Paul Carmody's - SPEEDSTER build thread

[bkeane1259]

UPDATE 08MAY 2013:

It's very likely that the polarity on the tweeter will need to be reversed unless you own a very old version of the NeoCD1.0. Check out this thread for more info. I ended up reversing my yweeter leads and it made a significant difference.

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...93#post1908593




After hearing Paul Carmody’s “Speedster” at the 2011 InDIYana event, I was sold. I do most of my music listening at my workstation in a near field environment, and with overall space at a minimum, the Speedster is exactly what I need.

Here is a prototype shot from InDIYana 2011 –



Paul’s site: http://sites.google.com/site/undefinition/speedster

Meniscus offers this as a kit, which makes it that much easier: http://meniscusaudio.com/speedster-p-1219.html

My Photobucket pictorial: http://photobucket.com/speedsters

A slotted front port version: http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...6&postcount=94

Presently, the woofers are on back order, but I was able to find a pair of the TB’s from a private owner on the PE forum. The Meniscus guys

[bkeane1259]

Re: Paul Carmody's - SPEEDSTER build thread

The kit from Meniscus (sans woofers)



The drivers: Tang Band W4-1720 + Fountek NeoCD1.0

[bkeane1259]

Re: Paul Carmody's - SPEEDSTER build thread

Using a few small scraps, we threw together a test box to make sure the mitered edges were good. This is actually a cute little cabinet….gonna hang on to it for a mini build for later on.



Then the rest of the panels went pretty smoothly.





Side panels:



A quick test fit of one of the actual cabinets. It’s a nice tight fit. Glue and clamps tomorrow and hopefully the back panels and baffles.

[Soundslike]

Re: Paul Carmody's - SPEEDSTER build thread

You'll be one of the earliest builders of the Speedsters, I guess. I'll be following along so I hope you'll keep up with the posts. You've got a good neighbor -- you guys look like you know what you're doing. Looking great...

[raiderone]

Re: Paul Carmody's - SPEEDSTER build thread

Using a few small scraps, we threw together a test box to make sure the mitred edges were good.

What was the process in cutting the panels; did you cut all panels to size then miter the edges with the TS55? Also, did you use an angle gauge to set the 45 on the TS55?

[Wolf]

Re: Paul Carmody's - SPEEDSTER build thread

Does anybody else notice the different exit on the faceplate of the 1.0?

Interesting...
Wolf

[rogoll]

Re: Paul Carmody's - SPEEDSTER build thread

Yeah, those are looking really nice. Wish I had a neighbor like that!

[TrickyMike]

Re: Paul Carmody's - SPEEDSTER build thread

really interested here as well.... looks like a great start. I'm pretty sure these are next on my list. I'm thinking about integrating a digital amp as I need something for the office.
Anybody have any thought on the right amount of power for these? Would something like 25watts do it?

[mtmpenn]

Re: Paul Carmody's - SPEEDSTER build thread

I would also love some more info on the process used to miter the box using the ts55/mft. I wonder why you used the ts55 rather than the table saw? How did you set-up for repetitive miter cuts?

I recently acquired a ts55 and mft. I have only had a little time to play with it but so far I really like it - clean cuts, almost no dust, and cross cuts are nice and easy on the mft. I've got some ideas for making a mitered box but I'd love to see your technique.

Mike

[Paul K.]

Re: Paul Carmody's - SPEEDSTER build thread

I did and the pair of 1.0s I have are just like the ones the Meniscus supplied. That change probably happened when Fountek changed to a metal faceplate.
Paul

Does anybody else notice the different exit on the faceplate of the 1.0?

Interesting...
Wolf

[bkeane1259]

Re: Paul Carmody's - SPEEDSTER build thread

I did and the pair of 1.0s I have are just like the ones the Meniscus supplied. That change probably happened when Fountek changed to a metal faceplate.
Paul

I think you're right -- mine are metal as well, so there will be no flush-mounting of the woofer and trimming of the tweeter flange.

[Paul Carmody]

Re: Paul Carmody's - SPEEDSTER build thread

Does this guy live in the city? What do the neighbors think of his shop? You're a lucky dude to have someone like that around with nice tools and skills. I wish I did!

[joeybutts]

Re: Paul Carmody's - SPEEDSTER build thread

Nice build, nice tools.

Jealous and can't wait to build these....

[bkeane1259]

Re: Paul Carmody's - SPEEDSTER build thread

Does this guy live in the city? What do the neighbors think of his shop? You're a lucky dude to have someone like that around with nice tools and skills. I wish I did!

Yes, approx. 75 feet from my front door. His shop is his garage...well, half of his garage, and he is the envy of the neighborhood.

[bkeane1259]

Re: Paul Carmody's - SPEEDSTER build thread

What was the process in cutting the panels; did you cut all panels to size then miter the edges with the TS55? Also, did you use an angle gauge to set the 45 on the TS55?

The TS55 has a 45 setting that is extremely accurate, so it's fairly straight forward.



Even though we're using 3/4" ply as opposed to the 1/2" MDF that Paul used in the prototype, we're just ensuring the interior measurements are the same to maintain the proper box volume.

The interior height is 9", so after doing the first miter on the first panel, you measure 9" from that miter, and that's where the next cut goes. The long side of that panel now measures 10 3/8. The process is the same for the horizontal panels obviously. As long as you have accurate 45 degree miters, you're golden.