Howdy from Costa Rica

[BLoudermilk]

Hello all in diyAudio land and thank your allowing me to be a part of your community. I am currently an electrical engineering student in california making a living as a production coordinator for an independent film company. Right now I'm in Costa Rica for a month enjoying some time off work, school and life's other commitments. I've got some spare time and a full wood shop so I'm antsy to get started on some projects!

My To Do list:
-Build a sweet set of speakers (possibly studio monitors)
-Build a simply (4 channel?) mixer for two turntables
-Build two turn tables!

A hefty list indeed, but I figure if I work in that order there's no rush, as I already have turn tables. I'd at least like to get the cases made for my speakers while I'm here.

My first question:
Where do I start?

[Cal Weldon]

Hello and welcome to the forums.

Where to start? Well, you have to think of your priorities.

How big, how loud and how much are three important ones.

Source, amp and listening room are also up there.

First timers often get the best results from building kit speakers as the bulk of the work is done for you. Turntables and mixers are another story and you'll have to ask those more versed.

Have you looked at or got an idea as to what you want?

[BLoudermilk]

Hey Cal,

Thanks for your reply and your help in pointing me in the right direction. I found this thread last night which is slowly helping learn the terms and science behind speakers:

newbie links


To answer your questions, so far I know this:
-As far as size, I was thinking desktop size nearfield speakers
-They don't need to be extremely loud, but I'd like to be able to crank it a bit now and then
-How much? I think you're referring to cost here. I'd like to spent no more than $500 for the pair. I have access to wood already, and electronics equipment so my overhead in that respect is covered. It'll be the drivers and electronics that determine my cost. Note: this is a maximum—if I can find a respectable set that's below, I'll be very happy.

I haven't read too much about this yet, but I'm hoping to use it with a turn table and a computer (individually first, then hopefully both using a mixer)

As a sort of reference, this is the set I fell in love with:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...specifications
Obviously, the electronics would not be as advanced (unless there are schematics out there to supply such features for a reasonable cost) but I loved the size, sound level and sound quality I experienced with these.

I'm hesitant to buy a kit, as I'm more of a hands-on kind of person (cutting my own materials, etc.) and I have a feeling it would increase my cost drastically. I would love to find a kit-like design, where detailed instructions and plans are written out, but it is up to the builder to create the piece from scratch.


I'd love to hear some people's input. Thanks for your time!

[Cal Weldon]

Originally posted by BLoudermilk
I'm hesitant to buy a kit, as I'm more of a hands-on kind of person (cutting my own materials, etc.) and I have a feeling it would increase my cost drastically. I would love to find a kit-like design, where detailed instructions and plans are written out, but it is up to the builder to create the piece from scratch.

Many kits are available with just the drivers and crossover and a set of plans to build the cabinet. Check out the sites that offer that. Post #2 in that first link you found is a good starting point.