New to DIY; Trying to decide a first build.

[jsprice90]

Hey all,

I'm getting ready to start trying to build my first set of bookshelf speakers. I'm a complete newbie to DIY speaker stuff but I like to think that I'm somewhat mechanically inclined, so short of finding the time and money to build stuff, I don't imagine that I should have too much trouble. Also, I have access to a university machine shop, so tools shouldn't be an issue. Here's a little background on me and my listening habits:

I'm going into my senior year of college pursuing a general engineering degree, gearing up towards a potential masters in electrical. My current speakers include a set of Cerwin Vega LS-12's and some old Bose acoustimass system; I've inherited both sets from my late cousin, but they've helped foster my general interest in things that make noise .

I'm well aware that neither of these sets are anything close to HIFI, but because I'm in college, my budget doesn't really afford me to purchase such "luxuries." I recently blew one of the 12" Cerwin cones and haven't had time to fix it (the spider came loose, but for about $20 I can have another cheap party sub) and instead opted to replace it with a 12" Kenwood car sub. With that said, I've got enough bass to annoy my neighbors, and although it's not the best, it suits my needs. I may end up converting them into sonotubes, but that's a different discussion.

Depending on my mood, I listen to just about every genre of music (rock, rap, techno, oldies, pop, ect.) except for country. On to my main question: which of these two builds (or any other that you all have suggestions for) should I go for?

A: http://sites.google.com/site/undefin...htsensationmtm
or
B: http://www.humblehomemadehifi.com/do...Mk-II_copy.pdf

I've already been in contact with Tony and I have a more detailed version of his drawing.

What I'm looking for out of these designs is moderate bass (can't expect too much, they're bookshelf speakers) with solid midrange and detailed treble. I plan on using them mostly up in my room, but when we throw parties, I might bring them downstairs to help even out our bottom level. I'm aware that these are completely different cost ranges but it looks like the HATT has the upper hand in terms of response (I think that's what the graphs are showing anyways... feel free to explain, I'm all about trying to understand how to interpret them better).

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Jared

[DrDyna]

I kinda like that little HATT design, it looks pretty solid. From the looks of the graphs, I'd say the bass would probably be more pleasant from them as well, the MTM looks like it'd sound a little anemic. That response plot looks as though things start to go south pretty quick before they even get down to 100hz.

*opinion warning, grain of salt time*

I enjoy the sound of the larger Hi-Vi m6a in my mains with subs, but those little 4's look kinda *zerbert*

[jsprice90]

Yeah, I agree as far as the response indicated by the graphs go. That's the only reason that I was hesitant to build them... I'm not sure how to go about re-tuning the cabinet and redesigning the crossovers for a 6" cone. Thanks for the reply!

[AllenB]

The MTM response goes like that because the measurement was gated. If you blow up the graph you'll see the low end estimate tacked on in grey. There is nothing unusual about it.

[wolf_teeth]

If the OS interest you, so should these:
Sophomores pictures by wolf_teeth_speaker - Photobucket

“Sophomores” writeup.... - Techtalk Speaker Building, Audio, Video, and Electronics Customer Discussion Forum From Parts-Express.com

A few said they were the best $100 speakers they'd heard.
Later,
Wolf