ZRT 2.5 in TL enclosure or similar

[ST7677]

Hi,
I am looking at making best loudspeaker I can afford in $1600-$1700 range (excluding the boxes).

ZRT2.5 seems to be the best bet at the moment but I would prefer to have it in a TL enclosure.

ATR2.5 seemed ideal but it is way above my budget due to the expensive drivers used, and I am not sure if they are so much better compared to the onces used by Zaph.

I also have a fancy for Ribbon tweeters, but not having heard them I don't know how much that would help either.


I love to do DIY, but I am a beginner in loudspeakers area. I would want to build one really nice set of loudspeaker and then move on to my other DIY plans...

Can someone highlight any proven projects which would meet my requirements, or help me with ZRT2.5 in TL enclosure & crossover?

[planet10]

What is a ZRT 2.5? Link?

dave

[sdclc126]

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

Has a 2.5 option.

[sdclc126]

ST7677 -

Since you are a beginner and you want to get the speakers built and "move on" as you say, modifying an existing design (i.e., doing in in a TL) rather complicates that goal. Stick with an existing design and build it as is. Of course Planet10 may have some input on this regarding the TL.

Also I'm a bit confused when you say you have a "fancy" for ribbon tweeters yet you've never heard one - you should approach speaker building from a point of neutrality and not favor any particular type of driver (or design) you're not familiar with.

The stuff Zaph does is good - if the ZRT is too expensive look at his other designs, such as the ZDT3.5, SR71, BAMTM, ZD5, SEAS L18. Hard to go wrong here. The ScanSpeak drivers in the ZRT are arguably the best available, but there are cheaper alternatives that will give very good performance and high value.

Consider the designs here also:

http://www.geocities.com/woove99/Spkrbldg/

[ST7677]

I agree, I would not want to go away from the published design without anyone's help / guidance in doing the same.

So are there any 2.5 way projects with good drivers in TL enclosure with excellent reputation?

[perempe20]

I've heard the Event, and it sounded great. Bass was very strong and deep.
http://www.audiocomponents.nl/speake...lassic_eng.htm


Would other drivers (Lower VAS, Higher Fs) work well in the Event enclosure?

[ST7677]

I found Seas Thor here

And it's kit here at $1365


How would this compare against ZRT 2.5

And it's kit at Madisound for $1400

Seas is a 2001 design in a TL enclosure where as ZRT is 2008 design in Sealed/vented enclosure. I guess both use excellent drivers (Seas vs ScanSpeak) in 2.5 way configuration...

[planet10]

Originally posted by sdclc126
The ScanSpeak drivers in the ZRT are arguably the best available

Maybe if you are a follower of the Danish School... and don't forget Audio Technology... the latest shop for the guy that created Dynadio and then ScanSpeak

Originally posted by ST7677
I found Seas Thor

A very good example of the Danish School, but not if you build the stock enclosure... Joe blew the TL big-time (bass to 100 Hz)

Read these (the 1st thread is LOOONNNGGG.
Clarity on Seas Thor Kit
Some Thor models to mull over
Curved Small Thor Build
Here's another Thor (Small)
Short Thor Internal Layout
Joe D'Appolito's THOR (Seas)
Madisound SEAS Thor Kit
Thor stories

dave

[ST7677]

I went through most of these threads and looks like people have got mixed results from Thor design. Also there is lot of confusion regarding which one is the right Thor design, both Cabinate and Crossover are being questioned. I guess it would be safe to stay with ZRT 2.5.

Are there any reviews of ZRT 2.5? Search shows only 3 threads with ZRT on this forum and none has a detailed review...
Has anyone done this project?

[sdclc126]

"Danish School"? No. Zaph School.