Looking for a good tower project

[acold7dusta]

Hi, I want to build a decent tower (2 or 3 way, doesn't matter) First off, I would consider myself a notice builder, I've built a pair of bookshelves and 5 or 6 car subwoofer boxes. I'm looking for something that extends low enough to not need a sub, sweet midrange, and something that grabs your attention (not bright though). My budget is around $1500 +/- for everything.

It will be for Jazz, Instrumental, Classical, and some Rock

Here are some of my choices (click the name for more info):

Humble Hifi Optimo-very high quality drivers/crossover selection, easy enclosure to make (small footprint also). Never hearing a T-line before, and hearing mixed thoughts make me steer away

Troel's Jazzman-This looks like a great 3 way, and right in my price range. I love the dedicated 8" bass driver, and the style of the cabinet. I cannot find any information of any users of this design, though.

Zaph Audio ZRT
(2 way or 2.5 way) I have heard great success with this design, and the enclosure being available from madisound makes it even more tempting. There's nothing too unique with this (perhaps maybe better for me?) and Im still not sure if a 2/2.5 will be enough bass


Any suggestions? I can always go 2 sp + sub, but id rather avoid it if possible

[cantskienuf]

I am more than happy with my ZRTs. They have been in-circuit for over a year now. Built my own cabinets from baltic birch instead of using Madisound's. Plenty of bass extension. I went with the two-way. The only problem I have is that they are so good I want 3 more for my back and center channels.

[Mike Gergen]

The Elsinore.
Thread here somewhere about it.

[acold7dusta]

Originally Posted by cantskienuf

I am more than happy with my ZRTs. They have been in-circuit for over a year now. Built my own cabinets from baltic birch instead of using Madisound's. Plenty of bass extension. I went with the two-way. The only problem I have is that they are so good I want 3 more for my back and center channels.

Good to hear, Cants. Did you stick with the standard crossovers or upgrade?

[s7horton]

You might also like the Duet10ss (L26) from Jed at Clearwave Loudspeakers. (www.clearwaveloudspeaker.com)

[hpolkerman]

I would go with a 2.5 or 3-way if possible, it can out-perform 'simple' 2-way speakers on the bass and mid, because of the dedicated mid-woofer and woofer for bass. When a mid-woofer doesn't have to produce the bass tones as well, it'll be much more efficient and clean (less distortion). Using the same woofers in the 2.5 as Zaph does is a nice setup... But if you've got the room/money for a 3 way that troels has displayed on his site, I would definitely go for the latter! And you won't miss a subwoofer with the Jazzman.

[cantskienuf]

"Good to hear, Cants. Did you stick with the standard crossovers or upgrade?"

I went with the standard crossover. Madisound already went to some expense to provide big film caps in lieu of electrolytics. I was a little surprised at the way they surface-solder the connections on the crossover, no through-hole on the boards. I guess I'm a bit old-school and like to see a strong mechanical connection, but I haven't had any problems and they sound great. I went with the two-way because I wanted increased sensitivity, in case I decide to use them in one of my tube circuits.

[acold7dusta]

Thanks for the replies guys, can anyone comment on the sound of any of the posted designs? Characteristics, thoughts, pluses/minus's would help.

[tungsten]

I am the original Jazzman owner, and my opinion may be flawed, but I find that they turned out very satisfying.

[kike01]

I've build a different version of Troel´s Jazman, using a different twitter (Scan Speak 9900 instead of the original Vifa). I´m very happy with the loudspeaker. The sound is clean, with an extended bass. Those loudspeakers need some space, and they work better into a medium to large size rooms.

I cannot compare with the other designs posted here.