Is this the way to go for a newbie?

[matt scarlett]

I currently own a pair of Dynaudio MC15 speakers, and I love the plug and play convenience of active speakers.

If I were to have a go myself, as a newbie what components would you advise i start with.

Also is the 'one cone' solution of a fullrange speaker the best way to go, no crossovers etc?

[chris661]

The single-driver vs multi-way debate has raged for some time.

Generally, the advantages of a single full ranger are:
- crossover-less design - this means the design is a lot simpler.
- mid-range magic - voices, acoustic guitars etc, will sound better on a single FR than a multi-way of the same price, partly down to the fact that it's difficult to integrate tweeters with midbasses properly.

For multi-ways, you get:
- greater bandwidth (lower bass, higher highs)
- greater dynamics available - being able to use big woofers means you can push a lot more air around

Take your pick.

[chrisb]

some loose change of my own;

1) there is no perfect, or " best" audio component - period

2) this is the full range forum, which generally that means you can assume a "bias" towards single or small numbers of drivers per channel, running "full bandwidth"

3) we "FR" aficionados arrive at this particular point in the journey to audio "satori" from many different directions - those of us who hang about for any length of time generally have at least passing familiarity with the strengths /weakness of a wide range of speaker technologies and design approaches, and each will have our own reasons for making the compromises implied by a short objective check list

4) y'all can have too much fun with single driver systems, at pretty much any type of budget - definitely starting at prices far lower than that of the MC15 (but of course in the case of a decent active system a fair portion of the cost is related to the amp(s) )

5) couldn't resist this one: moving more air around guarantees nothing - witness Boze901 and a Phase Linear 700

[planet10]

For a newbie to FR you might consider a decent inexpensive taste to start... Mark Audio CHR70 or CSS EL70. Decent performance, very low cost. Good enuff to get a taste of what a FR does.

Do keep in mind that the deficiences oft seen in FR (wide bands), dynamics and punch you in the chest, can be greatly ameriolated with active woofer(s) -- an XO low enuff that they become much less evil than when used up higher.

dave

[matt scarlett]

It' jsut that the last time i had a go at building speakers was over 20 years ago when i didn't really know that much. the cabinets were useless and i bought the driver from maplins.

Q: are FR drivers suitable for a T-line design?

[Scottmoose]

It depends on the driver in question and what you define by a TL. Some are, some are not.

[chrisb]

Originally Posted by matt scarlett

It' jsut that the last time i had a go at building speakers was over 20 years ago when i didn't really know that much. the cabinets were useless and i bought the driver from maplins.

Q: are FR drivers suitable for a T-line design?

Originally Posted by Scottmoose

It depends on the driver in question and what you define by a TL. Some are, some are not.

any particular reason why you're interested in a "T-line" ?( as Scott has oft said - a highly over / mis-used nomenclature)

FWIW, my first attempt at a DIY build was a "sort-of" Transmission Line

Transmission Line Speakers


as much fun and learning opportunity this project provided, the most profound effect was falling into the rabbit hole of DIY audio in general - over a decade of just too much fun (and far less money than the addiction used to cost) - and my wife certainly appreciates the spare time it affords her

the Dalines are long since retired and during the past decade have been replaced by an seemingly endless stream of mostly full-range systems

for a newbie wanting to dip their toe in the shallow end of the pool, a simple bookshelf size box with 4-5" full range driver can easily cost less than $150, including wood

[planet10]

Originally Posted by matt scarlett

Q: are FR drivers suitable for a T-line design?

Just a sampling of TL designs for FR can be seen on these pages:

planet_10 hifi

dave

[Bigun]

Originally Posted by chrisb

for a newbie wanting to dip their toe in the shallow end of the pool, a simple bookshelf size box with 4-5" full range driver can easily cost less than $150, including wood

what Chris said.

another thread to look at, based on inexpensive drivers: Fountek FR88-EX enclosure

[matt scarlett]

I guess i like the plug and play simplicity of my Dynaudio's. As for why i wnat to do it, why not.

Again as for transmission line, again why not. i've owned many ported speakers in my time, the only TL speakers that i knew about were the TDL speakers of the 80 and 90's when i was a lad reading what-hifi ... as you do.

of course in the ususal habit of the audiophile world, I'm looking to upgarde. PMC were one of those names that was at the back of my mind, and I'm interested in tyring a T-Line design of my own.

I know I'll have to buy

1) drivers

2) one small amp per driver

3) materials

anything else i'm missing on my shopping list?

I want to build speakers similar to my MC15's. RCA cable input instead of XLR inputs. smallish cabinate no bigger than my current Dyn's.