Helix Dome MT vs. Samba

[Dougment]

Hello everyone -

Well, I showed my wife Curt Campbell's Slapshot MTMs, the parts for which I was ready to order and build my first pair of speakers. She adamantly vetoed them because they're too big (physically) for the location we're planning on using them. I think she's right... So I'm considering two smaller bookshelf kits: Jeff Bagby's Helix Dome MT's (DIYSG) and PE's Sambas. They are nearly identical in size and both seem to have good reputations.

In order of preference, I'm concerned about 1.) sound quality / low-mid-high blend / clarity, 2.) bass response and 3.) volume. I am a seasoned wood worker and not afraid of building cabinets (minus baffle) from scratch.

Based on reviews I've read on the DIYSG site and elsewhere, I'm confident that I'd be happy with the Helix Dome MT's. But if I don't have to pay that price (which is admittedly a good deal) I'd rather pay less for the Sambas.

Do any of you have experience with both of these designs for comparison? Any other thoughts?

Thanks so much -

Doug

[Geoff Millar]

Hi Doug

I haven't heard either, but people will need to know your room size, budget etc to provide informed advice on your questions.

I take it that you need to purchase a kit with at least the pre-cut baffle included; that will narrow your choice somewhat.

Geoff

[Dougment]

Thanks, Geoff -

I really appreciate how helpful you've been throughout my decision making process!

Attached are a couple of photos of our living room which is open to our dining and kitchen areas. The main listening area is about 16ft. wide X 14ft. deep but it extends in to dining and kitchen space. I drew a couple of rectangles showing where we'd like to place a couple of stand mounted speakers (flanking the fireplace) that are approximately size of the Helix Dome MT's or Sambas. They would be separated by about 8ft. The other photo shows how the living room is open to the dining and kitchen spaces.

I'm only concerned about the best quality sound being in the living room but, of course, sound will spill over in to the other spaces.

I feel very comfortable making my own baffles and all of the other cabinet parts required for the speakers (although I am no opposed to ordering kits that include the baffle : )

Thanks again -

Doug

[Dougment]

Thanks, Geoff -

I really appreciate how helpful you've been throughout my decision making process!

Attached are a couple of photos of our living room which is open to our dining and kitchen areas. The main listening area is about 16ft. wide X 14ft. deep but it extends in to dining and kitchen space. I drew a couple of rectangles showing where we'd like to place a couple of stand mounted speakers (flanking the fireplace) that are approximately size of the Helix Dome MT's or Sambas. They would be separated by about 8ft. The other photo shows how the living room is open to the dining and kitchen spaces.

I'm only concerned about the best quality sound being in the living room but, of course, sound will spill over in to the other spaces.

I feel very comfortable making my own baffles and all of the other cabinet parts required for the speakers (although I am no opposed to ordering kits that include the baffle : )

Thanks again -

Doug

[Dougment]

Thanks, Geoff -

I really appreciate how helpful you've been throughout my decision making process!

Attached are a couple of photos of our living room which is open to our dining and kitchen areas. The main listening area is about 16ft. wide X 14ft. deep but it extends in to dining and kitchen space. I drew a couple of rectangles showing where we'd like to place a couple of stand mounted speakers (flanking the fireplace) that are approximately size of the Helix Dome MT's or Sambas. They would be separated by about 8ft. The other photo shows how the living room is open to the dining and kitchen spaces.

I'm only concerned about the best quality sound being in the living room but, of course, sound will spill over in to the other spaces.

I feel very comfortable making my own baffles and all of the other cabinet parts required for the speakers (although I am no opposed to ordering kits that include the baffle : )

Thanks again -

Doug

[djg]

Nice house.

[djg]

I would refer you back to Zaph's SR71 design, also the smaller L18/TBF/cg metal design.

http://zaphaudio.com/

[djg]

If you want compact full range performance, consider Scott Sehlins Hafnium, Argon and Zirconium 3 way speakers. I built his Rhodium micromonitors, exquisite sound. He knows what he's doing. Somewhat more challenging woodwork.

https://sites.google.com/view/sehlin-sound-solutions

[djg]

Paul Carmody's Hitmaker and Classix II are well liked.

https://sites.google.com/site/undefinition/bookshelf-speakers

[djg]

I made a fairly compact version of Wolf's Zinger design. Truly full range, and the update to a Seas tweeter still is a budget price.

[Dougment]

Thanks djg! The SR71's are a little above my price range but I'll check out all of your suggestions. I'm trying to stay under $500 (not including cabinets). And thanks for the house props : )

Doug

[djg]

ICYMI

https://techtalk.parts-express.com/forum/tech-talk-forum/1487865-erin-s-audio-corner-review-of-the-samba

[Geoff Millar]

Have you factored the stands into your budget?

My first stands, made when WAF was not an issue, were free and probably not effective, just made of scrap MDF and pine. Before that I'd used beer cans, not really sensible at all.

Indeed you have a nice house, so the cabinets and stands will both need to pass muster.

I can compare the Slapshots and Classix II as I've made them both. The latter has less volume output and can run out of puff if you push the volume on bass-heavy material, but apart from that they sound really good, particularly on less well recorded material; in a way it's an unfair comparison as the Classix are less than half the price.

The Hitmakers are designed as monitors, as I understand it they're less efficient than the Classix; same tweeter. Perhaps not quite enough output for your room.

Geoff

[Dougment]

Thanks, Geoff - I'm going to building stands, too, and have factored that in to my budget. I'm an architect and have compatible aesthetic ideas in mind. And thanks for your feedback regarding the Slapshots, Hitmakers and Classix II.

Doug

[isaeagle4031]

Having heard both, my personal opinion is to lean toward the Helix. Overall, its just a better design. Cost more, but yes it is worth it.

[a4eaudio]

If you are considering the Helix Dome MT you should also consider the Apollo MT. Same size cabinet. The Anarchy woofers are bass monsters. I haven't heard both, so not saying they are better, but you should do some research. You can probably even reach out to DIYSoundgroup, tell them your listing needs and preferences, and get their honest opinion

[djg]

And it's in stock! A sign from the universe, do not ignore. A Pete Schumacher design. An old timer.

Hot tip, buy the crossover PCBs, well worth it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iGD0p0E42A

[djg]

It looks like even the flat pack is available. Regardless of your woodworking skill and tools, that's tempting. The precision of the flat packs is impressive.

[djg]

Say, what amp do you have for this system? A lot of the designs in this thread are 4 ohm.

[Dougment]

My amp (receiver) isn't anything special and I'd rather not spend the money on a new one if it isn't necessary... Yamaha HTR-5440.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-5LSgubqKUA5/p_022HTR5440/Yamaha-HTR-5440.html

Reading the specs, it appears that there is an Impedance Selector Switch on the back of the amp that I've never touched... I will likely only be using the "MAIN A" speakers so 4ohm speakers would be allowed with the switch in the left position. It appears that if I want to add another pair of speakers ("MAIN B"), It appears that they would need to be minimum 8ohm. Am I reading this correctly? (See attached screen capture from owners manual)

Thanks!

Doug

[djg]

65 watts RMS (8ohms) per channel might be a bit disappointing into any of these big 2 ways. Depends on your usage and expectations. Necessary? Desirable?

[Dougment]

[Dougment]

NOTE - the impedance information in this screen capture is correct. The impedance information provided in the "Features and Specs" section of the Crutchfield link I sent previously is not totally accurate and can be ignored.

[djg]

Very similar to my older Yamaha AVR. I've run plenty of 4 ohm spec speakers on the L/R and 6 ohm labeled center channel with no problems.

[djg]

If you don't want to buy a new receiver, you might want to build a smaller L/R pair and add power with a subwoofer. It's all the rage these days.