Zaph going to crucify me? ZD5 Questions :)

[garage1217]

Well I am at a crossroads with a ZD5 build. I do not feel I can make cabinets quite as nice as the dayton prebuilts and at the same time I would love to build a set of ZD5's.

Zaph is 100% direct in saying that I cannot have a cabinet with a width greater than 7" and I respect what he says 100%. He designed it and I want to be as true to the original as possible and follow his instructions. Maybe I have answered my own question here knowing his wishes, but if I went with a design that is an 8.5" front width... is it just going to make the project pointless? I am no expert but I can copy the design from his plans. Just wish I could take a route a tad easier with a prebuilt cab.

Guess I need either a "heck no" or a "it is doable, here are the trade off's" speech. Now if it comes down to it, I will do my best and build the cabs to Zaphs specifications. Let me know what you guys think.

[neutron7]

I would build it. those would be some speakers to be proud of!

[garage1217]

I will, but if the dayton cabs screw things up to bad.. Well that is the question. If they will or will not screw up the design to the point that.... it would be pointless.

[ruerose]

It depends on what level of perfection your budget and time wants to take. Me personally, I would use the pre-builts, because woodworking is well, a lot of work.

It will primarily affect the BSC in a small way, as a wider baffle will roll off the highs at a lower frequency.

Your ZD5's will be very nice, just not as perfect as zaphs. Honestly I don't think most non-golden ears would percieve the difference as "worse", just oh-so-lightly different.

Also remember, how nice they look subjectivly effects the sound, especially when the spouse is concered


EDIT: just as long as the volume is within 5% and the ports can be kept the same

[garage1217]

*LOL* Exactly, the spouse equation definitely plays a large factor. Maybe Zaph will chime in and tell me to go to he ll or that I will be ok, but not quite as well off *LOL* Thanks for the responses guys.

The curved Dayton cabs are very nice. I would like to buy a set in gloss black. The recommended sealed is .55 from Zaphs site. The Daytons are .50 so I am within spec. And of course the port in each will be dead on.

[sdclc126]

Have you considered having the cabinets done for you locally? Lumber stores will pre-cut the panels for you - all you have to do is put them all together. Not super cheap but still a fraction of the pre-builts. You didn't mention if you have the capability to do the driver cut-outs on your own; if you do, consider this option.

[garage1217]

Guys, I actually am a decent woodworker with a lot of nice tools in my small shop. Building the enclosures out of MDF is no issue at all, it is just the finishing details that really stink to make them look production quality. I have a nice router with a perfect circle and can cut and countersink as I please. Just being lazy I guess

[ruerose]

A cabinetmaker who can veneer or paint for you also would make them really look nice if you wanted to go the build route.

[ruerose]

Well, if you have the time and tools, go for the build route. Look up gloss painting tips on the forum and see if you want to make a small paint booth.

Gloss black is a lot of work

[garage1217]

Originally posted by ruerose
A cabinetmaker who can veneer or paint for you also would make them really look nice if you wanted to go the build route.

Yes, that is an option as well. Building boxes is cake, it is the final fit and finish that difficult.