I'm currently planning on building a new system from my woodworking shop. Starting from the amp outwards, I intend to use Airplay via Mac and iPhone as the input source, convert the TOSlink optical to S/PDIF coax and then input to a MiniDSP Open DRC-DA8. I've a 40 year career in digital signal processing and intend to bring it forward into my new audio system using the MiniDSP as a DSP processor to build linear-phase (or equivalently flat group delay) crossovers. The sub is based on the Rythmiks CI1204 and the HX300 kit. I struggled with purchasing the CI1200 but I felt the extra $250 would purchase more performance in other parts of the system and I wanted to build a smaller sub so its "mobile" if needed. I am going to build a pair of the GR-Research NX2 but will use the miniDSP for an active crossover rather than the analog crossover offered by Danny. I will bi-amp the NX2 using two ClassD CDA-120 Watt Amps. I will be building the amp enclosure to include the Apple airport express, the TOSlink-to-S/PDIF coax converter, the miniDSP processor, the two amps for the NX-2.
Here's where I am so far: I've worked out the the overall system design - took weeks. I've almost completed the 1.5 cu ft sub enclosure today. I have the material to build the NX2s. I'm ready to order the Rythmiks CI1204 kit and the NX2 components including a few other supplies as well, such as the No Rez. I'm also ready to order the MiniDSP OpenDRS-DA8. I've also selected cables, binding posts and [pure copper wire. I have the MDF to build the NX2 and may begin construction tmw. My estimated parts cost are about $1800.
About me: I have a 40 year career in adaptive DSP applied to audio, radio and light and I have a PhD in electrical engineering. I also have almost 50 years experience in furniture building, mostly arts-and-craft and asian influences. I have previously built to other audio projects: Kliptch corner horns (they came out ok but not perfect) and another HT project 15 years ago using the Ed Frias bookshelf speakers (7 of them) and a Titan sub, all driven by an Outlaw HT system. It continues to sound great today.
For the last 2-3 weeks, I've been consumed in the system design, mostly choosing components. It seems like I'm drawn to the DIY community rather than the comm'l components. Initially I was focusing on building a system with comm'l components but researching SVS subs diverted me to looking at the DIY when one Amazon reviewer talked about replacing the sub with a better speaker. Lightbulb: "Oh yeah, go research the DIR community". After a relatively short time, I realized I could build a much better system by building everything myself using DIY components and self-built cabinets. Time will tell!
I've enjoyed the Circles quite a bit over the last few weeks. Its been a pleasure. Cheers
