here are a couple of "simpler is better" trys:

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p104/akriech/DIY%20Speakers%20-%20RJBs%20Microbes%20-%202009/18Finished1.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p104/akriech/DIY%20Speakers%20-%20DarrenKs%20Encores%20-%202009/14FinishedEncore.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p104/akriech/DIY%20Speakers%20-%20LouCs%20C-Killas%20-%202010/16Anotherviewoffinishedspeaker.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p104/akriech/DIY%20Speakers%20-%20LouCs%20Cryolites%20-%202007/07aFinishedCryolites.jpg

xavier

12-01-2011, 06:00 PM

We don't need no stinkin' cabinets.

http://img573.imageshack.us/img573/6446/img1620c.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/573/img1620c.jpg/)

What are those, and who makes them?

Face

12-01-2011, 06:08 PM

What are those, and who makes them?
http://www.kyronaudio.com.au/GaiaFeatures.html

mgrabow

12-01-2011, 09:40 PM

These don't appear to be too difficult to make. :D

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/3514/avalonsentinel.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/62/avalonsentinel.jpg/)

No not at all... Just need a cheap table saw and a screw gun...

mgrabow

12-01-2011, 09:43 PM

Not too difficult angles involved...

greywarden

12-02-2011, 06:01 AM

I've always wanted to do a build in curly maple and dye it some bright color like a guitar

Ram Jr

12-02-2011, 02:40 PM

No skill. Just time. (https://plus.google.com/photos/117043260720890179957/albums/5627098778626229345?hl=en#photos/117043260720890179957/albums/5627098778626229345)

Lol u mean a C&C machine and time? :)

johnastockman

12-02-2011, 02:47 PM

I've always been attracted to these....
http://www.htguide.com/forum/attachment.php4?attachmentid=11191

http://www.htguide.com/forum/attachment.php4?attachmentid=11193

Holy c-r-a-p, Joey! Man, bee-you-tee-full. Like some of the others, I don't buy into the bling or speakers made with the aesthetics as the marketing principle of it-looks-unique/different-so-it-has-superior-SQ. I'm a true cynic when it comes to that, but all those years of behind-the-counter experience will lead to some obvious conclusions about high prices, complicated cabinet "looks", and manufacturer hype about aesthetics. Plus, being able to attend some of the CES events only confirmed those conclusions about how price and looks have nothing to do with a quality listening experience. I'd rather have your set-up than any of those 6-figure+ priced examples I auditioned at some of the hotels that hosted the esoteric speaker companies. A definite I'm-not-worthy-bow to your skills and set-up.

John A.

Pallas

12-02-2011, 03:16 PM

These require no skill whatsoever, just membership in the "one percent."

http://elitechoice.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/kef-concept-blade.jpg

What I like about the KEF Blade is, unlike many of the designs posted, it gets the acoustic side of things right, with no sharp edges for low diffraction a shallow waveguide for the Uni-Q. (Only the sharp edge on top seems non-optimal.) But it's also very elegant-looking. Tom Danley thinks there's something to KEF's "single apparent source" driver topology, too.

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/picture.php?albumid=408&pictureid=4196

Interesting. Any polars of that waveguide?

Pete Schumacher ®

12-02-2011, 03:27 PM

What I like about the KEF Blade is, unlike many of the designs posted, it gets the acoustic side of things right, with no sharp edges for low diffraction a shallow waveguide for the Uni-Q. (Only the sharp edge on top seems non-optimal.) But it's also very elegant-looking. Tom Danley thinks there's something to KEF's "single apparent source" driver topology, too.

Interesting. Any polars of that waveguide?

Not that waveguide, but how about one for the other waveguide 2-way? 0 and 45 degrees, in-room, 1/12th octave smoothing. 1KHz LR4, 8" woofer and 1" WG loaded dome.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a203/pete_schumacher/Speaker%20projects/Byzy%20Mini/RS28AAurora0and45deginroom.png

Pallas

12-02-2011, 06:24 PM

Not that waveguide, but how about one for the other waveguide 2-way? 0 and 45 degrees, in-room, 1/12th octave smoothing. 1KHz LR4, 8" woofer and 1" WG loaded dome.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a203/pete_schumacher/Speaker%20projects/Byzy%20Mini/RS28AAurora0and45deginroom.png

Sweet! Is that the bookshelf speaker above?

I don't know if a 1" dome could handle Shostakovich 7 or Mahler 8 at concert-hall volume with a 1kHz crossover, though, even in a waveguide. That's tough for some 1" compression drivers.

Pete Schumacher ®

12-02-2011, 06:36 PM

Sweet! Is that the bookshelf speaker above?

I don't know if a 1" dome could handle Shostakovich 7 or Mahler 8 at concert-hall volume with a 1kHz crossover, though, even in a waveguide. That's tough for some 1" compression drivers.

No, that's the 8" two-way shown below.

And yes, it can do very nicely at quite significant volumes. 20W RMS will put out 100dB/1m each cabinet. At 3m in my living room, it gets quite loud, louder than most seats, mid theater. And with the transfer function down a full 20dB at 1KHz, the tweeter sees tiny power levels during these passages.

Wish you could hear them.

http://www.vaporsound.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Aurora1.jpg

lhwidget

12-02-2011, 07:09 PM

We don't need no stinkin' cabinets.

http://img573.imageshack.us/img573/6446/img1620c.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/573/img1620c.jpg/)

From their website:

8 Mono Block Amplifiers

Active loudspeakers have huge performance advantages.

Each driver in the Kyron Audio Gaia is driven by a full mono block construction amplifier. The amplifiers have enormous power reserves and exhibit effortless control over the loudspeaker drivers, whether during thunderous orchestral music or the finest nuances of a delicate vocal performance.

I'm having a hard time with the math...

Pete Schumacher ®

12-02-2011, 07:34 PM

From their website:

8 Mono Block Amplifiers

Active loudspeakers have huge performance advantages.

Each driver in the Kyron Audio Gaia is driven by a full mono block construction amplifier. The amplifiers have enormous power reserves and exhibit effortless control over the loudspeaker drivers, whether during thunderous orchestral music or the finest nuances of a delicate vocal performance.

I'm having a hard time with the math...

An amp for each woofer, one for the pair of mids, one for the pair of tweeters (one rear firing)

D, Rose

12-02-2011, 09:25 PM

I thought this was for "Most attractive cabinets"? Wouldn't that heading call for cabs? I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but, c'mon. :eek:I could epoxy drivers to a striper pole, add some glossy paint, and VIOLA!!!:D

philiparcario

12-02-2011, 09:37 PM

some jordan full range a pe .25cu ft maple box with a custom solid maple baffle

kenmcculloch

12-02-2011, 11:16 PM

Little sub I put together with lacewood veneer top, solid paduuk trim and legs and cherry veneer sides.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v671/longdrive03/completesub001.jpg

Pete Schumacher ®

12-02-2011, 11:20 PM

Little sub I put together with lacewood veneer top, solid paduuk trim and legs and cherry veneer sides.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v671/longdrive03/completesub001.jpg

That was always one of my favorites. Just beautiful.

lhwidget

12-03-2011, 09:50 AM

An amp for each woofer, one for the pair of mids, one for the pair of tweeters (one rear firing)

Yep, that's one per pair of mids and pair of tweeters, not one each...

Their specs page explains further, for each stereo pair of speakers:
Four 250 W sub amps for the 12 12" drivers
Two 500 W amps for the 4 mid-drivers
Two 100 W amps for the 4 tweeters

Not quite one mono block per driver as claimed. (I'd still like to see & hear them though, they're purdy.)

I get so literal sometimes... :)

Face

12-05-2011, 11:05 AM

http://face.cleanandquiet.com/store/Aida.jpg

joeybutts

12-05-2011, 11:30 AM

Holy c-r-a-p, Joey! Man, bee-you-tee-full. Like some of the others, I don't buy into the bling or speakers made with the aesthetics as the marketing principle of it-looks-unique/different-so-it-has-superior-SQ. I'm a true cynic when it comes to that, but all those years of behind-the-counter experience will lead to some obvious conclusions about high prices, complicated cabinet "looks", and manufacturer hype about aesthetics. Plus, being able to attend some of the CES events only confirmed those conclusions about how price and looks have nothing to do with a quality listening experience. I'd rather have your set-up than any of those 6-figure+ priced examples I auditioned at some of the hotels that hosted the esoteric speaker companies. A definite I'm-not-worthy-bow to your skills and set-up.

John A.

Just want to clarify these are not mine. I am hoping mine come out close to as pretty as these. Thanks though! :p