IKEA Mackis Mini TL

[chas.tomlin]

Hi,

I've always wanted to build a small TL, especially after being taught about their superior characteristics in college. I’m not really handy in the woodwork department so I needed a cabinet that would hide all my ‘bodges’ but still look ok. Whilst looking around I noticed these CD boxes from IKEA;

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/30032387

They had pretty much the right dimensions for a Vifa P13 (Fs – 60Hz according to Vifa). So I began hacking up a prototype. After a lot of tweaking, especially the length of the TL (Fs is actually more like 80Hz) and stuffing I think I’m getting there. I tried a larger baffle version (cabinet rotated) but it failed at the first, the wife test! Inside the Mackis is an 9mm MDF cabinet with the front baffle being twice as thick. The tweeter is a scanspeak D2608 and it is currently actively driven using a Behringer CX3400 for tuning. The mid and highs are certainly smooth, obviously not a lot of low bass but the TL really brings a larger sound. I’ll post more details as the project gets finished.
Chas

[activexp]

Nice idea using the Ikea CD boxes

I tried making a mini TL using the 3" Hi-Vi B3N. It didn't work too well! I then tried a cheap 4" Visaton + a very cheap Skytronic tweeter. Still not good, very lacking at the bottom end.

Obviously I need much better woofers but can't decide whether or not it's worth spending anymore money on this project.

Details here:
SRA-3TL DIY Bookshelf Loudspeaker (beta) - Part 1 (stevesstuffproject)

Good luck with yours!

[carlomar]

Hi Chas,
did you finish your Mini-TL?

I like TLs

[chas.tomlin]

Hi carlomar,

After a long time trying to tune, I realised I needed to replace the Vifa P13 with an alternative. Then I landed a pair of ESL57s that have been distracting me ever since! If I get any further I will post more details.

Thanks

Chas