A question, er a challenge, for Danny.

patricksalter · « **on:** 18 Jan 2011, 07:07 pm »

Hey Danny, and fellow Audio Circle folks, It's time for my next project, and this one has some specific needs. My last project was a home theater build based on N3's and boy, are those some amazing speakers. This time I need to go a different direction.

In my day to day life, I spent roughly 12 hours a day in front of my computer, on average. I work in two worlds, one as a network engineering consultant, and the other I do film work, shooting short films, editing them on my own, etc. So, as you can imagine, I've got quite a beast of a computer, but there is one area that its lacking quite a bit, and that is obviously the sound area. So, for this project I have a few needs:

I'm limited on desk realestate. I don't have room for some floor standing speakers, nor would I really want them for this build anyhow. I'm on a budget here. I need simply a 2 channel setup, as I will not be doing any surround mastering on any of these projects, nor will I be using this machine to watch movies where I need surround sound.

While I would love to get a subwoofer into this build (As I do play some games from time to time, and that extra punch would be great), it would blow my budget.

So, here is what I need: Two speakers, as full range as I can get with an incredibly tight budget. One CHEAP amp that can do the job, but live up to Danny's wonderful products. Keep in mind, Ill be playing from my uncompressed music library connected to my media center computer in the living room, so I will listen to LOTS of music with these things. But I will also be using them to do some sound effects editing, etc, on my films, and of course games.

My thoughts were to go with the X-LS mini monitors, and then trying to dig up one of those Sonic Impact t-amps on ebay or something. I don't need to hit jet airplane SPL's or anything, so a low power solution is acceptable.

Keep in mind this project is on a MICRO budget, of $200 tops. Especially since I'm about to order a Direct Servo sub and plate amp as well!

I'm willing to entertain any/all insane ideas...hell I welcome the insane ones!

Thanks

Patrick

Tyson · « **Reply #1 on:** 18 Jan 2011, 07:13 pm »

How about a pair of these run full range, with a sub filling in on the bottom? Since the "speakers" are so cheap, a decent sub would be a viable option.

A friend of mine runs a setup just like this, and the sound is outstanding.

http://www.gr-research.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=130

srb · « **Reply #2 on:** 18 Jan 2011, 07:14 pm »

Quote from: patricksalter on 18 Jan 2011, 07:07 pm

One CHEAP amp that can do the job, but live up to Danny's wonderful products.

Depending on your speaker choice and sensitivity, this 10W/channel amplifier is Cheap and Cheerful and might work for you:

Scythe SDA-1100

http://www.scythe-usa.com/product/acc/069/sda1100_detail.html

http://www.compsource.com/ttechnote.asp?part_no=SDA1100&vid=2338&src=F

Steve

django11 · « **Reply #3 on:** 18 Jan 2011, 07:19 pm »

34 $ amp.

I think that this used to be the Sonic.

corndog71 · « **Reply #4 on:** 18 Jan 2011, 08:23 pm »

I say if you can set aside $200 then you can set aside another $200 next month and afford something better.

Otherwise if you're gonna be that cheap then just get some computer speakers like these:

http://store.cambridgesoundworks.com/Cambridge-SoundWorks-MicroWorks-II-Computer-Speaker/M/B00345FI14.htm

patricksalter · « **Reply #5 on:** 18 Jan 2011, 09:13 pm »

Quote from: Tyson on 18 Jan 2011, 07:13 pm

How about a pair of these run full range, with a sub filling in on the bottom? Since the "speakers" are so cheap, a decent sub would be a viable option.

A friend of mine runs a setup just like this, and the sound is outstanding.

http://www.gr-research.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=130

Tyson, not a bad idea, however, if I add a G&R sub, I'd likely blow my budget before even getting to an amp. I don't mind going over a tad, but not too much. Regarding your friends setup, what is the enclosure like?

Tyson · « **Reply #6 on:** 18 Jan 2011, 09:25 pm »

No enclosure, he just attached them to a couple of L-brackets as stands. Running them Open Baffle. You could probably do the same with a sub - just buy a driver and run it open baffle.

Wayne1 · « **Reply #7 on:** 18 Jan 2011, 10:45 pm »

You might want to search on Monsoon computer speakers. They use a full range ribbon and a powered subwoofer. Not as big a woofer as Danny would make, but decent.

Here is a set on E-Bay

Monsoon MM-700

I have 3 sets of these speakers for various computers. I believe ScottF also uses them.

patricksalter · « **Reply #8 on:** 18 Jan 2011, 11:19 pm »

I should note...I am 100% committed to doing this with a kit from Danny. I know I can do the L-LS kit for $109. That leaves me with $100 give or take for an amp. I do have a receiver laying around that I can power these things from, so I might be able to spend more on the kit, however, that means I lose more desktop real estate, and its over kill to power 2 speakers from a single source through a receiver, but if necessary, I will go that route.

I will not be buying any pre-made 3rd party computer speakers. They all pale by comparison to anything designed by Danny.

If only I could get Danny to chime in here.

Patrick

HAL · « **Reply #9 on:** 19 Jan 2011, 01:33 am »

The planar drivers in the Monsoon are the same basic Level 9/Sonigistics/Eastech design that Danny used in the Strata Mini mid range. They can be made very flat like the BG NEO8's.

I made an open baffle speaker with a pair of M-165x and the Strata Mini mid range panels. Worked ok, but they only went down to 200Hz. Really needed a sub to go with them.

Unfortunatly that entire thread is gone with the AV123 website.

patricksalter · « **Reply #10 on:** 19 Jan 2011, 02:55 am »

I really want to build here. I don't want to buy something and make them better. Although Danny does have that upgrade kit for the insignias....

Danny Richie · « **Reply #11 on:** 19 Jan 2011, 05:29 am »

I'd go with an X-LS or step up to an X-LS Encore and power it with a T-amp. I am using a Sonic T-amp with my computer, and I really like it. I made some minor mods to it and upgraded the caps to Sonicaps. It sounds great and cost nothing really. I think PE even has them on sale.

I am using some little FR-125 full range drivers on my desk in a small ported enclosure, but if I had a little more room I'd have some X-LS Encore's up there. Or maybe I'd have some N2X's....

patricksalter · « **Reply #12 on:** 19 Jan 2011, 08:09 am »

Well, I think Ill stick with the original plan of the X-LS, and them a small amp like the Sonic T-amp. Danny, you mentioned that you thought PE had them. django11 linked the PE amp, and while it looks really close, I don't think its the same manufacturer. Think this is still the same amp?

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-380

Also, how would I go about replacing the caps with Sonicaps, that sounds like it would be awesome!

Patrick

django11 · « **Reply #13 on:** 19 Jan 2011, 02:11 pm »

I think that the Sonic T amp is no longer made under that name. I was told (by who?)that the one from PE is the same innards.

corndog71 · « **Reply #14 on:** 19 Jan 2011, 02:36 pm »

Get the Encore X-LS and swap the tweeter caps for sonicaps. You can't beat it for the money.

Danny Richie · « **Reply #15 on:** 19 Jan 2011, 02:43 pm »

Quote from: patricksalter on 19 Jan 2011, 08:09 am

Well, I think Ill stick with the original plan of the X-LS, and them a small amp like the Sonic T-amp. Danny, you mentioned that you thought PE had them. django11 linked the PE amp, and while it looks really close, I don't think its the same manufacturer. Think this is still the same amp?

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-380

Also, how would I go about replacing the caps with Sonicaps, that sounds like it would be awesome!

Patrick

Yep, I have one of those.

I found some instructions for the cap upgrade on DIYaudio.com.

The Sonicaps take up all of the space where the batteries would normally go. So now when I want to run mine on batteries it has to be an external supply.

skeeter99 · « **Reply #16 on:** 19 Jan 2011, 02:44 pm »

Quote from: Danny on 19 Jan 2011, 05:29 am

I am using some little FR-125 full range drivers on my desk in a small ported enclosure, but if I had a little more room I'd have some X-LS Encore's up there. Or maybe I'd have some N2X's....

Danny,

Do you have any info on the enclosure for the FR-125's? Did you do any sort of crossover or is it driver to binding post? They're pretty sweet looking little drivers and are extremely popular in the single driver DIY circles ...

Scott

Oh, and to stay OT, the X-LS are great speakers near field. Even with the original tweets they are still fantastic, step up to the Encore tweets and you're really in another league. I love my X-LS Encores I have in my BR! I'm powering them off a 20wpc Marantz 2220 and they go plenty loud.

Danny Richie · « **Reply #17 on:** 19 Jan 2011, 02:52 pm »

Quote

Do you have any info on the enclosure for the FR-125's? Did you do any sort of crossover or is it driver to binding post? They're pretty sweet looking little drivers and are extremely popular in the single driver DIY circles ...

I really don't have mine in an ideal enclosure. I used an old set of test boxes that was used to test other TB full range drivers. Because of the XBL^ motor design it is one of the only full range drivers that I have measured that did not need a baffle step compensation circuit. So it is wired straight to the binding posts. It's drawback is limited power handling and limited output capability (about 83db sensitivity).

skeeter99 · « **Reply #18 on:** 19 Jan 2011, 02:55 pm »

Quote from: Danny on 19 Jan 2011, 02:52 pm

I really don't have mine in an ideal enclosure. I used an old set of test boxes that was used to test other TB full range drivers. Because of the XBL^ motor design it is one of the only full range drivers that I have measured that did not need a baffle step compensation circuit. So it is wired straight to the binding posts. It's drawback is limited power handling and limited output capability (about 83db sensitivity).

OK cool, I've considered those for some svelt desktop speakers for my work. I don't have much depth so I'd have to make them fairly tall to get the proper tuning. Glad to hear you like them, that speaks volumes!

Scott

fcraven · « **Reply #19 on:** 19 Jan 2011, 03:58 pm »

Excellent question, I've been wondering about this for some time. I'm also looking for a project for my 13 year old son. But mostly, I would like something better at my computer too.