AudioCircle
Industry Circles => GR Research => Topic started by: Hobbsmeerkat on 5 Feb 2021, 03:00 am
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Just got my X-Statik flat pack from Killian Smith today! So it's time to start the build thread! :D
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220508&size=large)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220509&size=large)
It's a really clean kit! And being one of the first ones off the line I'm a bit of a guinea pig, but as explained below its only a single-tower kit, but I'm excited to do this one up to the best of my abilities.
Those of you who have been following me a little while saw I picked up a pair of AV-123 X-Statiks a little while back, but that one of them was unfortunately damaged in shipping.. :cry:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=217699&size=large)
In order to process a refund, I had to give up the damaged speaker.. So I harvested the few parts I could get away with. Namely the plinth/base, binding posts, crossover board & stuffing.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220510&size=large)
Not 100% sure on the paint scheme, if i wanna stick to the all black Scheme, or a black/white theme. (White baffle & black cabinet)
Tho im leaning towards the latter, esp since I'll need to strip the 2nd cabinet clean for some upgrades, plus I'll need to fill in the holes from the grill mounts so they will at least match visually!
Gunna learn from my previous mistakes with my NX-Studio build, & stick to only lacquer based coatings, save for the undercoats of shellac to seal the MDF.
I'm also going to be building separate crossovers that will use Mills resistors, Sonicaps & Miflex Copper bypass caps for both towers along with tube connectors for the upgraded crossover, & stock crossovers with the stock binding posts. Gunna be a fun project! :thumb:
I'll be sure to keep you all updated on the progress!
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Quick update cuz I can't wait to get this project rolling! :P
Got the cabinet glued up & clamped! :thumb:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220516&size=xlarge)
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Don’t forget the No Rez!
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Dont worry, I made sure put in the order for 2 sheets of Norez when I called Danny to order the kit. :thumb:
The original stuffing will be used over the crossovers and norez. Before adding some loose polyfill to the cabinets.
I think I'm just waiting for the Tube connectors to arrive before all that gets shipped. :P
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With the new crossovers those speakers are gonna be a big step up over the originals!
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Was hoping to have more done already, but I ended up catching Covid from my father, and have spent the last few days taking easy, getting lots of sleep & taking plenty of meds..
Thankfully, I seem to be on the better side of things now, and decided decided to make good use of the sunshine & nice weather to make at least a little progress... :thumb:
I rounded off the front baffles, and the back side of the tweeter to best match the roundover on the AV-123 model. It looks pretty good! Ill use some sandpaper to soften the edges near the terminals later today or tomorrow.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220696&size=large)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220697&size=large)
Hopefully start working on the cabinet, filling in any small gaps that i miss and sanding a couple areas flush to ensure a clean fit with all the panels
Luckily, before I started feeling sick, I was able to coat the insides of the cabinet with the last of my dewaxed shellac, I'm probably gunna use spray shellac for the outside of the cabinet before using the lacquer pigments I have planned.. :P
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220698&size=large)
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I just started tackling my MTM build over the weekend and was wondering about a roundover on the tweeter like you've done. The plans don't call for it and AFAIK the tweeter is designed in such a way that it wouldn't need it, but it just feels wrong not to round over everything inside the box.
Aesthetically, I think the roundover looks better on an OB speaker, so at the very least that gets a thumbs up from me.https://www.audiocircle.com/Smileys/audiocircle/smiley_thumb.gif
Those roundovers look good BTW.
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Yeah it's only necessary for the woofer holes since the tweeter is a sealed unit, but my original baffle has a roundover on the back of the tweeter as well, so I figured I'd just follow the original designs as closely as possible.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220710&size=large)
Looking forward to your journey of the X-MTM! :thumb:
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My kit for the 2nd tower just arrived!
1 tweeter, 4 woofers, fully upgraded crossover parts + Miflex caps, Norez, tube connectors & binding post cup, etc.
Next step will be to get the crossovers assembled, and figure out how I want to place them in the cabinets. And considering their size, if I would rather just have just the new crossover only, or both, as i originally planned.. :scratch:
(the former would definitely be easier)
I still need to disassemble the stock tower so I can access & remove the stock filler, & install the norez & prep it for painting.
In order to keep left & right balanced, I'll probably use new & old woofers on both towers, to help keep them tonally balanced.
Some of these caps are huge! And it's amazing how much bigger the Miflex caps are vs Sonicaps of the same value.
I'm really excited to get moving on this project again! :thumb:
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Got the crossovers assembled!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221620&size=large)
It actually went together really quickly. They took maybe 2 hours to build both full circuits?
The trick now will be to figure how to best mount the circuits into the cabinets. (Not sure if I want them to be all mounted onto one big unit, or 3 separate units..)
I think this weekend I'll work on painting the back sides of all the woofers to clean them up, & start planning out the mounting boards.
Considering picking up some basic 4 & 8 Ohm resistors to quietly burn-in the crossovers while I'm still busy with the cabinets, & should easily allow for a few hundred hours by the time they cabinets are ready. (unless some one has a better/safer idea.)
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I swapped out the binding posts on the binding post cup for the original X-statik ones!
I wanted to keep them both as close to stock as possible and they were an easy part to harvest. :P
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221636&size=large)
Just a small update today cuz I've been working since 4 am, so it's definitely nap time.. :sleep:
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No tube connectors for this build?
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There's definitely going to be Tube connectors, they'll be above the binding posts.
The idea for now, is to connect the binding posts to the stock crossover, with the tube connectors going to the fully upgraded ones. For some fun with A/B comparisons between both options.
So long as having both connected in such a manner that doesnt lead to unexpected issues.
Tho that plan may still change, and they'll just be connected the same way my XLS are with binding posts to tube connectors to crossover.
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Will you have no-rez in there as well? There’s a lot of bracing in the cabinets and the original crossovers take up pretty much the entire bottom of the cabinet. May be difficult to fit both networks in there without leaving more of the cabinet in-damped than you want?
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Yup, I'll be adding Norez. But I'm pretty sure I can maintain the damping by slicing off the foam layer, and using the stock insulation to cover the crossovers.
I also want to keep them separated enough to not become an issue, esp the larger inductors on the mid & bass circuits. So I was thinking about keeping the stock crossover on the bottom, and mounting the custom crossovers to the side walls, above the first brace.
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Got it. Looking forward to hearing how they turn out.
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Knowing how well they sounded beforehand, I have no doubts!
So far I've planned out the crossover boards, & finished 3D modeling out two of the mounting boards, last one is the Mid-woofer circuit.
I also sealed the front baffle with de-waxed shellac, & still need to drill out the hole to feed the wires thru to the OB portion. I just need to get a tool that can drill at a right angle. lol
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Yeah, after all the work that went into mine I chickened out and just ran the wires behind the baffle. Good luck! Will look really nice.
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Yeah, after all the work that went into mine I chickened out and just ran the wires behind the baffle. Good luck! Will look really nice.
I considered that, but since im working with one OEM cabinet and one DIY, the more identical I can get them the better I'll feel about them as a pair. They won't be 100% but at a glance, they'll be a matching pair. :P
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Got my crossover board designs completed!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221727&size=large)
I added some slots for the couple vertical inductors to sit in, as well as some channels on the underside to keep the boards flush against the MDF.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221728&size=large)
Time to get printing!
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In the meantime, I took apart the stock X-statik, drivers, stuffing wiring etc. so I can start prepping the cabinet for paint.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221747&size=large)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221748&size=large)
This one was thankfully *much* easier to work with than the tower I lost. There was a fair bit more slack in the lines, esp for the lower woofers, making it much easier to disassemble.
Does anyone have any tips for getting out the remainder of the stuffing off the walls so i can ensure good adhesion for the Norez?
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I wish.
I cleaned out X-LS, X-CS, and the top section of X-SLS and all I can say is that it sucks! I used a hair dryer, box cutter, flat tip screwdriver and it still was hard as hell.
I never bothered with my X-Statiks or X-Omnis because I’m just done with that.
Maybe a heat gun would work better to soften the glue but be really careful. Even with just a hair dryer it got hot inside the cabinet.
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Printed my tweeter crossover boards last night, and got them assembled this afternoon. :thumb:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221768& size=large)
Managed to accidentally snap the one of connections in the crossover, so I used some of Danny's spare copper wire from a previous project to patch it.
Next will be the bass boards since they're small & I can print two at once. I do need to make a couple small changes to the holes & underside channels first, tho.
BWT, thanks for the info, Corndog71! I'll just have to take my time and what I can. :thumb:
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Those look really nice Hobbs!
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Thanks! I'm really happy with how they're turning out!
I actually just finished up the bass circuits too! :thumb:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221783&size=large)
And while these boards were printing, I used up the last of my spray primer & paint to cover the woofer motor structure, I'll give it a another quick coat tomorrow, if possible, then a couple layers of clear. They're looking great so far, tbh! Only painting the two woofers that will be in the OB portion, the remaining two are the original covered models.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221784&size=large)
Next up, Mid circuits boards! :thumb:
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First mid circuit is complete! :thumb:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221805&size=large)
2nd board is printing now, should be ready in about 4 hours.
Here's a direct comparison between the custom circuits and the stock board. As good as they sound stock, i cant wait to get these puppies up and running!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221806&size=large)
I'm also starting to lean against the idea of using both circuits in each system, I don't have a clean way to completely disconnect the circuits without hurting the performance. I'll probably just do the same I did with my XLS kit; binding posts into tube connectors, then into the new crossovers.
Might also sell the stock crossover boards, and offer to upgrade them to whomever wants them. Probably not much more than the cost of shipping/upgrades.
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3D Printed boards! I like that idea!
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I'm surprised you don't have a sonicap in the mid circuit. I would also put a miflex bypass on that cap.
Those printed boards look cool! I just swapped caps on the original board with my upgrades.
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I'm surprised you don't have a sonicap in the mid circuit. I would also put a miflex bypass on that cap.
Those printed boards look cool! I just swapped caps on the original board with my upgrades.
I honestly didn't even think about it, but its already far better than the quality of the stock crossover, and all the caps have bypass sonicaps, so it may be something it can upgrade for fun down the line, but beyond that, I'm certain I'll still be more than happy with the results. :P
Yeah! I haven't been using it lately since ive been busy with my Studio kit and life in general, so i figured this would be a great way to put it to use beyond Neo3 waveguide & deep cup prototyping.
Ill be doing the same with my Studios, once the time comes.
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Spent the morning working on removing as much of the glued fabric as i could, made some decent success with a scraper for the first round, and a razor blade and got out what came to roughly the size of a racket ball.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221987&size=large)
Still not perfect, but it's definitely workable. Considering just coating the insides with something that will prevent the fibers from causing adhesion issues forcthe Norez.
If anyone has any tips for that, please let me know!
I also drilled out the holes for the tube connectors, and drilled the hole for tweeter/mid wire pass-through. (Its a 3/8 Inch hole)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221990&size=large)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221988&size=large)
The back side had a bit of a blow out, but considering the angle, thats not too surprising. Used a small bit of veneer wood filler & a clamp to hold it in place, but it's kinda hidden inside the cabinet so its not that big of a deal if it looks like shite. :lol:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221989&size=large)
It matches the OEM model so I'm pretty happy. :thumb:
I would like to flush-mount the OEM binding post cup, but that's not really viable, sine they're a different size than the smaller ones Danny provides, and the odd size of the mounting ring is too large for the routing bits I have. It would beed to have a 0.6" depth to work.. or would mean cutting a larger hole than fhe current one...
Biggest bit I have is 1/2".. :scratch:
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Last update for a the next few days. :P
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=222006&size=large)
Decided I should go ahead and burn in the tweeter and Mids circuit, cuz I know the copper caps will need a good week of solid runtime before they're ready to go. I grabbed some spare wire i had on hand to quickly wire them all up & they're currently playing white noise on loop and burried under a couple blankets to keep the noise down at night.
After tonight I'll probably just let them play lots of random music & adjust the volume up and down every few hours.
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But now you don't get to experience the break in process. LOL! When I built the NX-Studio's they sounded great right off the starting blocks. They got a bit smoother as they ran in, but it wasn't a huge change. Just put them together and enjoy the music. It's funny how "tweeky" we audiophile types can be LOL!
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True! But the cabinets still have a ways to go before they're ready, and this will allow them to be dialed in once everything is assembled. :P
That said, I definitely plan to have some fun exploring the burn-in process of my NX-Studios, since the cabinets are about 90% finished and just need a couple touch-ups and a few coats of clear. :thumb:
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The week-ish of burn-in is done! They should have around 200+ hours on them right now. :thumb:
I de-soldered all of the connections & started planning the layout of the crossovers. The mids & tweeter circuit are installed on the base, & bass circuit is installed on the side behind the lowest woofer.
Then got around cut & installed the norez. It's coming along nicely, me thinks! :thumb:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=222352&size=large)
Next step is to start planning out the wiring & start soldering the main runs before finishing the glue-up & beginning the painting process.
Doing up the other cabinet will be a little more difficult since it's already assembled, but at least I've started sanding down the paint to prep the cabinet in the meantime.
Looks more like the entire crossover will be spread across the whole cabinet.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=222353&size=large)
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Looking really nice. I think you made a good decision not to try to stuff both crossovers in there too, they are pretty large just fitting one.
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Thanks!
Same here, plus after reading about someone else trying a similar setup, just having a 2nd crossover connected, it would kill the quality of the sound, so the only way to have it be functional would be to have a means to easily disconnect the stock crossover from the circuit.
And I'm not gunna be drilling holes just to install low quality switches in the signal path.. :roll:
Then going the same route of my XLS with binding posts, into tube connectors, then into the crossover is a much better situation if I ever decide to sell them. Making them easier to use in any situation.
Not to mention the wiring nightmare it would create as well... :lol:
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Alright! I didnt expect that I would have any updates so soon, but i just sat down and got to work this evening and spent the last 2 hours completeing all the wiring, and finished it off by gluing up the front baffle! :thumb:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=222738&size=large)
The base hasn't been glued/clamped yet, but that's on the schedule for tomorrow once the baffle is properly secure.
But heres a shot of the inside with all the wiring.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=222741&size=large)
Bass circuit is on the side wall to the left. While Tweeter & Mids are on the base.
Next step after gluing the base is filling/ cleaning up any imperfections and gaps in the cabinet and prep it for paint! :thumb:
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Alright! I didnt expect that I would have any updates so soon, but i just sat down and got to work this evening and spent the last 2 hours completeing all the wiring, and finished it off by gluing up the front baffle! :thumb:
The base hasn't been glued/clamped yet, but that's on the schedule for tomorrow once the baffle is properly secure.
But heres a shot of the inside with all the wiring.
Bass circuit is on the side wall to the left. While Tweeter & Mids are on the base.
Next step after gluing the base is filling/ cleaning up any imperfections and gaps in the cabinet and prep it for paint! :thumb:
Now the real work begins. :lol:
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Looking good.
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Keep it up, Hobbs. I'm gonna put you to work on my next set of speakers :lol:
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Thanks guys! Im really happy with how they're coming along!
I glued up the base this morning, so its never coming off. Here's hoping I didnt make a mistake in the wiring... :wink:
Keep it up, Hobbs. I'm gonna put you to work on my next set of speakers :lol:
LMAO I mean it would be a lot more fun than my day job... So I'm not against the idea... :lol:
Plus there's a bunch Danny's other speakers I'd love to build at some point too... X-Omni/MTM/SLS, the NX-Treme/Otica/MTM, not to mention the Super Mini & older N-3 models... esp if i can ever get that deep cup mod finished.. :p
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Are you going to get some OB subs as stands for the NX Studios? If so, then they can also be used as a baseline for all the variations of the rest of the NX series as well (and the Super series, too).
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That's the plan! My U-frame subs are great, but don't dig quite as deep as I'd like, but for the time being, I certainly can't complain! :D
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Oh did you already build out some servo OB subs, just in a U frame?
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Nah, I got them from Danny back in November, same day my AV123 X-Statiks arrived actually.
Theyre dual 8" servo towers. They work great in smaller/medium rooms, but not the best for larger rooms like the Dual 12" towers are.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=217682&size=large)
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Accidentally quoted myself instead of editing the post.. lol
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Oh yeah, the dual 12's are a whole other level. You'll be happy when you build them :)
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Been slowly plugging away at these, mostly filling, sanding & priming ad nauseum. And now that im back home, time to get some more work done.
Hoping to have these done before the end of the month.
I finally came up with a plan to hide the 6 mounting screws on the AV123 cabinet without removing them outright.
The heads of the bolts are 1/2", so I used a 1/2" drill bit to countersink the bolts a little further into the cabinet.
Worked like a charm! 8)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=224355& size=large)
So far, I just puttied over the screws. just gotta let it dry, sand it flush, and finish with a skim coat and a lil sanding before a quick layer of primer.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=224356&size=large)
Hopefully, the only way to tell the difference once they're done will be to look at the backs. The AV123 cabinet will have its original badge and a larger binding post cup that is surface mounted. The new cabinet will have a smaller flush mounted post cup.
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Thanks! I'm really happy with how they're turning out!
I actually just finished up the bass circuits too! :thumb:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221783&size=large)
And while these boards were printing, I used up the last of my spray primer & paint to cover the woofer motor structure, I'll give it a another quick coat tomorrow, if possible, then a couple layers of clear. They're looking great so far, tbh! Only painting the two woofers that will be in the OB portion, the remaining two are the original covered models.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=221784&size=large)
Next up, Mid circuits boards! :thumb:
Hi Hobbs excuse my ignorance but did you us iron core inductors in the bass section of the new cross over? Is that what the Xstatics use?
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Hi Hobbs excuse my ignorance but did you us iron core inductors in the bass section of the new cross over? Is that what the Xstatics use?
Yup! That's the standard part used for the bass section of the X-Statik. Laminated iron core inductors are good quality, esp at these higher values.
Trying to make/use an air core inductor as the same value would be both very expensive as well as incredibly massive & heavy.
Plus typical issues like signal smearing, esp where these are used, is less of an issue, since the wavelengths below 200Hz are so long when compared to the mid & treble sections.
The mid and tweeter sections all use air-core inductors where it matters most. :thumb:
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Okay! Between work, weather & such, I'm finally making some progress on these again. Mostly just sanding, refilling & sanding again, but i got a quick coat of primer on the AV123 tower.
Can't even tell the bolts are hidden in there~ :thumb:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=224568&size=xlarge)
Gunna wait for this to dry, and start working on cutting the norez for this cabinet and getting the crossovers mounted & wired up.
Tho I'm gunna be moving in the next couple weeks, so most of my free time will be spent boxing things up and sorting things to trash, donate or sell ASAP.
So it'll probably be a bit before I can get them finished. But all that will be left is painting, clear coating and final assembly~ :green:
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Got my first couple coats of black lacquer on! :thumb:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=224690&size=large)
Gunna let it sit out here for a bit to make sure it's properly hardened before I try to handle it and bring it onto the back porch.
Gunna give it a light sanding tomorrow and a couple more coats before I start on the 2nd cabinet.
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Very good thread. Was curious about these speakers. Now interested! Any reviews abouts how these sound?
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https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/av123-x-statik-loudspeaker-2 (https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/av123-x-statik-loudspeaker-2)
Mind you this is for the stock AV123 version. A crossover upgrade with Sonicaps takes away the slight grainy texture mentioned in the review.
I've been enjoying mine for over 10 years. Even at current pricing they are a steal.
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Got my first couple coats of black lacquer on! :thumb:
Gunna let it sit out here for a bit to make sure it's properly hardened before I try to handle it and bring it onto the back porch.
Gunna give it a light sanding tomorrow and a couple more coats before I start on the 2nd cabinet.
Nice job Hobbs! Looks great! :thumb:
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https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/av123-x-statik-loudspeaker-2 (https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/av123-x-statik-loudspeaker-2)
Mind you this is for the stock AV123 version. A crossover upgrade with Sonicaps takes away the slight grainy texture mentioned in the review.
I've been enjoying mine for over 10 years. Even at current pricing they are a steal.
Yeah, I got to listen to them for a couple weeks before i had to give up one due to shipping damage, but it the stock AV123 models sounds very similar to the base X-LS but with a more clear and spacious midrange, and bass that digs a little deeper. Tho as mentioned, there's definitely a bit of gritty texture, esp in the treble.
I'm definitely excited to finish these bad boys up and see how the fully upgraded versions compare to my X-LS
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2nd cabinet has is first couple coats on! 8)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=224701&size=large)
Ill do another quick coat in about 20-30 minutes, then it'll be left to cure overnight. Ill lightly sand it tomorrow and hopefully get it's final primary coat.
After that, it'll be down to clear coating both towers. And finishing the assembly! :thumb:
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Nice job Hobbs! Looks great! :thumb:
Thanks! I'm really happy with how they're turning out! :thumb:
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Yup! That's the standard part used for the bass section of the X-Statik. Laminated iron core inductors are good quality, esp at these higher values.
Trying to make/use an air core inductor as the same value would be both very expensive as well as incredibly massive & heavy.
Plus typical issues like signal smearing, esp where these are used, is less of an issue, since the wavelengths below 200Hz are so long when compared to the mid & treble sections.
The mid and tweeter sections all use air-core inductors where it matters most. :thumb:
Makes sense. Thanks Hobbs.
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Makes sense. Thanks Hobbs.
Hi Hobbs will you have them out into the room for listening and pushed back when not or a variation in between. Have you done your LOTS yet? :)
Cheers
SC
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Hi Hobbs will you have them out into the room for listening and pushed back when not or a variation in between. Have you done your LOTS yet? :)
Cheers
SC
They're not finished yet, sadly. I've been far too busy getting ready to move within the next week.
So chances are, they won't be moving past their current state, like my Studios, they won't get finished until after the move.
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So the front baffle does not come off!? Hummm I’m looking at a set that will need to be repainted and no res the whole nine. So will be doing the same, I hope soon. I have some questions. Also found some XS-LS was considering picking up. But looking forward to some Statiks, and a Voce! Looking forward to seeing yours done man!
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Nah, man they're totally glued in place. The AV models did have 6 bolts, but they're just there to prevent the glue from coming apart when moving the speakers around.
They have a small panel on the bottom that let you get to the original crossover board.
The original stuffing is a pain to remove, esp the last remaining bits...
The X Statiks are a great kit, esp as an entry point into OB.
My moving pod should be here tomorrow morning so I'll be getting my speakers back in hand, finally along with 95% of my stuff.
Should hopefully have my own place by this weekend if all goes as planned. So once im all settled I should be free to work on all my projects over the weekends, weather permitting.
Tho, the copper caps for my Studios are too big and will take up too much air space, so im gunna have to go with an external crossover. Which also means I'm going to have to design a box for them to go into as well. Plus I'm getting orders out the door before I even get my own woofers & kit... :P
Luckily that won't be an issue for my X Statiks, just some touch up in a couple spots, then clear coat them and eventually repainting the bases/plinths.
Ill also be swapping out a pair of regular M-165 woofers for a pair of shielded ones to match the upper woofers from the AV-123 speaker. Gunna look really nice once they're finally all done! :thumb:
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Awesome man!! Good stuff.
Why I want to start with the AV123 shielded and the cabinet. They are in good shape. I’ll see if I can send uou some photos. But, they will need to be re-painted. Or... I had another idea for solid colors. Maybe wrapping them. Ya know, done so much with cars and other things, why not these. Nice black and white or all black. Matching the original matte. Just an idea I had.
Pack safely!! Lol
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A small update!
Finally made some time to work on my X-Statiks again.
Attempted to spray them on Wednesday, but my gun developed a bad o-ring and it was leaking like crazy from the trigger. So I ordered a new one and spent the afternoon today spraying them with several coats of clear.
In the process, my tent flipped over in the breeze and broke a leg..
So I did some work in the back of a shipping container.
Probably not the safest way to do it... But I have a pretty solid filtration mask, and took regular 5-10min breaks between sprays to vent out the fumes, and to get fresh air/water.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=226781&size=large)
Gunna let them chill for 24 hours to allow the lacquer to finish curing before I take them home and finally assemble them. :thumb:
I do like the idea of wrapping them at some point. (Or even white plasti-dip so if i dont like it, I can just peel it off later.) :P
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IT LIVES!!! :icon_twisted:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=226948&size=large)
Got the first MTM section up and playing!
I chipped the area right by the tweeter & I used lacquer thinner to patch it a bit, hence the shiny spot. :duh:
Only 7 more drivers to go! :P
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Lol, wiring those things up took me 90% longer than I expected. Worth it though.
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For me, it was all the prep work before coating them in lacquer.
But I'm also not 100% sure how to do this sort of thing "correctly"
I just went till it was "good enough" lol
I definitely wanna work on getting better in the future tho. :P
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Mr Hobbs,
They look fantastic. I assume the bolts you've 'hidden' on the front baffle are 'overkill' and unnecessary in a standard build?
Great job.
David
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IT LIVES!!! :icon_twisted:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=226948&size=large)
Got the first MTM section up and playing!
I chipped the area right by the tweeter & I used lacquer thinner to patch it a bit, hence the shiny spot. :duh:
Only 7 more drivers to go! :P
Hobbs nothing like sanding down the baffle you thought you had finished. I get the sand, spray, sand, spray and some more sanding again of speaker finishing. :thumb: Looking good mate.
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Mr Hobbs,
They look fantastic. I assume the bolts you've 'hidden' on the front baffle are 'overkill' and unnecessary in a standard build?
Great job.
David
Yeah, for sure. it was only to help the original cabinet better match the flatpack version, which only used glue.
Thanks! Just gotta finish putting the other one together and im basically finished! :thumb:
I cant wait to finally get them up and playing again!
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I'll just leave this here for now~ :wink:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=227000&size=large)
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Looking good! :thumb:
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That's quite a nice little system you got there man.
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Ya That's the set up.
I like "the best speaker stands". Someday soon they will come back, I hope. lol
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Looks great Hobbs!
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Awesome little setup you got there! Are you planning on using the bass unit speaker stands with your NX-Studios?
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Thanks guys!
I'm so glad to finally have them done! :thumb:
Ya That's the set up.
I like "the best speaker stands". Someday soon they will come back, I hope. lol
8" subs are on order, so no worries there. :P
That's quite a nice little system you got there man.
I'm gunna be borrowing a pair of 300B monoblocks from Ron to help burn those in while finishing burning these babies in too. Cant wait! Ill definitely need a good day off this weekend to just sit back and enjoy them. :P
Awesome little setup you got there! Are you planning on using the bass unit speaker stands with your NX-Studios?
Yup! Thats the final plan for those!
My studios still got a fair ways to go tho.. :cry:
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You’re going to be in for a shock with those 300b monos compared to that little Sprout you have. :-)
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Now before you get too comfortable with them you should loan them to New Record Day for a comprehensive review.
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Ron will get his turn...
Eventually.... :icon_twisted:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=227035&size=large)
These 300Bs sound killer tho! :thumb:
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Why not Tube connectors?
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I've got both! :thumb:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=228887)
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Ron will get his turn...
You are very kind!! :lol: :D
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I had them for a week. He's had them for a month, but he's also been super busy lately.
He's letting me borrow a bunch of goodies to play with in the meantime.
Current speakers are Danny's pair of N-3 Towers.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=228898&size=large)
NGL tho, I'm ready to get my X-Statiks back here soon. Probably will have to wait till after my trip to Atlanta early next month.
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Oooh! I really wanted a pair of N3’s! I got to demo the N1’s and they sounded really good. Better than X-LS. Not a lot but it was there.
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The N-3s are fantastic, as are the N-1Xs we have in the shop.
Really well balanced and lots of great detail retrieval from the Neo3s, which is where it wins out over the X series kits, IMO.