Fullrange Desktop Speaker Recommendations?

[blip1882]

'llo all,

I'm thinking about building a pair of fullrange speakers to sit on either side of the LCD on my desk. I don't mind if they take up a decent amount of desk space, but obviously there is some limit to the maximum useable size. If possible I would like them to be useable for music without a subwoofer. (Though I will have the one from my old Klipsch system available if it seems nescessary... basically I'd just like the option of not having it in the system) Also, it would be great if the total price was >$150/pair.

They will driven by a class-D amp.... probably either a SI or a 41 Hz Amp 6 so efficiency is a definite plus. The speakers will primarily be used for music (mostly classical and electronica/downtempo). Very rarely (and obviously with the subwoofer) they will be used as a 2-channel hometheater rig.

Thus far I've found three designs that seem like they would fit my needs:

1) GM's FE127 Vented Transmission Line (FE127 project)
2) Tony Gee's Solo 103 (http://home.hetnet.nl/~geenius/Solo103.html)
3) The Full Range Reference Project Monopole V.1 (http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/attac...amp=1102221644)
4) The Zaph|Audio Hi-Vi B3S (http://www.zaphaudio.com/audio-speaker18.html)

Any other designs I should consider? Which of the designs I'm looking at would you recommend?

Thanks.

[soongsc]

I you use a BSC, be sure to use foil inductors and Mcap Supreme Oil Silver ot the Silver/Gold. You will be in heaven. Resistors would be of higer wattage than the driver can take.

[nerd of nerds]

i built the zaph 3 inch little speakers and love em....

and don't listen to people when they tell you to exotic crossover parts...

[soongsc]

Originally posted by nerd of nerds
i built the zaph 3 inch little speakers and love em....

and don't listen to people when they tell you to exotic crossover parts...

Have you tried some before? Or is there some technical theory behind this statement?

[Tweeker]

Better crossover parts can make a difference, especially if its avoiding bipolar caps and iron core inductors. But exotic stuff with a $150/pair budget?

[soongsc]

The inductor would have a more significant impact in a BSC, and cheaper than Mcaps. If the BSC has a cap, the budget way would be to use bypass caps of 0.01uF ERO 63V MKP types with whatever other file type caps you use.

[blip1882]

Originally posted by nerd of nerds
i built the zaph 3 inch little speakers and love em....

Are you using them with a subwoofer? If so, at what point did you have to cross them over for good bass response?

Thanks for the responses guys... As for BSC components, it will really depend on how much space I have left in my budget after I build the actual speakers.... That's one of the reasons I was hoping to run one of the FE172 designs because I've heard that a lot of people are happy directly connecting them to the amp.

[edjosh23]

I've built some speakers with the Hi-Vi B3S and the FE127s. I definately prefer the fe127s. Unfortunately space was an issue with the fer127s, but I bet the reference monopoles are quite nice. Dave and GM are both amazing designers, I'm sure either one will surpass any expectations. What about the Aura NS3?

Josh

[planet10]

Originally posted by edjosh23
prefer the fe127s.... but I bet the reference monopoles are quite nice. Dave and GM are both amazing designers,

Thanx. The reference monopoles do sound good. I'd just like to point out the FE127s designs in the reference thread are mostly Tim Forman's with my drawings & embellishments,

What about the Aura NS3?

My favorite (obtainable) 3" so far.

dave

[edjosh23]

blip1882,

How about bipoles?
What about the new TB W4 bamboos?
What about the design you made, the Minuet clone?
or the bipole w3 871s mention in that thread?


Josh