Trying to design my own speakers.

[bose301s]

I really would like to design my own set of speakers. I am looking at using the Vifa XT25TG30-04 Ring Radiator for the tweeter as I have heard good things about it and would like to try a ring radiator, and the Tang Band W6-1721 6-1/2" Underhung Midbass Driver for the woofer. I was wondering if these 2 drivers would mate up well with each other and what X-over frequency I should use, I was think 2kHz or so, but I would love suggestions from people who know more than me. Also, I would need a box design, would obviously like a compact bookshelf design. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Here are the designs PE gave:

http://rapidshare.com/files/13835029...esign.zip.html

Sorry it's a RapidShare, but they used PDFs and I didn't know how else to do it.

[TurboFC3S]

Hmm, well the PE design of 3500hz 2nd order on both would work but certainly not optimal. Power response would be poor from 1600-1800hz up to the crossover area. Like you say, around 2000hz would be a better starting point. The PE designed box tuning though should work fine.

A XT25 works very well at 2000hz xover with 3rd order electrical. You can use a resonance trap or not, I've tried it both ways with a network like this and I didn't notice any improvement with the trap.

I'd bet that the Tang Band would work well with a 1st order electrical and a Zobel ... tune both to get a steeper transfer function than 1st order.

[bose301s]

I should have mentioned that I am a complete beginner in crossover design and soeaker design. I know a lot about audio, but not design, lol. My "reference" speakers are B&W DM603-S3s, I love them. So, if you do suggest designs I will need help understanding them and also with the design. Thanks in advance.

[TurboFC3S]

If you're a n00b, I'd suggest building a throughly documented published design ... or a kit from a supplier. Once you get that under your belt start thinking about putting together an original design.

[Dr. Ram]

Originally posted by bose301s
I should have mentioned that I am a complete beginner in crossover design and soeaker design.

Just a couple of principles to help you get started in case you choose to try out your own design:
1. As far as possible, design the crossover AFTER you have designed the enclosure. For best results, crossovers need to be designed around the impedance/SPL behavior of the drivers when mounted in their enclosure (either actual or simulated)
2. Sealed enclosures will exhibit much less degradation in performance if "misaligned". Vented enclosures are much less forgiving. So if you design your own with or without help, go for a sealed alignment.
3. Drivers best suited for a sealed enclosure are those whose Fs/Qes ratio (both these numbers appear in the specs) is less than about 75, preferably closer to 50. The woofer you chose has a ratio of 81.

- Ram

[bose301s]

Just a couple of principles to help you get started in case you choose to try out your own design: 1. As far as possible, design the crossover AFTER you have designed the enclosure. For best results, crossovers need to be designed around the impedance/SPL behavior of the drivers when mounted in their enclosure (either actual or simulated) 2. Sealed enclosures will exhibit much less degradation in performance if "misaligned". Vented enclosures are much less forgiving. So if you design your own with or without help, go for a sealed alignment. 3. Drivers best suited for a sealed enclosure are those whose Fs/Qes ratio (both these numbers appear in the specs) is less than about 75, preferably closer to 50. The woofer you chose has a ratio of 81. - Ram

I planned on using a 1 cube box ported at 35Hz as recommended by Zaph and PE. I would like some help with the crossover to fit that box and drivers, first and foremost I am new to this, secondly I do not have any modeling software.

[tinitus]

My friend, I am afraid that you are asking the almost impossible unless someone can use Zaphs measurements in a sim

But do it yourself, play with it and you may be lucky, after some(long) time

My advice would be 12db filters with series resistors on paralel components, and play a lot with the values...and also play a lot with tweeter padding resistor values...and place an RC on tweeter

On TB woofer you may also need a notch above 3khz(not shown)

[bose301s]

Originally posted by tinitus
My friend, I am afraid that you are asking the almost impossible

But do it yourself, play with it and you may be lucky, after some(long) time

My advice would be 12db filters with series resistors on paralel components...and also play a lot with tweeter padding resistor values...and place an RC on tweeter

Ok, if that is impossible is there another woofer that would go well with that tweeter in about the same price range? Lets cap the price for the woofer at $60.

[tinitus]

I didnt say there would anything wrong with woofer ... it seems quite ok, apart from Zaph measuring a very low 83db SPL

What I meant was, that its not so easy to make any XO, no matter what drivers you choose

If you are after good sound and a good speaker then you should choose a proven design, whatever that may be

Only do what you plan to do, if you want plenty of years of fun...and frustration

[PeteMcK]

Getting started in Crossover Design

the basics (You've got to understand the rules before you can break them :-) http://sound.westhost.com/lr-passive.htm
choosing xover point: http://www.speakerbuilder.net/web_f.../xpointmain.htm
Baffle Step Compensation: http://sound.westhost.com/bafflestep.htm

Getting it done:
Jay has a page on designing xovers using manufacturers specs without measuring:
http://www.geocities.com/woove99/Sp...DesigningXO.htm

Calculators:
http://ccs.exl.info/calc_cr.html#second
http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-Lpad.htm

Measurement freeware:
Synrta - http://libinst.com/SynRTA.htm
ARTA http://www.fesb.hr/~mateljan/arta/download.htm
ARTA Jig - http://zobsky.blogspot.com/2008/01/s...t-jig-for.html