First DIY attempt (AMP6 + Fostex FE127E)

[castropine]

After finding this wonderful forum, I'm prepared to have a go at building my first amp and speakers. After a few days of searching and reading, there are still a few things I want to confirm before starting especially since I'm new to DIY.

I've always wanted a good set of speakers, up to now the ones I own are all computer speakers (Creative SBS 370, Logitech X-530, Logitech LS21). These 2.1 and 5.1 speakers are nice for movies but I'm starting to dislike them for listening to music. The tweeters don't always blend well with the subwoofer and sometimes the crossover isn't ideal and the music can sound muffled.

I looked around for a more hifi option, based around the fact that my next set of speakers will focus on playing music. I mainly listen to instrumental music, and some vocal tracks. I don't listen to rock or hip-hop type music.

After considering my budget and interest, I've opted for a DIY project. I figured all I need is an amp and a set of speakers that match.

I've looked around the internet for cheap amp options. I'm not exactly an audiophile so I don't really care about solid state tube amp kind of stuff. I've decided to try some cheap T-amp options and I chose the AMP6-BASIC kit from 41Hz Audio. I should be able to assemble this kit with my current soldering skills since there's no surface mounts.

Due to the slightly lower output of the amp, I went on to search for a speaker that is efficient. I speaker driver I chose is the Fostex FE127E. I wanted to avoid cross-over issues and I don't mind fewer components, so the efficient full range driver seems like a good idea.

For the speaker box design, I'm following Dave's design on the planet10 website. Most likely I'll try to build a Fonken.


So now here are my questions for all you nice knowledgably people here

The AMP6-BASIC kit, does it contain all the components? I've always had issues buying these little specific components so I want to make sure I do get everything in the kit.

After building AMP6, would I be able to test it with some cheap speakers + resistors? For example since I'll be driving 8 ohms, can I test the amp with some small 0.5ohm speaker placed in series with some resistors to make 8 ohmns?

The AMP6-BASIC requires a DC in, is simply buying an AC/DC adapter sufficient for this? I've read how a bad power supply will result in bad sound so is there some things I should note when choosing an adapter?

I have nearly no experience with woodwork, and I don't really have the tools. I know I can use a hand saw and drills, but that's about it. The box design from planet10 is more complex than the reference design given by Fostex. Should I just make my speaker using the simple Fostex design, how much difference in sound quality would it make compared to Dave's designs? Also I need a few hints to cutting out a circle for the driver?

If I was going to build a Fonken, I'm assuming Fonken would give better base compared to mFonken right? I don't mind my speakers taking up space so is Fonken the better way to go if I do want more base?


I think most people will be sick of reading my post by now, so I'll stop here. This should be enough to give me a better understanding of this DIY project.
I also don't mind some alternatives, especially cheaper alternatives~.

Thanks in advance

[SAC]

My second amp build was the amp6 basic. Everything was included except a box, any heat-sink you might need, and chassis speaker/phono connectors if you need them. I am using a uniross battery charger smps and this kills the TA10.1 + supposedly sufficient smps that accompanies it.

I also wonder what improvements a high grade smps would bring. I am well impressed already however.

I have b200+dual alpha 15s open baffle speakers. Sensitive and therefore revealing of the amp differences it seems.

[castropine]

After searching around a it more, would the Sure Electronics's 2*15 watt @ 4ohm, TA2024 D-class Audio Amplifier Board be okay as well?

It is cheaper, and I'm not planning on playing my music loudly to fill the whole house, only need to listen to it comfortably in a small room so after some calculations, 15W should be okay? I new to this and have no idea if the calculations works for my case.

I might end up using some old notebook power adapter for my power source, I'm not sure how that compares to a proper SMPS though.


Now I still need some help to sort out my speaker/woodwork problems...

[chrisb]

FWIW, as far as the loudspeaker enclosure is concerned, every design of Dave's or Scott's that I've built or heard for Fostex drivers* has significantly outperformed the "factory recommended" boxes by a substantial degree. (* at last count that's well over a dozen designs for drivers ranging from FF85K, to FE126E/127E/167E)

The Fonken ("prime") is certainly not a quick build, but I think more than a few builders besides myself will attest that they perform much bigger than they sound.

[rjbond3rd]

Chrisb, sorry for the OT but speaking of Scott, he seems to be on haitus. I'm sure he's super busy but I hope he returns.

[planet10]

If carpentry skills are somewhat limited, you may want to start with the Floorstander Mk II or a simplified version. It is the easiest Fonken to build.

dave

[castropine]

I'm very excited about building these speakers... until I realized I didn't include shipping costs into my budget. After including the shipping, I'm way over budget. Looks like I am not prepared to spend the money on this build just yet.

Since this is my first experience with DIY speakers, I didn't plan to spend a lot. I also assumed that going from computer speakers to these proper speakers would give a good enough increase in sound quality even if it's a "cheap" build.

So now after reading a bit more, and making sure I can get the parts at a reasonable price, CHR-70 from MarkAudio seems to fit the bill. I'll be using one of the suggested designs and the woodwork seems easier as well. I might search around for some other designs before I start though.

Because I live in NZ, finding dealers and distributors is rather difficult. Shipping is way too expensive from USA so I'm left with Australian shops such as DarcherAudio. Too bad they don't have a very large range of products to choose from...

Would be great if anyone can make some suggestions or comments to my new plan, I'm still a n00b and not very knowledgeable about the options available.