Half Chang or Polk

[edednedy]

Hi All,

I'm new to speaker building and have been considering doing a half chang with a Pioneer B20 and Dayton tweeter combo. Every time I get close to ordering the components New Egg runs another deal on their Polk monitor series. I can get a pair of Monitor 50s for the about same price as the Changs. 60s for a little more.

I don't mind building them myself. I'd actually consider that an advantage.
I'd like tight and accurate bass. Low is good as long as it's not boomy.
Loud occasionally, but I listen mostly to Americana and lighter rock.

So what I'm asking is: Are the Changs with the Pioneer a better choice for the best quality music. Whichever ones sound the best are the ones I want, but there's no way for me to compare them and I can't afford both at the moment. If anyone has compared a Pioneer Half Chang with any of the Polk monitors. Id love to hear your opinion. Thanks - Ed

[Jim Shearer]

I don't know about the exact speakers you are considering, but I do own a pair of Polk RTi6 and have built a pair of HC's using Fostex FE206e (on which I used a BSC consisting of 1 mH inductor and 5.5 ohms R.)

In that case, the HC's walk all over the Polks: deeper, cleaner bass; more clarity and detail in the mids; in the highs, it's a tough choice.

This isn't to knock the Polks. They are a very nice commercial product and well worth the money. But with that same money, a bunch of tools, some time and effort, you can do much better. As I would expect, since all your money is going into quality parts. Polk has to pay for R&D, getting the product built, shipping, advertising, warranty, a cut for the seller, and, of course a bit of profit for themselves. Most folks don't appreciate how much it costs to run a business!

One last comment: With all the effort you will put into building the cabinets, and considering the cost of quality lumber (don't even think about using MDF,) I can't see trying to save a couple bucks on the drivers. Now maybe you love the sound of the B20 and that tweeter. In that case, go for it! I happen to like the Fostex drivers...

Cheers, Jim

[gychang]

Originally Posted by edednedy

Hi All,

I'm new to speaker building and have been considering doing a half chang with a Pioneer B20 and Dayton tweeter combo. Every time I get close to ordering the components New Egg runs another deal on their Polk monitor series. I can get a pair of Monitor 50s for the about same price as the Changs. 60s for a little more.

Thanks - Ed

From first hand experience , B20 must have a tweeter, built the full Chang and I can testify it sounds good. Can't comment on comparison with Polk or Fostex however.

gychang