my zmv5 build

[tmarchetti]

hello all, I've been into hifi for quite some time and decided to finally build myself a nice set of home speakers. I've settled on zaphs zmv5 design in a tower with subs in the sides. I know i should have purchased a better sub, but my budget was a little tight. I got these: Dayton Audio SD270A-88 10" DVC Subwoofer - DVC Series - Loudspeaker Drivers By Series - Loudspeaker Components

and an audiosource amp 100 to power them. I plan on buying the reckhorn s1 sub crossover. Looking at the back, however, it has 2 mono outs. So my subs wont be in stereo correct? How noticable will this really be?

Lastly, i have an older yamaha receiver. It has a built in 200 hz crossover for the sub out. Would i run the signal to the reckhorn from the mains pre out instead? And the high passed output from the crossover then goes where? I guess i would need another amp, i dont think the reciever has an input for its amp channels. Is there a better/still relatively inexpensive way to do this?

Sorry for all the questions, looks like i should have done all my homework before buying stuff but I was never one for homework. Thanks for your help and all the info on this great forum!

[707kevin]

I might suggest building the Zaph ZA5. It's a significant upgrade to the original ZMV5. Same size options, better mid, updated crossover.

Not sure about your receiver and amps. Subs aren't generally run in stereo as far as I know. Not sure about the 200hz sub crossover either, as most receivers you set the mains crossover (80-100hz for the za5/zmv5) and the rest (lower) gets sent to the sub out.

Probably better to use a plate amp on each sub in this situation? much more simple to set up. Did I read correct that you are planning to use the Audiosource amp for the subs??

It might be a good time to step back and take a look at everything from a new angle. Investing in a new receiver might be a much better choice for what seems like should be a 'basic' system.

You'll LOVE the za5's though. Consider the MTM variation if you have enough room to pull them off the wall 16" or more. I likey.

[tmarchetti]

It was from zaph's site that I read to cross to a sub at 150hz if high output is desired. I guess to keep the woofer from over excursion at low frequent in the ported enclosure? I believe I also read from 100hz and up you'll be able to tell where sound is coming from and thus the reason to ensure subs would be in stereo. But if crossing at 150 you only have 50hz region of "un stereo" bass.

Unfortunatly I was too ambitious and already have the mcm woofers, vifa tweets, Dayton sd subs, and the audiosource amp 100. I hooked up the subs and amp and played around with test tones. Seems like the 200hz sub out is on point from the receiver. The rest of the channels seem like their getting full freq or it's a really shallow slope. Maybe I'll try it without the Sub crossover first, how do you measure a speaker that's moving to see if excursion limits are met?

Thanks for you reply!

[sreten]

Hi,

You shouldn't need a sub c/o if the Yamaha has sub outs.
Activating the subouts should filter the left/right outputs.
(Left and right speakers need to be set to small for this to work).
With a 200Hz c/o point I'd build the ZMV5 part sealed
and reduce its volume a little, but its not critical.

rgds, sreten.

[tmarchetti]

Weather or not to build them sealed was my next question... Will every speaker sound better in a sealed enclosure? You just dont get the extra octave of low end obviously

My receiver is pretty old. Its a yamaha rv902. There is no option to set the speakers to small. It says in the manual that the subwoofer output sends frequencies only below 200hz. As far as i can tell the units amplifier sends full range to the mains, center, and rear channels.

I've had a set of 10" KLH speakers since highschool that have plenty of bass when run off the front channels. They obviously don't sound all that nice though. I'm guessing i should get a new reciever instead of a crossover.

[707kevin]

Overall this is a basic system, with relatively cheap speakers (don't get me wrong they are great!) I really thing you'd be happiest overall with a new receiver. Even the new stuff in the 300-500 range is amazingly configurable.

If want any home theater usage then a new receiver does that to with hdmi switching and lot's of room for device inputs. A lot of affordable receivers have multi-channel pre outs so you can still upgrade to better/more amps & crossovers later if you want.

BTW: what does 'loud' mean to you? The za5.3's go louder than I ever listen for more than a quick show off session (in a smallish 22x12ft room). I think 'loud' is massively overrated - something to consider.