[Komoyuki]

Hello everyone.

I wanted to share my X-LS Encore project. As Danny often says, it's a "fun project" that I decided to do. The goal is to keep the price as low as possible for my first project. So I opted to build the cabinet myself. The only change made is the bracing. Hoping not to affect the response too much. Once the cabinet is completed, if I am satisfied, I will buy the rest but using the basic kit, then have fun upgrading the crossover and really listen to the difference, instead of going all in. The only thing I will start with  gonna be the tubes connector.

Anyway, I will keep posting

Cheers

[dayneger]

Certainly looks like a decent start, and going step by step through the upgrades can be very revealing.  Audio is an extremely complex area that incredibly dependent upon user and context, so it's a great way to learn what you like and value vs all of the other keyboard warriors.  Like me.    Although I do at least build things sometimes.

It would appear that your router bit is messed up.  The edges where the bearings contact should, by definition, be flush... and it's not  The other edge you manually dial in with a piece of scrap until it's just about to kiss the surface, and that one's close enough to sand with no ill effects.

[Komoyuki]

Yeah I know you are right about the router. I'm gonna take some time to sand those groove. I worked with an old router I had in the garage.

[WannaBeHiFi]

Welcome to the forum.  Please share your build. 
I built a pair and couldn't be more pleased.
If you haven't already, look up Danny's videos on building the Encore's. Follow his advice and you will get good results.
I had never built a speaker before, hearing them for the first time and since is rather satisfying.
But don't be quick to judge them.  I found first listen a little bit disappointing.  I was skeptical at first but I now accept that driver and crossover break-in are real.  Over the first couple hundred hours of play time they will blossom.

Good luck with your build. 

[Komoyuki]

It's the last few days I started installing the damping. (bitumen + felt) that I already had on hand from an old project. I finished the assembly and used do wood filer to make sure all the joints were straight. Sanding completed, I think I am ready to install my veneer. I chose the Mohagany color.

I also got some metal plates from Solen for the binding post. I think the finish is better. So I'm waiting to receive them to make my opening behind them.

Cheers

[WannaBeHiFi]

Hey Komoyuki
I'm interested to see what you do with the veneer.  Please keep the pictures coming. 

If you review some of the Encore builds documented on the forum, there are some are stunning examples of craftsmanship.  I approached my build like a proof of concept.  I wanted to hear if this DIY speaker kit lived up to Danny's pitch.  I don't have the skills or tools to create furniture.  I went with function over form.   I used the base level components, Duratex finish, rattle can white, rattle can clear.  There are a few surface imperfections that show through, but I can't hear them. 
I couldn't be more pleased with the sound.  Proof of concept was a resounding success.   

For now, I have no plans to upgrade speakers.  That makes no sense until I address room acoustics.  Besides I have a vintage amp to service, and vintage motorcycles to resurrect, and...

If I ever upgrade, it will likely be to an NX-Bravo or NX-Studio.  I will enlist the services of a local cabinet maker or someone from the forum to assist with the craftsmanship aspect of a higher quality build.

Good luck with your build.  Thanks for sharing.

[mlundy57]

A couple things I see about the breaching. That brace looks like it might be taking up more internal volume than what the plans call for but don’t know if it’s enough to make a difference in the response. The other is it looks like the top panel is unbraced. If it it’s, that could cause some issues.

[Komoyuki]

Yes I know. On the other hand, in my opinion, I think that a bracket of this type greatly strengthens the cabinet, more than a simple transverse bar. I'm not here to contradict the way, but I simply have fun experimenting.

I will be able to mesure the response once everything is install.

Cheers

[Komoyuki]

I started applying the wood veneer. being too curious, I have already started to do tests and apply a first coat of oil. It’s going to be beautiful!!

Cheers

[Komoyuki]

Some progress 🤜🤛

[corndog71]

Looks great!

[Komoyuki]