Best Pound-for-Pund DIYer

[Wolf]

Shux, guys!

I see 4 mentions of my presence, and I must admit I learn a lot now and then. I have to say there are quite a few that I really look up to, but Jeff B. would probably have the position of *my* speaker-mentor. He helped me when noone else would back when I started, and now I offer the same introduction courtesy to quite a few others.

I am very honored that a lot of you feel that strongly about my projects.
Thanks!
Wolf

[scottsehlin]

Re: Best Pound-for-Pund DIYer

Wolf, You definitely deserve mention here. You've showcased a lot of drivers and creative approaches to using them - not to mention that all of your designs that I have heard have been well-executed. Your designs appeal to a lot of people because they deal with real world constraints of getting as much as possible out of a small space and/or a small price.

I totally agreed with the comment about Paul Carmody (Undefinition) being noteworthy as an "up and comer". Everything I've heard from him has sounded very good and he is another one who is not afraid of the unconventional.

My graduate school advisor always told me to make mistakes as quickly as possible, but never the same one twice. The two above exemplify that approach - innovation requires putting aside one's fear of failure.

Jim Holtz deserves mention as someone who has conceived of and built some very good designs and has been a strong advocate for DIY - hosting several of the Iowa gatherings. Doug Peterson has continued to work to keep that event strong. People like this are the glue that keep the diy community thriving.

Paul K's work with transmission line enclosures has been a major factor in a number of recent designs, including many of the highest rated designs at this year's diy gatherings.

Jed Kunz, although he has gone commercial, has been very prolific with good designs and information.

I personally owe a lot to Dave Ellis (who was a childhood friend of mine). His encouragement and mentoring helped get me fully into this (other than just building one or two designs for myself).

I think most of the other key contributors in the DIY community have been mentioned. Dennis Murphy, Zaph, John Kreshovsky, Mark K., John Marsh, the creator of the LDSG, Jeff Bagby, Roman Bednarek, Curt Campbell, Lou Corragio have all contributed significantly in some way to my understanding of speaker design.

[brianp]

Re: Best Pound-for-Pund DIYer

[QUOTE=nikbrewer;1538155]well, i think we will need to know the weight of the guys. That way we can add thier designs, woodworking ability, ect , and then divide it by their weight, so we can get a lbs vs lbs comparison.
QUOTE]

Or maybe the weight of the speakers? How would some immense, 7' tall line arrays weigh in against a bunch of teensy minimonitors?

[Paul Carmody]

Re: Best Pound-for-Pund DIYer

I totally agreed with the comment about Paul Carmody (Undefinition) being noteworthy as an "up and comer". Everything I've heard from him has sounded very good and he is another one who is not afraid of the unconventional.

Thanks Scott (Mark, too). For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of meeting Scott, you wouldn't know he knows as much as he does about DIY because he's so softspoken (versus a big-mouth like me:p). But Scott is one of those handful of guys who, when he posts on a topic, I'll specifically go and read it because I value his knowledge.

And I guess that's what it comes down to for me: there are contributors here (and on other boards as well) who always seem to have the right input at the right time. But everyone has their specialties. And depending on what you need help with, it's amazing the kind of expert knowledge there is to tap into in the community!

I'm just glad for an honorable mention ;) I really enjoy giving back to the community using my "areas of specialty." I hope to continue publishing more designs and occasional snarky/helpful articles on my website. I'm a bit slow lately, as being a teacher means "life gets in the way" when it's not summer time. :rolleyes:

[terryo]

Re: Best Pound-for-Pund DIYer

I think most of the other key contributors in the DIY community have been mentioned. Dennis Murphy, Zaph, John Kreshovsky, Mark K., John Marsh, the creator of the LDSG, Jeff Bagby, Roman Bednarek, Curt Campbell, Lou Corragio have all contributed significantly in some way to my understanding of speaker design.

As you've mentioned the LDSG, the credit for it goes to Bob Stout, the long-time moderator of the old Bass List and all-around great guy.

http://ldsg.snippets.org

Best Regards,
TerryO

[Wolf]

Re: Best Pound-for-Pund DIYer

Thanks Scott (Mark, too). For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of meeting Scott, you wouldn't know he knows as much as he does about DIY because he's so softspoken (versus a big-mouth like me:p). But Scott is one of those handful of guys who, when he posts on a topic, I'll specifically go and read it because I value his knowledge.

And I guess that's what it comes down to for me: there are contributors here (and on other boards as well) who always seem to have the right input at the right time. But everyone has their specialties. And depending on what you need help with, it's amazing the kind of expert knowledge there is to tap into in the community!

I'm just glad for an honorable mention ;) I really enjoy giving back to the community using my "areas of specialty." I hope to continue publishing more designs and occasional snarky/helpful articles on my website. I'm a bit slow lately, as being a teacher means "life gets in the way" when it's not summer time. :rolleyes:

Paul- you *do* deserve that nod! I agree about Scott (and thank you, Scott, for the rave!) as he does have a good knowledge basis for projects, and always has a decent shining example in my Iowa experience.

This place is indeed a boiling pot for ideas, and information.
Later,
Wolf

[Paul Carmody]

Re: Best Pound-for-Pund DIYer

I really have to toss this in here... seems no one has mentioned Rod Elliott. I know not much of it is about speakers, but geez, that guy has contributed a lot of FREE information to the DIY audio world! Over the last few weeks, I've only just begun reading all this stuff; it could take me years to get through.


And honestly, there are a lot of DIYers whose contributions are a bit more unsung; but are each a wealth of knowledge in their own ways. Such as the extremely generous John Stockman, willing to gracefully and kindly help out each audio enthusiast who comes in, not knowing where to start! And if you are trying to figure out how to keep MDF from shrinking and expanding or you want to do the ultimate paint job, you ask Aaron Hero. The list goes on and on.

[garyrees]

Re: Best Pound-for-Pund DIYer

I would like to nominate for the Hall of Fame -

amateur: Eric Wallin

Pro: Linkwitz , Floyd Toole

[echrisconnor]

Re: Best Pound-for-Pund DIYer

If you change the interpretation of this to a UK persepective, who's the best dollar-for-dollar designer? i.e. who does the best bang for the buck designs?

(I'm not sure this is a fair question. Just trying to spur more conversation)

[tubbsbright]

Re: Best Pound-for-Pund DIYer

I asked for a top 10 list and you guys are turning this into a 64 man tournament.

Seriously though...I'm glad to see those guys get some love,all of them do some amazing stuff and are really helpful.

[mgrabow]

Re: Best Pound-for-Pund DIYer

Well are we just voting for the "published" Parts Express DIY'ers? That being the case Dan N. with his HOSS project gets my vote. Dan's creative design, outstanding veneer work gets my vote.

Some of the others mentioned are outstanding...

There are many many non PE published DIY'ers that would likely change the stakes of the game.

If we are voting for the pounds of a DIY'er, I come in at 225 pounds but I have not been published in DIY and voting for ones self is tacky...

Mark

https://www.pirateacoustics.net

[dotzs]

Re: Best Pound-for-Pund DIYer

I may be the the geezer here,the knowledge on this board is amazing because doing it yourself in this world of marketed compromises can make for a brighter future.

[johnpastuck]

Re: Best Pound-for-Pund DIYer

Nobody mentioned Daryl. he's the good Will Hunting of diy.
But if you were around in the MAD days. You know if someone had a question they'd ask John K.

John

[Paul Carmody]

Re: Best Pound-for-Pund DIYer

I asked for a top 10 list and you guys are turning this into a 64 man tournament.

Unlike the magazine headlines would make you think, not everything in life can be summed up by top 10 lists.

[j_dunavin]

Re: Best Pound-for-Pund DIYer

All very good nominations! But i gata throw Bill Fitzmaurice in there too. If the "projects" were rated pound per pound he would be on top. I know of no other loudspeaker that can compete with the DR line.
And i second Rod Elliot