Swopes 5.0

[Gordy]

Re: Swopes 5.0

Got a chance to do some speaker dry fits to see how they are going to go in. I drilled out all of the 5" mids to accommodate the #8 screw low-profile allen head screw that will be used. The hole needs to a little larger so the speaker has some room to move around so the screw does not cross thread in the threaded insert. I ended up drilling all the 5" mids and tweets with a 3/16" bit. The mounting holes for the 6" mids was already 3/16" I also began wiring up the crossovers for the TMs. Once the finish is applied and they are ready to be assembled, the goal is to have the wires already attached and just drop the crossovers in and bolt them down.

I am pretty disappointed in the speaker terminals on all of the speakers. They are very thin and do not like to have a crimp terminal plugged into them. They just fold up. I really want to be able to have these removable and do not want to solder them on. I am thinking about using a molex connector for the mids and push terminals for the tweets. This will make final assembly easier I think.

[woodwelder]

Re: Swopes 5.0

Sorry to hear about the router attacks! Nice thinking on the repair - looks great. Thanks for being real with us and telling us that even the mighty Gordy can make mistakes now and again! They look awesome just like your other builds.

[Gordy]

Re: Swopes 5.0

I got started on the finish today and was able to get the stands and TMs done and part of the center channel. I ran out of Deft Satin and did not want to go to the Depot and get more. Each speaker has 2 coats of Deft sanding sealer and 3 coats of Deft satin lacquer finish. It really mimics the finishing I see on most store bought speakers. It has a sheen but it is muted.

[Gordy]

Re: Swopes 5.0

The TMs were assembled this evening and I finally got to hear what I am building. I did not get too much time with them but if the rest of the speakers sound like the TMs I will be very satisfied. The decision to use molex connectors on the mids could not have been better. A simple plug-in-play and no having to support the speaker while it is being soldered or destroying the terminals on the speakers. If I ever (well I guess when) I build another set of speakers, I will use the same molex connectors.

[greywarden]

Re: Swopes 5.0

Wow that finish looks great!

[eyekode]

Swopes 5.0

Nice build! Thanks for the pictorial.
I really like the low profile allen head screws and the molex connectors!

[Eternal Student]

Re: Swopes 5.0

I've been following this thread closely. What diameter and length port tube did you end up going with for the MTM's?

[Gordy]

Re: Swopes 5.0

I've been following this thread closely. What diameter and length port tube did you end up going with for the MTM's?

I am using PE 260-478 cut to 6" of length per Paul's post on htguide. I have not cut these down yet as they will be the very last thing that will installed in the MTMs

http://www.parts-express.com/speaker-cabinet-port-tube-2-1-2-id-x-8-1-2-l-flared--260-478

[Gordy]

Re: Swopes 5.0

The center channel is done. I applied the last coats of finish and assembled today. 3 down, 2 to go. I was able to get all of the molex plugs soldered up tonight on the MTMs and the drivers that will go in them. It is little stuff that just takes time. I also wanted to tape up all of the holes in the MTMs so the spray finish would not get inside the enclosure. Both MTMs need some sanding but will be ready for finish in the next few days.

The center channel is amazing. It pretty much slaps you right in the face and is crisp and clear. The entry level Infinity's I have lack high-end, crispness and realism. The Swopes so far are the opposite of that.

[bkeane1259]

Re: Swopes 5.0

Beautiful. Gordy I have a question. Are the CC & Surround cabinets lined/stuffed?

[Gordy]

Re: Swopes 5.0

Beautiful. Gordy I have a question. Are the CC & Surround cabinets lined/stuffed?

Not as of yet, but they will need something, especially the 5" in the center channel. I recall reading somewhere that these had some sort of filling. What would you suggest?

[bkeane1259]

Re: Swopes 5.0

Not as of yet, but they will need something, especially the 5" in the center channel. I recall reading somewhere that these had some sort of filling. What would you suggest?

I would suggest Roxul since the cabs are sealed, but you should follow whatever Paul suggests in the actual build. If you have some time to listen to that CC without stuffing, I'd do it and then try to see if you notice the improvement afterwards. I'm not a fan of egg crate foam or poly. I think Roxul and UltraTouch denim are much better at absorbing that rear wave.

[Gordy]

Re: Swopes 5.0

I would suggest Roxul since the cabs are sealed, but you should follow whatever Paul suggests in the actual build. If you have some time to listen to that CC without stuffing, I'd do it and then try to see if you notice the improvement afterwards. I'm not a fan of egg crate foam or poly. I think Roxul and UltraTouch denim are much better at absorbing that rear wave.

Thanks for the feedback. I just reread Paul's original build thread and this question was specifically asked. I will follow the below and see what happens.

"As for stuffing/lining. My general rule is to stuff sealed speakers, and line vented speakers. Occasionally I'll add a handfull of stuffing to a lined speaker to taste--but just as often the lined speakers don't need any help."

[Paul Carmody]

Re: Swopes 5.0

For sealed speakers like this, I use craft-store Polyfil. The stuff Brian recommended would work the well, too.

[kiteflyer]

Re: Swopes 5.0

They look awesome!

How do they sound??!!