Just wanted to share my recent DIY speaker build dubbed the “Mega Monitors.” I’m posting in the GR Research circle because Danny designed and assembled the crossover. Plus, I’m using his servo subs.
The primary design goals were:
1. high sensitivity
2. a high level of dynamics with a superior mid-bass punch
3. a big sound with a high fun factor that can only come from large drivers
I went the DIY route because I couldn't find what I was looking for (at a reasonable price, of course). I also wanted to experiment with horns, but not the cheap plastic ones. The solid walnut horn was custom designed by Joseph Crowe for the Radian 475 beryllium compression driver. The 12” SB Audience mid-woofer is housed in a sealed cabinet with black Formica and solid cherry baffles crafted by Killian Smith of Denton Woodworkers. The spikes are from Daedalus Audio.
These speakers are 95 dB. I don’t know how low they go, but I’m guessing somewhere in the 70Hz – 80Hz range. Danny would cringe at this, but for convenience, I added binding posts on the top of the cabinet to connect the compression driver. Tube connectors are on the back.
These speakers sound stunning. Gorgeous, pinpoint vocals. Crazy clarity. It’s the first time I’ve said to myself, “I’m hearing what the sound engineer wanted to convey.” In fact, they sound better than what I thought my system could achieve. I’ll stop there – you get the point.
Oh, I need to say this – I do NOT recommend designing your own speaker if you’re like me and have no idea what you’re doing. I took a high risk. Designing speakers seems simple, but don’t fool yourself. It ain’t cheap and you can forget about resale value. I’m guessing if these speakers were sold via an online dealer, they’d have to charge at least $12K. Plus, you need plenty of patience. It took 7 months from start to finish.
Is this my last commissioned speaker build? Nah. Maybe someday I’ll build the “Ultra Mega Monitors” with huge mid-bass horns like Avantgarde Acoustics or Odeon Audio.
