[edgar242]

I'm planning to buy my first X-LS Encore kit but was wondering if I could use this flatpack from PartsExpress. It needs additional bracing and cut outs, but I can handle that.

$85 for the pair is not that bad.
https://www.parts-express.com/Knock-Down-MDF-0.56-ft-Bookshelf-Cabinet-300-7064?gclid=CjwKCAjw2bmLBhBREiwAZ6ugo-fM62JC55Mg6CCoS4bCwcfnR3vNNhAoE-um24p4GGNzVUdLl7ZSpxoC2RoQAvD_BwE

The dimensions are 16" H x 8-1/2" W x 11" D - where GR-Research is 13-1/2" H x 8-1/2" W x 12" D for $150



they also have a flatpack for the X-SLS for $150 for the pair.
https://www.parts-express.com/Knock-Down-MDF-1.16-ft-Tower-Cabinet-300-7066?gclid=CjwKCAjw2bmLBhBREiwAZ6ugo2QNtH-PWnrOM4ElOlxWAf0G-gioOFEl0qgRkpX6tDms7O_Aswx7WRoC-Z4QAvD_BwE

The dimensions are 32-1/2" H x 6-1/2" W x 9-1/2" D - where GR-Research is 37" H x 8-1/2" W x 12" D for $300



What do you all think?

[Peter J]

I have a pair of the smaller Denovo cabinets here. They're not horrible, but considering the mods needed to get close to the same league as a purpose-cut flat pack, I don't see how you'd be ahead of the game. If you have the capability to cut driver and port holes and the tweeter rabbet, modify bracing scheme, etc. perhaps you could  build the whole shebang. Plans are free on GR site.

[Toecutter]

Agree if you can cut the holes just make the boxes yourself.
I used 12x48 bare mdf shelving from home depot.  I had the store rip 2 at 10.5 and 2 at 8.5. The rip waste was used for bracing. The shelves are 3.79 each. The shelving has a rounded side which was removed when ripped.

[ButchWillard]

Peter Rawlings makes a fantastic pre-cut MDF flatpack for the Encores.  For a few extra dollars ~$70 i would go with his kit.  It's perfect and will take any worry out about dimensions and potential fidelity loss/gain.

[edgar242]

Thank you for your feedback. I just not confident on making straight and accurate cuts, all I have is miter and a chop saw.  I would not be able to do the rabbet joints or router any edges. Home Depot can only help so much.

I just found out that my kid has access to a CNC machine at school. He is going to check if he can submit a request for a project. There is a charge for using it, but is accessible. He just needs to translate the measurements to SketchUp.

We'll see.

[Tyson]

Thank you for your feedback. I just not confident on making straight and accurate cuts, all I have is miter and a chop saw.  I would not be able to do the rabbet joints or router any edges. Home Depot can only help so much.

I just found out that my kid has access to a CNC machine at school. He is going to check if he can submit a request for a project. There is a charge for using it, but is accessible. He just needs to translate the measurements to SketchUp.

We'll see.

Hey, that would be a super cool project!

[mlundy57]

The cabinets can also be made with butt joints

[DJB]

i have two sets of encores 1 diy built to spec and 1 in modded parts express br1 cabinets
the ones built to spec are better sounding but the br1 boxes look better , depends if looks
or audio quality are more important