[Lebo]

Hi, I just registered and I'd like to introduce myself and as a few questions.  I know very little about speakers but I know a fair amount about woodworking and finishing.  I do a lot of DIY tasks and I figured I would give speakers a try.  I have decided on the Encore X-LS for my first go at it.  I was just on the GR site.  There a quite a few upgrades for these speakers.  Could someone please explain sonicaps, mill resistor, and Miflex copper bypass capacitor. Are they a smart buy for my use?

These speakers will be in a garage shop playing mostly rock/metal.  That being said I don't want to spend the time building the speakers and not get the best I can if the consensus of experienced forum members say to get them.  On the other hand, they are workshop speakers.  Thanks in advanced.  Also, I can't use the search function until I've made a few posts or I would look into it myself.  Thanks.

[Hobbsmeerkat]

Welcome to AC!

The upgrades are a way to take the base kits from hi-fi to audiophile using even higher quality parts than even the base kit, adding clarity and detail, so long as your overall setup has a means to take advantage of it.

I have a mostly base level kit, with my only upgrade being tube connectors which i installed a few months after building a base kit, and it was already worlds better than almost anything ive ever heard.

That said, if your main goal is to just enjoy rock/metal in the workshop and not for "serious" listening with high-end gear, then the base kit is all you really need.

Should that ever change, the base kit still has A LOT to offer when you feed it a better, cleaner signal with quality cables & hardware, before you even need to consider an upgrade to a crossover or tube connectors, but tube connectors are a killer first step to take in the future if you want to see if its right for you without doubling the price.

Hope that helps! 

[mlundy57]

+1 

[Lebo]

Thank you both for the quick response.  That was exactly what I was looking for.  I thought of one other question.  Would it be a good idea to keep a center channel in mind for future use.  If so, is this a decent set up?  Encore X-LS on the left and right plus a Encore X-CS for the center channel?  I am not very versed in even the basics of speakers just yet but I hear guys talk about matching the speakers quite often.  Thanks again.

[JLM]

Suggest buying another X-LS for use as a center channel, even if you have to use it turned on it's side as MTM designs (mid/woofer - tweeter - mid/woofer) severely lob (mid/woofers cancel each other if not listening exactly on center). 

[Phil A]

Welcome!

[Lebo]

Thanks for the suggestions and I also appreciate you writing out the initials like MTM etc. I have been trying to figure to what some of them mean. I think I'll start with a pair of Encore X-LS and see how it goes.  I am not sure what most guys use but I bought a Jasper circle cutting jig last night.  Looks like it will do a fairly decent job.  Thanks again.

[corndog71]

The X-CS Encore is a great speaker for fronts and center.  They have better power handling and a better mid-bass over the X-LS.  The downside is they are not a small speaker.  As great as the X-LS are, I prefer the X-CS.

[Lebo]

Thanks for all the input.  I originally ordered the X-LS but after more research I changed the order to 2 of the X-CS.  I have a fairly big garage/shop and after hearing the feedback I decided the X-CS would be a better fit. I went with a full upgrade.  Buy once cry once mentality.  Plus I have been waiting to buy speakers for a very long time so might as well go all in.  Probably overkill for a shop but I may end up moving them into the house someday.  Glad I found this site. Bonus is I am just a few hours from GR Research.  Thanks.

[Hobbsmeerkat]

Thanks for all the input.  I originally ordered the X-LS but after more research I changed the order to 2 of the X-CS.  I have a fairly big garage/shop and after hearing the feedback I decided the X-CS would be a better fit. I went with a full upgrade.  Buy once cry once mentality.  Plus I have been waiting to buy speakers for a very long time so might as well go all in.  Probably overkill for a shop but I may end up moving them into the house someday.  Glad I found this site. Bonus is I am just a few hours from GR Research.  Thanks.

I feel ya there!
If I weren't in the process of building a pair of overkill NX Studio, I'd definitely be in the process of building a pair of X-CS for my desk.. 
And depending on how things go next year, I really want to build a pair of X-MTM towers or X-Statiks for a more open & dedicated listening space or who knows maybe ill end up building a pair of custom "MTM-studio" towers, once I refine the design a bit more..
The desire to build more & more never ends... 

[corndog71]

I feel ya there!
If I weren't in the process of building a pair of overkill NX Studio, I'd definitely be in the process of building a pair of X-CS for my desk.. 
And depending on how things go next year, I really want to build a pair of X-MTM towers or X-Statiks for a more open & dedicated listening space or who knows maybe ill end up building a pair of custom "MTM-studio" towers, once I refine the design a bit more..
The desire to build more & more never ends... 

Go for the X-Statiks!    They’re really tough to beat for the money.  And they can be supplemented with 1 or 2 sealed servo subs for less money than OB sub towers.

And that desire to build more.  I feel that too but for me it’s with tube amps.  I already have more than I need!

[Hobbsmeerkat]

Go for the X-Statiks!    They’re really tough to beat for the money.  And they can be supplemented with 1 or 2 sealed servo subs for less money than OB sub towers.

And that desire to build more.  I feel that too but for me it’s with tube amps.  I already have more than I need!

I actually have seen a pair of AV-123 X-Statiks for sale, BUT im also looking at buying a pair of triple 8" Servo sub stands from Danny that will go with my Studios once their finished... Hhhh

Both options are so damn tempting tho... But maybe i should just buy both, and enjoy the X-Statiks for a while before selling them off to someone else who will appreciate them but doesnt habe the skill/tools to build a pair... hmmm.. decisions, decisions....