My (in progress) project *pics too*

[captainobvious99]

Since seeing Dan's 'blades' I had been itching to build a pair of speakers with the same (or very similar look at least), but with different 'guts'. I just love the lines and the hard edged look of them (well done Dan!) I've had my drivers ordered and sitting in the basement for months and it's about time I finally got this project going.

This (when completed) will be my first home speaker build. A bit ambitious? Yeah, you could say that. Even I'm a little intimidated...
I've tinkered around in the car audio realm, but I have very little wood working skill. For me, jumping right into the fire has always been the best way to learn. It's very impressive seeing some of the high quality work that you DIY'ers are pumping out. Both technically, and in terms of craftsmanship. There's alot for me to learn here from you fellas

Anyway...on to the specifics...

The build is an MTMWW configuration utilizing the following drivers:

Vifa XT25TG30
Tang Band W4-1320SJ
Usher 8955A

I chose the xt25 for its good smooth extended frequency response. The W4's I have used before (both W3 and W4 version) and I'm a big fan of the way these bamboo/paper cones produce vocals. The 8955A's were chosen for their low distortion and ability to play low. I could have gone cheaper, using the 10" Dayton drivers (I actually have 2 sitting here as well to play with), but I've been wanting to try the Ushers for a while so I figured what the heck.

These speakers will be actively crossed over using a Behringer DCX2496 and powered by 6 seperate channels via gainclone amplifiers that I am in the process of building. I decided to go this route because I love the flexibility of the active crossover and the ability to tweak on the fly without having to stock a ton of crossover parts. That, and I'll probably be building more projects down the road so shared use is a plus.
The Base cabinets will house a pair of 8955a's each with a shared airspace and will be vented. The Mids will share airspace and will be sealed.

I plan on adding bracing to the base cabinets, fear not!


I started measuring and cutting panels about 2 weeks ago and have been continuing on slowly since then. Im focusing on getting the base cabinets glued up and then I'm moving on to the top. The angle cuts are very challenging with my tools and experience but Im getting there (after some screwups) by being patient and trying some different cutting methods.
The end result, Im hoping will look like this:





Progress pics:









The top panels are simply sitting on top to give an idea of look/shape.