Total DIY speaker newbie, Hi!

[19ninety]

Hi there!
Just thought I'd introduce myself I ended up here as I wanted to make my own speakers. So I though tto myself "how hard can it be, I'll knock up some mdf cabinets, pop in some speakers, sweet". So I got on google and did some reading .... gee how wrong was I?!
So after much reading and still not really knowing the 'fundamentals' behind what I'd like to do, I figured its time to get on the forums and learn!
I had posted on anotehr forum which sadly seems a little low on activity so have decided to seek info here instead.
I'll make a post in one of the forums regarding the speakers I would like to build and the questions I have related to them.
For now though, is there any recommended learner reading which can be found online, a newbies guide or similar?
Cheers,
19

[ra7]

Welcome to diyaudio. This is a great place to be. And very easy to get addicted to. You have been warned

Check out the articles section on diyaudio. There is a wonderful speaker article: Arpegio.

The book by David Weems is a good place to start.

[c2cthomas]

Hello 19 - and Welcome to diyAudio!!!

As ra7 has already said - run while you can!!!!

Things can get addicting around here - and that's without actually getting to build something. After you get something built up (assuming that happens) then the real fun begins tying to make the "next" one better.

1st word of wisdom - don't get toooooooo upset if you blow something electronic up - it's simply a matter of time before that happens. Annnnnd don't get upset when some projects don't come out as good as planned - those will be balanced out by the one's that work better than you ever imagined they would.

Here is a link for you to find out some of the basics - but be warned - there are a lot of links besides this one. A bit like studying martial arts - there are different schools of thought and different "paths" (zen like) to audio nirvana.
DIY Audio & Video - FAQs, Tutorials, and Calculators for Speaker Boxes, Crossovers, Filters, Wiring and more

The best way???? Jump in and get started - there are many here that will help you find the "path".

[ByronInLawrence]

Welcome aboard.

I recommend purchasing one of the many fine kits available at Parts Express or Madisound without cabinets. It won't be as fun as designing yourself, but it's pretty likely to turn out well. You can still get creative with the cabinet.

My favorite part of the forum is the swap meet. I've found all sorts of great deals there.

Have fun!

[19ninety]

Thanks c2c. Well I know exectly what you are saying there. My mind has become a boggle with all the websites I've visited and all the info I've tried to absorb. I dont learn so well by reading, only really learn by doing and asking questions along the way which is difficult when your commiting hard £££'s to something never tried before. I have found a site with a n00b comprehendable walkthrough to building my first project to get me rolling (posted in the Multi-Way forum) so thats going to keep me busy over the summer with other stuff that needs doing. I also fully understand the many paths thing. I got interested in getting fit a couple of years ago, weight training and weight loss, and thats the same.... theres a mass of info and trying to find whats the best route to a better is hard (every 'body' is different), though there not so much you can do wrong to your body in terms for getting healthy and less costly too.

Hi Byron, I had looked at some kits etc but as above eventually decided on following the build of a fellow entusiast for a pair of Swan Tempus. I'm itching to get going on these, but I promised the girlfriend a coffee table first Also only moved house a couple of months ago and need to make a work bench in the garage... never enough time or money

Thanks ra7, ordered "Designing, Building, and Testing Your Own Speaker System with Projects" '97 edition on Amazon just now. I'm addicted already, so many ideas and things I want to try!