My take on the X-LS Encore

Komoyuki · « **on:** 4 Nov 2024, 08:48 pm »

Hello everyone.

I wanted to share my X-LS Encore project. As Danny often says, it's a "fun project" that I decided to do. The goal is to keep the price as low as possible for my first project. So I opted to build the cabinet myself. The only change made is the bracing. Hoping not to affect the response too much. Once the cabinet is completed, if I am satisfied, I will buy the rest but using the basic kit, then have fun upgrading the crossover and really listen to the difference, instead of going all in. The only thing I will start with gonna be the tubes connector.

Anyway, I will keep posting

Cheers

dayneger · « **Reply #1 on:** 5 Nov 2024, 05:54 am »

Certainly looks like a decent start, and going step by step through the upgrades can be very revealing. Audio is an extremely complex area that incredibly dependent upon user and context, so it's a great way to learn what you like and value vs all of the other keyboard warriors. Like me.

Although I do at least build things sometimes.

It would appear that your router bit is messed up. The edges where the bearings contact should, by definition, be flush... and it's not The other edge you manually dial in with a piece of scrap until it's just about to kiss the surface, and that one's close enough to sand with no ill effects.

Komoyuki · « **Reply #2 on:** 5 Nov 2024, 12:41 pm »

Yeah I know you are right about the router. I'm gonna take some time to sand those groove. I worked with an old router I had in the garage.

WannaBeHiFi · « **Reply #3 on:** 5 Nov 2024, 04:43 pm »

Welcome to the forum. Please share your build.
I built a pair and couldn't be more pleased.
If you haven't already, look up Danny's videos on building the Encore's. Follow his advice and you will get good results.
I had never built a speaker before, hearing them for the first time and since is rather satisfying.
But don't be quick to judge them. I found first listen a little bit disappointing. I was skeptical at first but I now accept that driver and crossover break-in are real. Over the first couple hundred hours of play time they will blossom.

Good luck with your build.

Komoyuki · « **Reply #4 on:** 9 Nov 2024, 06:16 pm »

It's the last few days I started installing the damping. (bitumen + felt) that I already had on hand from an old project. I finished the assembly and used do wood filer to make sure all the joints were straight. Sanding completed, I think I am ready to install my veneer. I chose the Mohagany color.

I also got some metal plates from Solen for the binding post. I think the finish is better. So I'm waiting to receive them to make my opening behind them.

Cheers

WannaBeHiFi · « **Reply #5 on:** 10 Nov 2024, 07:22 pm »

Hey Komoyuki
I'm interested to see what you do with the veneer. Please keep the pictures coming.

If you review some of the Encore builds documented on the forum, there are some are stunning examples of craftsmanship. I approached my build like a proof of concept. I wanted to hear if this DIY speaker kit lived up to Danny's pitch. I don't have the skills or tools to create furniture. I went with function over form. I used the base level components, Duratex finish, rattle can white, rattle can clear. There are a few surface imperfections that show through, but I can't hear them.

I couldn't be more pleased with the sound. Proof of concept was a resounding success.

For now, I have no plans to upgrade speakers. That makes no sense until I address room acoustics. Besides I have a vintage amp to service, and vintage motorcycles to resurrect, and...

If I ever upgrade, it will likely be to an NX-Bravo or NX-Studio. I will enlist the services of a local cabinet maker or someone from the forum to assist with the craftsmanship aspect of a higher quality build.

Good luck with your build. Thanks for sharing.

mlundy57 · « **Reply #6 on:** 12 Nov 2024, 06:00 pm »

A couple things I see about the breaching. That brace looks like it might be taking up more internal volume than what the plans call for but don’t know if it’s enough to make a difference in the response. The other is it looks like the top panel is unbraced. If it it’s, that could cause some issues.

Komoyuki · « **Reply #7 on:** 12 Nov 2024, 06:31 pm »

Yes I know. On the other hand, in my opinion, I think that a bracket of this type greatly strengthens the cabinet, more than a simple transverse bar. I'm not here to contradict the way, but I simply have fun experimenting.

I will be able to mesure the response once everything is install.

Cheers

Komoyuki · « **Reply #8 on:** 14 Nov 2024, 04:04 pm »

I started applying the wood veneer. being too curious, I have already started to do tests and apply a first coat of oil. It’s going to be beautiful!!

Cheers

Komoyuki · « **Reply #9 on:** 16 Nov 2024, 04:30 am »

Some progress 🤜🤛

corndog71 · « **Reply #10 on:** 17 Nov 2024, 03:00 am »

Looks great!

Komoyuki · « **Reply #11 on:** 18 Nov 2024, 12:16 am »

Komoyuki · « **Reply #12 on:** 17 Jan 2025, 03:33 pm »

Hello Folks. Well long story short. I've started 2 new cabinet. Definitely learn from a few mistakes. But I've almost reached the end. Like Danny's often said : it's a fun built 😄

corndog71 · « **Reply #13 on:** 17 Jan 2025, 07:51 pm »

Oof! They look fantastic but I do not recommend Clarity ESA or CSA caps for the tweeter circuit. They tend to roll off the higher frequencies. They’re fine for mid and bass circuits.

For tweeters you should go with the ones Danny provides or if you want Clarity Caps, go with MR, CMR, or their new PUR series. Alternatively, you could use one of these to bypass the CSA caps.

Komoyuki · « **Reply #14 on:** 17 Jan 2025, 09:40 pm »

Actually the goal is to try many crossover designs so I can hear the difference between caps. I will stick with mills resistors but I'd like to give a good at Path Audio.

Cheers

jmimac351 · « **Reply #15 on:** 18 Jan 2025, 12:57 am »

Quote from: Komoyuki on 17 Jan 2025, 09:40 pm

Actually the goal is to try many crossover designs so I can hear the difference between caps. I will stick with mills resistors but I'd like to give a good at Path Audio.

Cheers

This crossover layout was designed for exactly that... swapping out caps. The tab strips have solid core wire added to them so the connection is to that, and the other lead is left alone. It was fitted for a Miflex with holes predrilled to make swap installation easy. The center spine also has solid core on the underside.

Frederick and I thought up this idea and Frederick did the assembly, of course. Duelund CAST-PP caps and Duelund resistors.

Komoyuki · « **Reply #16 on:** 29 Jan 2025, 06:59 pm »

Finally, I can say that the X-LS is complete. Really happy with the result and I really learned. Gonna give them a few hours of break-in but already the image and everything is excellent. Thanks Danny for this bookshelf. I know I'm a little late and this model has been out for a while. But I'm glad I did it!!

jmimac351 · « **Reply #17 on:** 29 Jan 2025, 07:17 pm »

Those look great!!! I have a pair of these as well that I need to get done.

A Classic 2-way speaker.

NIGHTFALL1970 · « **Reply #18 on:** 30 Jan 2025, 01:02 am »

Incredible!

EricB · « **Reply #19 on:** 30 Jan 2025, 10:07 pm »

I'm glad you shared the progression of your project. The image of your X-LS Encore's beautifully finished and in your room is especially elegant. Nice work Komoyuki.