Really cool looking and great sounding DIY speakers

Chris Allen · « **on:** 3 Jan 2006, 08:28 pm »

I'm looking to build a great sounding and really really cool looking pair of speakers. My price budget is up to $500. I need something that sounds great and stands out. Obviously sound comes first so I would prefer that. over something cool. The looks should just be a bonus. Thanks.

ooheadsoo · « **Reply #1 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 09:13 pm »

Not the world's easiest build. In fact, pretty dang hard to build: http://zaphaudio.com/Waveguidetmm.html

Bill Baker · « **Reply #2 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 09:31 pm »

Quote

Not the world's easiest build. In fact, pretty dang hard to build:

It's interesting that you posted this link. The Waveguide lens used in this speaker will be the focus of our most affordable Bella speaker based on a 6 1/2" driver.

Not quite up to our SP Designed Waveguide panels but I wanted to release a more affordable version. I am working on designing the custom mounting plate for the tweeter being used.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 09:44 pm »

I don't know much about kit speakers, but Rocket/Rod has said that Zalytron has some nice deals on speakers- from budget to audiophile...and right in my neighborhood.

Here's their web site.......good luck !

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ooheadsoo · « **Reply #4 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 09:53 pm »

Quote from: Response Audio

Quote
Not the world's easiest build. In fact, pretty dang hard to build:

It's interesting that you posted this link. The Waveguide lens used in this speaker will be the focus of our most affordable Bella speaker based on a 6 1/2" driver.

Not quite up to our SP Designed Waveguide panels but I wanted to release a more affordable version. I am working on designing the custom mounting plate for the tweeter being used.

In fact, I'm heavily considering SP's av1 kit because of the build complexity of John Krutke's design. However, no SP or bella kit is under $500

(including cabinet costs)

JoshK · « **Reply #5 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 10:37 pm »

Some tips to sucessful diy speaker building:

First decide how much "diy". Do you want to build the cabinets? You can save on prebuilt boxes, but only if you don't count your time and you have all the necessary tools. If you want prebuilt cabs, you have to take that into account.

If this is your first speaker project, stick to a proven design. Kits from Selah, Response/SPTech, htguide.com's Natalie P, Zaph's wg tmm, etc come to mind. I really like some of Jon Marsh's (Natalie P's) philosophy on design and his crossover work. However, Rick Craig also does excellent work and the two designs he has done which I have heard were excellent, completely top shelf. I think you need to think of your needs, explain them more here to us and then we can add more ideas within your budget. $500/pr is tough, but the Natalie P's I think are within that, Selah might have one pair too that is in that range.

Chris Allen · « **Reply #6 on:** 4 Jan 2006, 01:16 am »

I am completely willing to build the cases. In fact, I want to build them. I have a complete wood shop at my school and I was planning to do most of the wood work there. It is my first build but I wan't it to be challenging. I'm sure that for wood work I could consult the teacher at my school and I have a cousin that is an electrician (not sure how much that helps with building speakers but...). I would enjoy a good challenge as long as it is quite possible for a newb. Also, I have a lot of time to complete this. Thanks.

Rick Craig · « **Reply #7 on:** 4 Jan 2006, 01:29 am »

Quote from: Chris Allen

I'm looking to build a great sounding and really really cool looking pair of speakers. My price budget is up to $500. I need something that sounds great and stands out. Obviously sound comes first so I would prefer that. over something cool. The looks should just be a bonus. Thanks.

Most kits (maybe all of them) in that price range will be a standard cabinet design. There are ways you can deviate from the plans that will enhance the looks without degrading the sound. The most important aspects are keeping the front baffle size / driver locations the same as well as the interior cabinet colume. Let me know if I can be of help.

Rocket · « **Reply #8 on:** 4 Jan 2006, 01:35 am »

Hi,

I have a kit from zalytron that will be completed in the next couple of months. I had a similiar speaker to the budget 102 kit which uses focal 120tdx tweeter and 2 x 7 inch focal mid/bass drivers in an mtm configuration. It sells for about $350us.

I will say that that the diagrams that i received with the kit from zalytron wasn't the best in the world as compared to say gr research. But the component quality is very good at a bargain price.

Good luck with what you chose to build.

Regards

Rod

Christof · « **Reply #9 on:** 4 Jan 2006, 01:36 am »

If your school has a lathe you can turn the wave guides yourself pretty easy.

Bill Baker · « **Reply #10 on:** 4 Jan 2006, 02:03 am »

There is a special feeling that comes over you when you hear the first few notes coming through a pair of speakers you built with your own two hands.

There are many very good kits available, I am sure whatever you choose will will give you goosebumps.
Take your time, have fun and enjoy the music.

Chris Allen · « **Reply #11 on:** 4 Jan 2006, 02:39 am »

I think that the speakers here ... http://zaphaudio.com/Waveguidetmm.html fit my budget and seem like a good challenge. but the post by Rocket-I have a kit from zalytron that will be completed in the next couple of months. I had a similiar speaker to the budget 102 kit which uses focal 120tdx tweeter and 2 x 7 inch focal mid/bass drivers in an mtm configuration. It sells for about $350us. seems interesting as well. Can anyone compare these two speeakers in terms of quality and difficulty of making them and what type of music they are suited for? Also, other suggestions are still appreciated. Thanks.

Celeste · « **Reply #12 on:** 5 Jan 2006, 01:08 am »

Cool looking and stands out, this fits the bill I think

http://users.tpg.com.au/users/gradds/Gumby%20final.JPG

Celeste

Chris Allen · « **Reply #13 on:** 5 Jan 2006, 01:13 am »

Can I have some info on price, quality, difficulty of build and what site its on? Thanks.

Chris

Celeste · « **Reply #14 on:** 5 Jan 2006, 02:50 am »

jHi Chris, go over the the Partsexpress fourm and search on "Gumby"

http://www.pesupport.com/cgi-bin/config.pl

The post I took the pic from is

http://www.pesupport.com/cgi-bin/config.pl?read=258456

I'm sure the drivers are out of the projected $500 limit and the active sub requires another amp to boot. They are visually striking and I really posted to get you to think of ways you can make boxes more interesting looking. While your at PE, look at the project showcase is you haven't before. Arrays in gereral are expensive just because of the number of drivers, but these should also be eyecatching when finished

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d179/CeCeHall/DSCN0161.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d179/CeCeHall/DSCN0158.jpg

Celeste

kfr01 · « **Reply #15 on:** 5 Jan 2006, 04:16 am »

I strongly recommend diycable.com for Exodus Audio speaker kits.

The Exodus Kit61 is the most complete sounding bookshelf I've heard.

The Exodus Kit2641 tower takes the 61 a step further in just about every way, but is larger, more expensive, and more of a project to build because of the scope.

Read some of my reviews in the diycable circle on this board.

Watson · « **Reply #16 on:** 5 Jan 2006, 07:09 am »

Quote from: Chris Allen

I think that the speakers here ... http://zaphaudio.com/Waveguidetmm.html fit my budget and seem like a good challenge.

I would go with that design, for a number of reasons. It has a relatively high efficiency (about 92dB in room, 90dB anechoic), which tends to produce a more "dynamic" sound than low efficiency speakers. The efficiency combined with the very flat impedance curve makes this a very versatile speaker. You could drive it with an 8 watt SET amp if you wanted to. The waveguide evens out the power response and makes this design a little more resistant to room interactions than some other designs. The tweeter is very well-regarded. There is full baffle step compensation and what looks like satisfying bass extension. Plus it's surprisingly inexpensive, especially for a 2.5 way floorstander, assuming you can build the cabinets yourself. The cabinets don't look all that hard to build from the plans, but they are more challenging than a conventional bookshelf, which sounds like it might be a good match for you.

Bill Baker · « **Reply #17 on:** 5 Jan 2006, 02:26 pm »

If you are willing to build the cabinets yuorself, you could also contact Bob at SP Technology about his Essence kit. I think he offer the front baffle and drivers for $500?? Build youself a nice cabinet and crossover and you're all all set.
Put some nice real wood veneer on it and you have both a beautiful sounding and looking system. Just another option.

Kishore · « **Reply #18 on:** 6 Jan 2006, 03:45 am »

Also adding NorthCreek Music .

All these guys Jon Marsh, George Short, Dennis Murphy, Rick Craig, Danny Ritchie et al are Xover magicians who can design/customize wonderful speakers.

Cheers,
Kishore