SB Acoustics 2-way + subwoofer(s) for music only

[Soren]

Hello,

I am planning on building a new stereo system for a friend. He will have his living room (60 square meters) completely redesigned, and a custom bookshelf made to fill the entire lower part of one end wall. The idea is to have the stereo system hidden inside this bookshelf.

I know that placing speakers inside a bookshelf is not ideal from an audiophile point of view, but this is a requirement from my friend’s wife

I have previously built Jeff B’s Piccolo speakers (5.25”) and was very pleased with the result. However, I think the Piccolos are too small for this project. I’m considering Jeff B’s Mandolins as these are basically the 6.5” version of the Piccolos. I would then add one or two subwoofers to the setup to relieve the 2-ways and be able to pressurize the room.

I have a few considerations that I was hoping I could get some inputs on:

1. If I add subwoofer support to the 2-ways, and assuming the subwoofer(s) is(are) large enough to pressurize the room, what difference does it make to have 5.25” and 6.5” midwoofers in the 2-ways? The 5.25” SB driver is 88dB while the 6.5” is 90dB SPL.
   
   
2. If subwoofers are added to the system, will it then make sense to make the 2-ways sealed? That would also give me the benefit of a smaller cabinet and not have to think about port placement.
   
   
3. Regarding subwoofers I’m thinking about having either one 12” or two 10”. Would either way be sufficient for a 60 square meters room? Should I keep the subwoofer(s) sealed or ported and does this depend on the 2-ways being sealed or ported?

Comments or suggestions are more than welcome!

Thanks,
Soren

[donradick]

Re: SB Acoustics 2-way + subwoofer(s) for music only

If you are using subs, you can make the 2 ways sealed.
The biggest problem is that placement in the bookshelves will require a speaker that is
designed for on-wall or in-wall mounting. If you try to use a "regular" speaker in that
position, you will have "bloated" or "tubby" mid bass due to Baffle Step Compensation.

[Jeff B.]

Re: SB Acoustics 2-way + subwoofer(s) for music only

If you are using subs, you can make the 2 ways sealed.
The biggest problem is that placement in the bookshelves will require a speaker that is
designed for on-wall or in-wall mounting. If you try to use a "regular" speaker in that
position, you will have "bloated" or "tubby" mid bass due to Baffle Step Compensation.

Don is correct. My Mandolins were designed as free-standing speakers and bookshelf placement would likely result in a tonal balance with a heavy upper bass / lower midrange. My Continuum, on the other hand, would work well in this position. There aren't many kits out there that are designed for bookshelf / desktop applications that aren't pretty small at the same time. I could probably adjust one of my existing designs for this though.

[Soren]

Re: SB Acoustics 2-way + subwoofer(s) for music only

Don is correct. My Mandolins were designed as free-standing speakers and bookshelf placement would likely result in a tonal balance with a heavy upper bass / lower midrange. My Continuum, on the other hand, would work well in this position. There aren't many kits out there that are designed for bookshelf / desktop applications that aren't pretty small at the same time. I could probably adjust one of my existing designs for this though.

Thanks Don and Jeff for pointing out the problems related to placing freestanding designed speakers inside a bookshelf. I guess I need to reconsider the setup.

The Continuum looks like an interesting candidate for my project, but I’m afraid it might be difficult to find the drivers in Europe, at least for a reasonable price. However, I have found this UK site that supplies LS3/5a kits with Monacor midwoofers and Scanspeak tweeters. Could this be an alternative to the Continuum?

http://www.falconacoustics.co.uk/ls3-5a/falcon-mini-monitor-complete-kit.html

Otherwise I would be very happy if you would help me adjust the crossover design of either the Piccolo or Mandolin design for bookshelf placement. SB Acoustics drivers are readily available in Denmark (I believe the company is in fact partly Danish).

Thanks.

[devinkato]

Re: SB Acoustics 2-way + subwoofer(s) for music only

Check out the Sopranos. They do VERY well with less than optimal positioning. If you're coupling them with subs, they'll get more than loud enough. I have a pair of mine in my bedroom with a measly 6.5" sub and I'm completely happy. 1 sub for each side would really crush some skulls.

[Soren]

Re: SB Acoustics 2-way + subwoofer(s) for music only

Check out the Sopranos. They do VERY well with less than optimal positioning. If you're coupling them with subs, they'll get more than loud enough. I have a pair of mine in my bedroom with a measly 6.5" sub and I'm completely happy. 1 sub for each side would really crush some skulls.

Thanks for the input. However, I don't think 4” midwoofers are going to be sufficient for this room, which measures 18 ft by 36 ft and 10 ft to the ceiling. I’m thinking that I will need at least 6” midwoofers and a 12” sub (or two 10") to play loud and deep enough.

[donradick]

Re: SB Acoustics 2-way + subwoofer(s) for music only

All of your thoughts and wishes seem to point to a need for clean, clear volume in the fairly large room.

I believe you - a single 4 inch mid-woofer per side just won't get you there.
Here is a top design, reasonably priced, that will handle most anything, and is voiced for on-wall or in-wall placement.
Add a couple of 12 inch subs, and you should be close to full orchestral dynamics.

http://www.divine-audio.com/in-khan-neatos/

[joeybutts]

Re: SB Acoustics 2-way + subwoofer(s) for music only

All of your thoughts and wishes seem to point to a need for clean, clear volume in the fairly large room.

I believe you - a single 4 inch mid-woofer per side just won't get you there.
Here is a top design, reasonably priced, that will handle most anything, and is voiced for on-wall or in-wall placement.
Add a couple of 12 inch subs, and you should be close to full orchestral dynamics.

http://www.divine-audio.com/in-khan-neatos/

Excellent rec.....

[Soren]

Re: SB Acoustics 2-way + subwoofer(s) for music only

All of your thoughts and wishes seem to point to a need for clean, clear volume in the fairly large room.

I believe you - a single 4 inch mid-woofer per side just won't get you there.
Here is a top design, reasonably priced, that will handle most anything, and is voiced for on-wall or in-wall placement.
Add a couple of 12 inch subs, and you should be close to full orchestral dynamics.

http://www.divine-audio.com/in-khan-neatos/

Thanks for the recommendation. That design looks really interesting and is very suitable for this project! Unfortunately I have to pay almost double price for Dayton drivers in Europe compared to the US. But perhaps the design is worth the extra cost?

I was originally interested in SB Acoustics since I've already built Jeff B’s Piccolos and like them a lot. Also, SB Acoustics (as well as Peerless, Vifa, ScanSpeak and SEAS drivers) are more reasonably priced here in Europe. I guess I won’t find much sympathy for this problem on the Parts Express forum But I have to say that I prefer the atmosphere here compared to e.g. diyAudio.

Thanks again!