First stereo ever, need suggestions

fancynapkin · « **Reply #40 on:** 2 Apr 2006, 03:03 pm »

So you think the x-ls bookshelves would be better than any diy I could do? I was looking at those north creeks, and also all of the parts express kits,

mcgsxr · « **Reply #41 on:** 2 Apr 2006, 03:32 pm »

DIY depends - lots of folks out there enjoying it, myself included, but it does take some time and tools.

Figure on using, if not owning:

table saw
router
sander
drill
drill press maybe too
clamps - many, and possibly long ones, if the speakers are larger
glue

Then there is the going and getting the wood, cutting it accurately, sanding it all, gluing and clamping, sanding again, and then finishing.

Could you build better speakers for $200 a pair?

Maybe, if it is a labor of love, and you cost your time at $0, and don't include the investment in tools that you might have to make...

I love building speakers, but I already own most of the tools, and DO cost my time as $0, just as I did in the past, when building up custom street motorcycles in my garage.

The XLS speakers are very well reputed, and would have you up and running in no time.

Up to you...

fancynapkin · « **Reply #42 on:** 2 Apr 2006, 06:24 pm »

I have all the tools needed minus the table saw, Ive built subwoofer enclosures before and also a guitar cab, but those were quite large and visually they were disgusting.
I do have a ban saw though. My issue with that sort of diy, is that it takes time that I dont have, I was thinking more along the lines of going with a kit like the madisound ar.com kit or one of the various partsexpress kits (like the vifa) that have the cabinet already assembled, but if true diy means I get better sound, Im for it. The av123 x-ls looks fantastic, but couldn't I get something even better If I use $300 on the drivers and crossovers and build my own enclosure? BTW, I know finishing it is the hardest part, which is good because I probally won't finish it.

OTL · « **Reply #43 on:** 24 May 2006, 08:44 pm »

I was just poking around in the attic stashing my new speakers' shipping containers and stumbled upon a table top stereo I purchased for my Mom circa '92 or so. Yamaha model YST-7. Likely one of the first "compact" receiver/speaker combos.

It's VERY compact, (about 9" wide, 8" deep and 3" high) with AM/FM, 3 Aux inputs all controlled via remote. Includes the two speakers designed for the set. Pushes about 13 watts if I remember correctly. Also has it's original boxes and manual.

For what this silly, little thing is it has an amazing sound. The speakers are 4" full range, ported, in a pod shaped enclosure designed for bookshelf placement.

All you need to do is add (up to three) line sources and you've got some very respectable dorm room jams for much less than a C-note, delivered.

PM me if your interested.

tex-amp · « **Reply #44 on:** 26 May 2006, 03:33 am »

The best sounding ~$200 speaker is the SVS SBS not the X-LS. SVS followed the Ascend Acoustics model and put the money in the sound and not the finish. Bang up job for SVS in their first foray into speakers.