[jeffh]

Here is my just completed Pensil P70.3  using the MarkAudio CHP-70.2 driver.
Full view


Brace inside


Close up view


Top view


Close up of the vent

[doorman]

Excellent, Jeff: And the impressions are---?
best
don

[JLM]

Excellent, Jeff: And the impressions are---?
best
don

Yeah, what he said.   

[jeffh]

Yeah, what he said.   

It is amazing how little the speaker cone moves, yet they produce a lot of sound.  I have only have a chance to listen to them a little.  My first impression is that they throw a huge sound stage.  I have them about 6 feet apart and the two speakers seem to disappear.  Right now I have a sub in the system, so I not sure how they would be with out the sub.  I'm liking this

[chrisby]

It is amazing how little the speaker cone moves, yet they produce a lot of sound.  I have only have a chance to listen to them a little.  My first impression is that they throw a huge sound stage.  I have them about 6 feet apart and the two speakers seem to disappear.  Right now I have a sub in the system, so I not sure how they would be with out the sub.  I'm liking this

Right now I'm living with a pair of Alpair7 Pensils in a 5.1 HT system, and a stand-mounter vented enclosure (dMar-Ken7.3T - that's a mouthful) in a 2 channel audio only system in a different / larger room.  Obviously the HT rig has woofers, while upstairs does not -  the KenTs are on temporary appraisal, the regular speakers in this system are dual EL70s that may not have quite the finesse of the Alpairs,  but don't really need any help at our average listening levels.   

To make a long story short, I'd  suggest you keep the "sub" with the CHP70s, and if you can include a gentle HP (1st order PLLXO) around say 120, so much the better



edit:  nice job on the bracing - that's the most PITA part of the job isn't it? 

[frank111]

Real nice build. This past summer I found out just how pleasant single driver full range enclosures sound. This summer I'm going to attempt to build a pair, undecided on driver size. Curious as to the enclosure finish- is that leather or vinyl? Its a very appealing look.

[jeffh]

edit:  nice job on the bracing - that's the most PITA part of the job isn't it? 

Yes, the bracing is a big job.  Cutting all of the holes then all the fine adjustments to make it fit in the cabinet and up against the driver takes a lot of time.

[jeffh]

Curious as to the enclosure finish- is that leather or vinyl? Its a very appealing look.

Thanks.  It is black vinyl that I picked up at the local fabric shop.

[jeffh]

Here is a picture with the grill.

[chrisby]

Here is a picture with the grill.

nice upholstery & grille work - rather a bit of  Sonus Faber flavoring going on there

[Plund]

Very nice build Jeff!  Looks professional to me!   I am on the fence as to building a Pensil7 or the FH MK3, likely with the Alpair7.3.  The FH is very tempting but I understand the Pensil is more forgiving of placement, which I may need.   How are you liking your Pensils! What size is room and how do you have them placed?
Pete   

[jeffh]

How are you liking your Pensils! What size is room and how do you have them placed?
Pete   

I really like them. With the CHP70 they do need bass support with a sub. I have a build thread over on diyaudio.com in the MarkAudio forum with more pictures and comments. I had them about 6 1/2' apart and about 2' from the wall in a family room that is 16'x20'.  The room has a lot of stuff in it. 

Imaging was really, really good. They sounded just fine on the top end to me, but my high frequency hearing is not the best.  Part of the time, I used a 20W Lepai amp.  It would drive the speakers louder than I needed. 

I gave them away today that was fun. Funny you ask about the FH Mk3. That is going to be my next build.  I have a pair of Aplair 7.3 already broken in and ready.

[chrisby]

If you've not yet heard either the Alp7.3 or  FH3 with any driver, your impressions of them vs the Pensils with CHPs will be very interesting.

spoiler alert!  - based on listening to various combinations of the above I might predict something - suffice it to say this will be quite a different presentation than the Pensils


you said "part of the time, I used a 20w Lepai amp" - what was / were any other(s)? 


Pete: save yourself the nagging decision and build both   -  you might vastly prefer one over the other,  or not

[jeffh]

you said "part of the time, I used a 20w Lepai amp" - what was / were any other(s)? 

My other amp is a Adcom GFA 555II, it also was able to drive the speakers louder than I needed

You know this DIY thing is addictive and now it is spreading. I built 3 pair of speakers last year and I made my own speaker cables.  Now, I really want to build an amp.  I would like to build a Pass F5 and/or some tube amp to use with the FH Mk3.   I really need to find someone local who can help with one of these amps...

[chrisby]

jeff -

now that the DIY tapeworm has fully implanted itself, for a real change of pace you should definitely consider a tube amp - there are many full or part kits available capable of delivering the entry level of power on which the 7.3s seem to come alive   ( i.e. minimum of 5W has been my observation - easily attainable with DHT such as 300B, with even more available with EL84 P/P such as Tubelab Simple PP)