DIY Speakers

Posted by: lomb7

DIY Speakers - 09/23/04 11:07 PM

Wanted to see if anyone has built their own speakers. Are the kits worth it? I thought that it might be a fun project but I don't want to throw $$ into something that will not return great sound. Let me know what you think.
Posted by: gonk

Re: DIY Speakers - 09/23/04 11:27 PM

There have been a number of people in this forum who have built speaker kits, and they have typically spoken very highly of the results. Check out the "Your System Saloon" (particularly older posts, when it was originally focused on speakers) for some good info on DIY speakers.

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gonk -- 950 Review | LFM-1 Review | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | Saloon Links
Posted by: MCH

Re: DIY Speakers - 09/24/04 11:20 AM

I have built myself a complete speaker sytem (6 speakers) based on an Ed Frias design (ARdiy.com). To me they sound wonderful; but of course this is very subjective. I've gone on to build many more sets for friends and family that were very impressed with the sound. I've also built an Octagon Tempest 15" subwoofer to complete the ensemble. I enjoy woodworking so the cabinets were ventures into imagination. I created a few different designs; not the typical box style.
Is a project in diy worth it? For every yes you could probably get a no.



Posted by: MCH

Re: DIY Speakers - 09/24/04 11:25 AM

Here also is a pic of my surrounds and a better profile of the mains.



Posted by: Cadboy

Re: DIY Speakers - 09/24/04 11:45 AM

Holy Nautilus, Batman!!

Is that MDF with faux-finish?
Posted by: lomb7

Re: DIY Speakers - 09/24/04 12:12 PM

WOW! Come on now. That's like showing someone that wants to build a car a pic of a Bentley. Amazing. Pat yourself on the back for those. Simply beautiful!.
Posted by: Spiker

Re: DIY Speakers - 09/24/04 02:12 PM

Holy M C Hammer!

The disadvantage of your system may be that the visitors may forget to check the sound quality by aesthetics stealing all their attention. Until the lights are turned off, that is.


lomb7:
Check out these threads for reviews on DIY speakers.
http://ubb.outlawaudio.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000280.html
http://ubb.outlawaudio.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000276.html

You can get kits and parts from sites below.
http://www.partsexpress.com/
http://www.acoustic-visions.com/
http://www.madisound.com/

Here’s some basic info on building it from scratch.
http://www.speakerbuilder.net
Posted by: curegeorg

Re: DIY Speakers - 09/24/04 03:59 PM

id say you enjoy woodworking! those are sweet looking even if they sounded like poop... for them to sound good and look that nice is a great combo.

makes me want to build some stuff, though i lack the tools/skill to design and make those cabinets.

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Posted by: musiciseverything

Re: DIY Speakers - 09/24/04 04:08 PM

It is great to have a list of manufacturers for building a speaker. I want to try a low powered tube amp and suitable very efficient small speakers for an extra room. I can't tell the efficiency of these speaker kits. Does anyone have a kit or specs for such a speaker? I want something in a minimonitor or bookshelf type and something mated to a 5 or 10 Watt tube amp that I will make. Thanks.

[This message has been edited by musiciseverything (edited September 24, 2004).]
Posted by: Spiker

Re: DIY Speakers - 09/26/04 09:26 PM

This may be related to your search.
http://ubb.outlawaudio.com/ubb/Forum15/HTML/001366.html

All kit HE8.1, 10.1 and 12.1 here are high efficiency speakers designed for low wattage tube amps.
http://www.acoustic-visions.com/~acoustic/products/speakers/complete_kits/
Posted by: musiciseverything

Re: DIY Speakers - 09/27/04 12:57 AM

Spiker, thanks very much!
Posted by: justhavingfun

Re: DIY Speakers - 10/01/04 07:03 PM

MCH,

Holy cow!! It is truly one of the stylist piece of speakers that I ever saw. And I am sure they sound wonderful. It has to be if it looks that good! With such a piece of art, even my wife would love to buy more speakers. Great looking speakers and thanks for showing them to rest of us.
Posted by: NEO

Re: DIY Speakers - 10/02/04 12:29 AM

It looks as if they could be made from Dupont Corian, are they? You certainly did a fine job!
Posted by: Lasher

Re: DIY Speakers - 10/02/04 02:13 PM

MCH:

I think it't time you give up your day job and start building speakers!!! Not to be nosy but how much did it cost to build those and would you build me a set?

Lasher