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

[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.

[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 .

[[email protected]]

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.

[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 .

[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

[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

[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.

[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?).

[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.

[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?

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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?

[Ray Tremblay]

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

*double post*