So my Giirl Friend gave me 1k$ to build some speakers ... options and opinions wanted

[GrogNak]

Re: So my Giirl Friend gave me 1k$ to build some speakers ... options and opinions wa

Warning, shameless plug...

If you want to save some time, I might be interested in selling my ER18 MTM ribbons. A lot of the guys here have seen and heard them, and if you peruse my build thread you'll see I put every effort into doing them right. They look and sound amazing. My only reason for parting w/ them is pretty much to try something new, and also because I think I might try an MTM wall mount or something like that w/ a sub. Where I use these kind of limits what I want to build for a bar, and a bookshelf MTM would cure that issue.

Last page of my build thread has pics of the finished speakers. I could ship them if you're interested but if you're not, I totally get it. I definitely enjoy the build process. Price shipped would be under your $1k target.

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...weets%29/page4

I showed your build thread to my GF . She said buying yours would be okay if I wanted to save time and purchase. Let me know what you would take for them and maybe we can work something out. Your speakers look great and would match the finish on my sub !

[kknight]

Re: So my Giirl Friend gave me 1k$ to build some speakers ... options and opinions wa

Build these. Proven design, no guesses, excellent sound, perfect cosmetics, and better Hi-Vi speakers. Most guys wont build these because Hi-Vi cost a little more. The F5 and F6 speakers are some of the best around.

http://diyaudioprojects.com/Speakers/Hi-Vi-3-Way-Tower/index3.htm

[Wolf]

Re: So my Giirl Friend gave me 1k$ to build some speakers ... options and opinions wa

Build these. Proven design, no guesses, excellent sound, perfect cosmetics, and better Hi-Vi speakers. Most guys wont build these because Hi-Vi cost a little more. The F5 and F6 speakers are some of the best around.
http://diyaudioprojects.com/Speakers...wer/index3.htm

I'm going to say it again that that build is severely suboptimal. The designer/builder has even admitted it himself openly on this forum.

That design also does not have F6 in them- they are F8's. The drivers in that design are not that much different in price over what has already
been suggested, just you can get more of them for less since HiVi is typically a cheaper driver to purchase (save for a few models) than say
ScanSpeak.

My 2c,
Wolf

[Ray Tremblay]

Re: So my Giirl Friend gave me 1k$ to build some speakers ... options and opinions wa

From your original post, it appears that you want to do a build with Dayton drivers. Just an option, I'd say keep it simple, get a pair of these, some stands, and be done with it.

If you haven't seen the Parts Express piano black curved cabs, they're absolutely gorgeous. You'll be shocked when you pull them out of the cardboard.

http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-rs722cbk-speaker-kit-curved-gloss-black--302-971

[Ray Tremblay]

Re: So my Giirl Friend gave me 1k$ to build some speakers ... options and opinions wa

*double post*

[jonasz]

Re: So my Giirl Friend gave me 1k$ to build some speakers ... options and opinions wa

The build I'm currently working on would come in at just under your budget for everything.

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...-B-amp-C-8BG51

I was just thinking of this one or even better (if all Dayton is desired) wait for the L.O.K.I? I think that's going to be a killer design! Pete, Loki should be about 10" wide, right?

[generic]

Re: So my Giirl Friend gave me 1k$ to build some speakers ... options and opinions wa

If your wanting to do 5.1, I'd go with the mini statements simply for the fact that they have a matching center and monitor designs to go with it. While their might be a ton of options for stereo speakers, not too many options that have surround sound designs to go with them. Zaph Audio's ZA series speakers might work as well.

Your choice should also be compared to how high end your gear is going to be too. No point in matching high end speakers with middle of the gear road or high end components with middle of the road speakers. Not that any of the projects I've suggested are as low as middle of the road, but I hope you get the ideal.

[generic]

Re: So my Giirl Friend gave me 1k$ to build some speakers ... options and opinions wa

Option C: Buy her a ring...

The Overnight Sensation designs could save some serious coin as well. Might just be able to pull of surround sound and a ring. Just saying.

In all seriousness, I wouldn't spend a grand on two speakers unless you already have a nice amp to support them.

[heat sink]

Re: So my Giirl Friend gave me 1k$ to build some speakers ... options and opinions wa

Quote by Carlspeak---BTW, they are not only nice looking, they are VERY nice sounding. Ask the guys who were at the NY/NJ DIY event last summer.[/QUOTE]

I have also heard the "Intimates" and they are wonderful!

[Tin_Ears]

Re: So my Giirl Friend gave me 1k$ to build some speakers ... options and opinions wa

Option C: Buy her a ring...

The Overnight Sensation designs could save some serious coin as well. Might just be able to pull of surround sound and a ring. Just saying.

In all seriousness, I wouldn't spend a grand on two speakers unless you already have a nice amp to support them.

I wasn't going to post a similar comment but since it's been done already... YES... give it right back as a pricey heart-felt gift. If you care about the girl then gift it back... and more. But a ring? Make darned sure that's what YOU really want to do. A necklace might be a better choice?

[kknight]

Re: So my Giirl Friend gave me 1k$ to build some speakers ... options and opinions wa

I'm going to say it again that that build is severely suboptimal. The designer/builder has even admitted it himself openly on this forum.

That design also does not have F6 in them- they are F8's. The drivers in that design are not that much different in price over what has already
been suggested, just you can get more of them for less since HiVi is typically a cheaper driver to purchase (save for a few models) than say
ScanSpeak.

My 2c,
Wolf

Show the threads where "this designer/builder" posts this build is 'suboptimal' in the PE Tech Talk forum.. Nobody said anything about Scanspeak vs HiVi. A guy doesnt need more speakers, they need better speakers. Anything but Dayton.

[Chris Roemer]

Re: So my Giirl Friend gave me 1k$ to build some speakers ... options and opinions wa

I don't know (1/10th of) what Ben knows, but I also don't know why someone would pad a woofer -2dB, the tweeter -2dB, and a pair of mids -6dB. That's chopping a 100w amp down to 60w right out of the gate.

Also, the C-C distance across the MTM portion really would like an Fc of 2kHz, not an octave higher.

The FR "plot" sure looks a lot more like xfer fn summing, rather than actual driver response summing (just too smoooth).

The F8 models with a +2-1/2dB "bump" near 40Hz (in this design), not MY cup of tea. Maybe the 2dB of "padding" was an attempt to flatten that bump out?

If someone DID want to build these, I'd probably upgrade the $13 tweeter, tighten up the MTM spacing, retune the woofer box, and try to flatten out the response some. The "in-room" plot shows a +20dB rise from 250Hz up to 10k. I LIKE HiVi drivers, but Dayton's lineup isn't all that shabby either (what do you have against them?).

[craigk]

Re: So my Giirl Friend gave me 1k$ to build some speakers ... options and opinions wa

+1 to everything you said Chris. I think what you are describing in called a new speaker design.

[Wolf]

Re: So my Giirl Friend gave me 1k$ to build some speakers ... options and opinions wa

Show the threads where "this designer/builder" posts this build is 'suboptimal' in the PE Tech Talk forum.. Nobody said anything about Scanspeak vs HiVi. A guy doesnt need more speakers, they need better speakers. Anything but Dayton.

If I could remember the screen name he used I would have. It wasn't more than a couple months ago.
What's wrong with Dayton? You said HiVi was more expensive, and save for a few products/lines, they really aren't than many other lower-range drivers.

You may be able to search for his moniker using that link I suppose. I could even be wrong and it may have been on DIYaudio rather than here, but he did say he has learned a lot since then and he was lucky to get the performance he got.

Either way- that design is severely compromised.
Later,
Wolf

[Squidspeak]

Re: So my Giirl Friend gave me 1k$ to build some speakers ... options and opinions wa

If I could remember the screen name he used I would have. It wasn't more than a couple months ago.
What's wrong with Dayton? You said HiVi was more expensive, and save for a few products/lines, they really aren't than many other lower-range drivers.

You may be able to search for his moniker using that link I suppose. I could even be wrong and it may have been on DIYaudio rather than here, but he did say he has learned a lot since then and he was lucky to get the performance he got.

Either way- that design is severely compromised.
Later,
Wolf

I dont know his screen name but the designer is Adam Macaull. I dont believe he has posted on this forum for a number of years. I believe this was his first design attempt
so Wolf is correct that it has some flaws,I have never heard it but I am familiar with it because it comes up when you search DIY speakers. AM Audio (Adam ) designed and built
a x-over for me 2yrs ago for a center channel. I was very happy with the results, you can search AM Audio and his site should come up with this design. I think most designers would
probably do things different after gaining experience from thier first attempt. Anyway Happy
Holidays Mike