Need DIY Speaker Project

[XCKeefe12]

Hello everyone.

I need your help in picking out a DIY speaker project for me. I was originally going to build the (surprisingly popular) TriTrix, however I guess PartsExpress has sold out of at least 3 of the parts, which will be restocked sometime in late August. Unfortunately, I need everything built in about 3 weeks, which is not nearly enough time.

So I come seeking an alternate project. These are my goals:
-Cheap (<$200 for woofers/tweeters/x-over parts/etc.)
-Easy to build (this is my first DIY home audio project)
-Sound good (obviously...)
-Good bass without a sub

This is what I would need:
-Complete x-over diagram
-Complete enclosure assembly instructions
-In-stock parts at only one company (everything from PartsExpress, for example)

Also, once the project is decided, I need someone to recommend a good amp/receiver. The cheaper the better obviously, but I don't want to under power anything. Also, If possible I want to play CDs, hook up an iPod, and maybe hook up a laptop.

These speakers will be used as a bookshelf system for a college dormroom. The cheaper the better but without sacrificing sound quality. Total price with an amp/reciever can be $400-$450 (possibly $500).

I really liked the TriTrax design with 2 woofers and a tweeter (kind of like a 3-way) so I sorta want to stay with a design like that.

Thanks for the help.

[kristleifur]

I liked the Needles a lot:

Cyburgs-Needle for Tangband W3-871S

Super easy, super cheap, look attractive and are a pretty unique design - you can't buy stuff like this in stores, which makes them a good conversation piece too.

[Pjay]

The drivers on sale at Madisound are pretty good right now. That cheesy looking peerless 8" DVC sounds really good. could match it up with the 5" peerless on sale or the Vifa 5" on sale and the SEAS tweeter on page 2, awesome!

P

[sreten]

http://www.zaphaudio.com/BAMTM.html

Hi, no sub, floorstanding version, bass drivers are on sale at PE, sreten.

[XCKeefe12]

Hey thanks for all the replies. I was actually looking at the Zaph Audio MTM project, now I think I'll definitely go with it.

When you say the floorstanding version, you mean the vented 2.0 cu ft. one right?

Any good receivers I should look into for this one?

And lastly, are there any tutorials for painting (MDF) or something cheap I can buy to make the enclosures look nice?

Thanks again

[sreten]

Originally posted by XCKeefe12
Hey thanks for all the replies. I was actually looking at the Zaph Audio MTM project, now I think I'll definitely go with it.

When you say the floorstanding version, you mean the vented 2.0 cu ft. one right?

Any good receivers I should look into for this one?

And lastly, are there any tutorials for painting (MDF) or something cheap I can buy to make the enclosures look nice?

Thanks again

Hi,

Yes vented 2.0cuft version.

finishing : probably a roller and textured finish is your best best.

See here for an invisible box structure technique :

http://www.humblehomemadehifi.com/USB.html

Use say 12mm MDF and 6mm MDF skinning with bevelled edges.

Search on BAMTM - there are few threads on building it.

/sreten.

[peter_m]

Hi,
I'm pretty sure the BAMTM design requires an amp stable down to 4ohms. Standard home amps are usually 8ohms, but some can still handle it. Check your manual or look-up the amp model online.

As for price of the BAMTM, I didn't think they were so much less money then the L18 design (same site). If you factor in the cost of the shipping, X-over parts and the time you would put into building, I'd save a little more money and go for the L18 which happens to be 8ohms. Just my opinion, but then again I am bias as it's the project I have chosen to build later this summer. Don't ask me how they sound as I've taken my decision on reputation and comments by other DiY.

Good luck

[wheedwacker]

on partsexpress they have alot of kits and user projects. you can look through to find ones that you like.

[tinitus]

Dont sound like you have the time fore building properly, and just need something in a hurry, before studies starts again ..... how about something like these active monitors .. and you wont need nothing but a cheap preamp (passive ?), or just use the preout from some used junk receiver

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshow...number=248-640

[peter_m]

Originally posted by tinitus
Dont sound like you have the time fore building properly, and just need something in a hurry, before studies starts again ..... how about something like these active monitors .. and you wont need nothing but a cheap preamp (passive ?), or just use the preout from some used junk receiver

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshow...number=248-640

Or just connect it to an MP3 player or a laptop... Should play louder then any of your friend's systems!