Fonken variant with TB W3-593SF

[gychang]

First I like to thank Planet10 for drawing up the pdf for us diy folks. I had 2 speakers laying around and also needed a PC type of speaker. Several mistakes I made, first the height is 1/2" shorter than called for. (did not measure twice), usual mistakes with stain (Phoenix is so hot and dry, compared to S California) and gaps I am sure with my circular saw play a role. I have identical speaker in the Needles enclosure and have a Merrill's zigmahornet to compare to. I had built a similar small enclosure Delsol with the same driver but don't have it anymore for a direct comparison.

Build is so much easier since it is small and I finally figured out how to use Kreg jig with less than 1/2" thick plywood. Stuffing is not ideal, (forgot to take pic), used a simplified internal bracing (in attempt in increase the volume).

Only had 2 days of listening. When I first played the female voice sounded minimally nasal but today it seems fine, bass is extended but with obvious limitation of the size. Yes, zigmahornet (with Merrill's original driver) and same driver in Needles cabinet (no BSC circuit) sounds better. For me this is a good design for a PC type of speaker. Enjoy the pics.

gychang

[gychang]

I had a chance to listen for a while now, several weeks. In fact I am listening as I type. I have put a "feet" with a adjustable height screw adjustment to level the speaker and get a good bite on the shelf.

The sound has significantly improved, bass extension is highly surprising for a cabinet of this size. Noticed improvment after I removed some of the stuffing inside (opened the top again) and adjusted bracing behind the driver). I have put the cabinet now on the built-in book case, bass was stronger in the enclosed space so I muted it a bit with a piece of a form on the vent, I did not expect improvement so the speaker feet are not even finished.

Cyburg needle is a great cabinet for this driver and I have a set at home, although I did not directly compare, this fonken is indeed very good (nearly as good?) with a surprising bass. If u want a simple build with a good bass extension for near field listening of flac files (like vocals, jazz groups), I like them a lot and would recommend this highly. It is a keeper so I will put a stain/paint on the base of the cabinet.

[jimbro]

Great job. I especially like the use of pocket screws. No clamps necessary!

[gychang]

Originally Posted by jimbro

Great job. I especially like the use of pocket screws. No clamps necessary!

Kreg company makes a little jig, make it nearly gap proof, but use a little glue for permanence.