Zd5

[cj.9]

Hi,

I'm planning to build the ZD5's soon.
I would like to see others progress or completed photos.
Searched this forum and others but only found a 3 or 4 completed photos.

I haven't decided whether to build the sealed or vented.
Is there any reason to build the sealed instead of the vented?
I ask this because that Zaph's build was sealed.
I did see a post by ZDR that he thought the bass was a little boomy on his vented ZD5's.

I would also appreciate any tips, thoughts or suggestions.

Thanks,

[cj.9]

ZD5 Parts list - Madisound

Not sure if this link works but it's the parts list I've started at Madisound. Most of the list was borrowed from another post.
Link seems to work but have to log into google....

If anyone sees any items that should be changed/upgraded, please let me know.

[cj.9]

ZD5 Parts List - No Google Login required

[Zaph]

Nice list. I didn't even know Google had that sort of online spreadsheet ability.

I think the only thing I'd change would be the damping sheets. That asphalt based stuff smells bad and the solvents in it can occasionally affect the adhesives in speakers.

Rather, I'd use 3 layer Sonic Barrier 1-1/4" on the back, top and bottom, and the 1/2" stuff on the side. Of if you do want more damping ability with the absorption, use the 3 layer 3/4" stuff on the sides but be sure to allow adequate airflow behind the woofer.

I see you've upgraded the large electrolytics to poly. That's a $80 upgrade that won't affect the sound quality much if at all. The world is full of people who think electrolytics sound bad and at least they will think it was a good use of funds.

[sdclc126]

Is there anything to be gained by the (claimed?) closer tolerances of poly caps? Should one measure electrolytics to ensure they are acceptably close to claimed values?

[Zaph]

Originally posted by sdclc126
Is there anything to be gained by the (claimed?) closer tolerances of poly caps? Should one measure electrolytics to ensure they are acceptably close to claimed values?

Yes, but mostly over time. Electrolytics vary in value over years. If building a speaker I'd expect to own for 15-20 years, I would go with Poly myself in that case.

[cj.9]

Thanks for the reply!
Also many thanks for sharing your designs. I'm amazed at the time and energy you put into this hobby.

I updated the list with the damping you suggested.
Also switched back to the Electrolytics, wife was happy to see the cost go down for a change.

I hope to place the order by the end of this week.

I would start the enclosures but I still haven't decided on sealed or vented.

[sdclc126]

cj.9 - Do you have a sub, or are you willing to get/build one? Go sealed with sub, vented without.

[tomtom]

Hello Zaph

First many thanks for design , second sorry for bad English.

I have some questions about ZD5 design

Do you expect some major improvements when this design was executed with active XO? /just hypothetical active xo with same properties?

Do you heard Dynaudio active monitor bm5a http://www.dynaudioacoustics.com/Default.asp?Id=3680 ?
when yes how do you like it agaist zd5?
/i know its stupid question but this speaker is my two way reference/

It is possible use zd5 for near field monitoring application /say 70cm/

Thank you very very much for sharing your knowledges !

Tomas

[sreten]

Originally posted by tomtom
Hello Zaph
First many thanks for design , second sorry for bad English.
I have some questions about ZD5 design
Do you expect some major improvements when this design was executed with active XO? /just hypothetical active xo with same properties?
Do you heard Dynaudio active monitor bm5a http://www.dynaudioacoustics.com/Default.asp?Id=3680 ?
when yes how do you like it agaist zd5?
/i know its stupid question but this speaker is my two way reference/
It is possible use zd5 for near field monitoring application /say 70cm/
Thank you very very much for sharing your knowledges !
Tomas

Hi,

Chances are high you will get no answer so :

a) No. Even with a correct active c/o improvements are not major.
b) Is a stupid question unlikely anyone has done this ....
c) It is not balanced for near field monitoring. Desk correction is possible.

TBH if you have a pair of BM5a's why would you be looking at ZD5's ?

Nearfield monitors and farfield HiFi speakers most of the time do not
share exactly similar design requirements, but it depends how and
what for the nearfields are used.

/sreten.