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

After much debate , i have decided to build the RS180 MTM suggested by "donradick" . I must confess my wood working skills are not great and "donraick's" suggestion provides a easy way out for a neophyte , like myself. I would like to thank all who have responded to my post and hope your builds achieve all your expectations .

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

Then get two subs as stands for the mtm.

[donradick]

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

Good choice, and not because I recommended them.
Thank the desinger (Jeff Bagby) when they are done, and you are totally blown away.
You can't buy speakers that good at Best Buy.

After much debate , i have decided to build the RS180 MTM suggested by "donradick" . I must confess my wood working skills are not great and "donraick's" suggestion provides a easy way out for a neophyte , like myself. I would like to thank all who have responded to my post and hope your builds achieve all your expectations .

[johnastockman]

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

Great choice. Jeff's XO design skills are exemplary and from what I've gleaned from builders and their end-results, it's probably one of the best RS180 MTM version. I have put together a few of the PE RS-driver based MTM kits for folks and the SQ completely knocked them over, having owned the usual suspects of Best Buy offerings like Polk, Infinity, etc. Plus, those PE cabinets are absolutely beautiful and well-braced. I'd love a chance to have a session with Jeff's design, though. Considering his skill level, I'd think that the XO is more refined. I have seen some of the other designs using those drivers, and a few had a fairly high parts-count XO. Don's assertion that you can't buy speakers that good at Best Buy is correct, but you also can't buy speakers that good at many of the so-called high-end emporiums either. If you need any help/advice on building your enclosures, we can help you there also. Bracing is important, so make sure you incorporate that aspect in your build. If you live near one of the guys, that could be a valuable resource. I was fortunate enough to live sort of close to bungalow_ed, who was kind and generous with his time and skills. Having a compatriot that you can learn from and associate with (maybe being able to listen to some DIY designs) will go a long way towards getting some confidence with the cabinet-making process and learning those helpful tips and hints. I've had curious, just-looking/considering-DIY-speakers folks come by my home over the years. Some wanted to actually listen to a DIY design, some wanted to bring their name-brand speakers over for a side-by-side. Once they found out and got to listen, they'd be more excited. Then I could take the drivers out of the store-bought speakers and show them where the compromises were with the lack of internal braces and the just-get-by XOs as just two examples. They come as skeptics, but leave having a new appreciation of what good SQ actually is. I love the looks on their faces when they hear an instrument/sound, or quality they've never heard before with their speakers. Imaging is especially revealing to them and I'm surprised how many have never heard good imaging and/or a spacious soundfield quality before. If you have an opportunity to go to one of the various DIY events that happen throughout the year, don't hesitate to attend.


John A.