Zaph|Audio ZA5.3 MTM, opinions on quality/value?

[ubel]

I'm a newbie to DIY loudspeakers and I've been looking at kits. I don't really want to be cutting MDF because I don't have a table saw and I noticed this kit with complete cabs.

Link to the kit:
http://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/mtm-speaker-kits/zaph|audio-za5.3-mtm-pair-with-cabinets/

My current system is quite a bit larger, but my room is only about 11x13" so I assume it's too large. I love power though and I'd like to know if anyone has heard the ZA5.3s and can tell me how they sound?

I'm looking for something that is a nice upgrade in quality even if it's not as powerful, there is attached photo of my current system. It's two pairs of 3way floorstanding monitors with 12" woofers. One pair is a budget technics from around 2000 and the other is an old pair of Made in Japan Teac's from the 80s or so. I know they shouldn't even be setup like this for quality I'm sure..

So, can anyone tell me if the ZA5.3 is a good value for the money (a bit over $500 shipped) I want something that's a substantial upgrade in quality and soundscape / stereo imaging. I will use these mainly for music but I also use this system as a partial home theatre with a surround sound receiver and rears.

I plan to put the ZA5.3s where my current monitors are, on small stands so the tweeter is at ear level. Would this be a good position and a good speaker for this room?

I know this might have been a wall of text but I'd highly appreciate any help, I'm new to this and I just want to get the best value for my money and have some fun.

I'm also considering:
Dayton Audio RS722CK Speaker Kit Cherry 302-972
and
TriTrix MTM TL Speaker Components And Cabinet Kit Pair 300-702

Which is the best quality for the dollar?

Thanks much,
Joseph

[pski]

These are the kits from Madisound?

Paul

[ubel]

Originally Posted by pski

These are the kits from Madisound?

Paul

Yes, I'm sorry I should have posted a link. Here:
Zaph|Audio ZA5.3 MTM, Pair, With Cabinets: Madisound Speaker Store

More in depth info here when you scroll down to the 5.3 MTM section:
Zaph|Audio - ZA5 Speaker Designs with ZA14W08 woofer and Vifa DQ25SC16-04 tweeter

[ubel]

Also here is another kit that is a bit taller (which I would prefer) and uses a bit larger woofers and similiar parts, but is substantially cheaper:

TriTrix MTM TL Speaker Components And Cabinet Kit Pair 300-702

Do you think the extra money for the ZA5.3s is even worth it? Has anyone here heard either of these speakers ? I much appreciate the advice, thanks.

[Einric]

I built the TriTrix MTM and I really like them.
They image well and the tweeter is sweet n' smooth.
They need a bit (about 3db) of boost gradually from 125hz down to help the bottom end out.
I have simulated this boost curve with Itunes EQ and it really makes them sound nice without worrying about subwoofer crossover.

[pski]

Originally Posted by ubel

Yes, I'm sorry I should have posted a link. Here:
Zaph|Audio ZA5.3 MTM, Pair, With Cabinets: Madisound Speaker Store

More in depth info here when you scroll down to the 5.3 MTM section:
Zaph|Audio - ZA5 Speaker Designs with ZA14W08 woofer and Vifa DQ25SC16-04 tweeter

My attention is the F3 at about 65.

You might try placing your Technics where the others are now. Turn off the Loudness button and the tone controls should be off. Use the volume control as the only variable.

Oh hey, the speakers should be at least a foot from the wall behind them ! A foot and a couple of inches will help. Play with it.

Paul

[ubel]

Originally Posted by pski

My attention is the F3 at about 65.

You might try placing your Technics where the others are now. Turn off the Loudness button and the tone controls should be off. Use the volume control as the only variable.

Oh hey, the speakers should be at least a foot from the wall behind them ! A foot and a couple of inches will help. Play with it.

Paul

Thanks for the advice. I have the others (teacs) down low because they're larger and very heavy. I might just get rid of them, I had both pairs running the past for more power but now I'm only interested in quality. The Technics are quite nice for what they are, but I believe they were budget minded and only sold for about $200/ea or so. They have a bright sound with tight bass.

I will try moving them down, thank you.
They used to be back in the corners up against the wall, which I know is terrible. I recently moved them to their current positions and they are a bit over a foot away from the rear wall, I made sure of that already

Basically, I just want to know if the Zaph|Audio ZA5.3s or TriTrix MTM would even be an improvement on my system and if the ZA5.3s are worth the premium.. for how much my current speakers originally cost, I would assume either would be an upgrade.

For the price of this kit, I'm very very tempted to just order it and see how things pan out .. but I might go with the ZA5.3 if the additional cost is really worth it..

Thank you for your help

[tvrgeek]

John "Zaph" seems to know what he is doing.

[ubel]

Originally Posted by Einric

I built the TriTrix MTM and I really like them.
They image well and the tweeter is sweet n' smooth.
They need a bit (about 3db) of boost gradually from 125hz down to help the bottom end out.
I have simulated this boost curve with Itunes EQ and it really makes them sound nice without worrying about subwoofer crossover.

Thanks for the info. Have you heard larger 3 way systems in a room like mine to compare? I want a "big" sound, but it doesn't have to be too loud. The TriTrix MTM look like an amazing deal and I'm about to bite the bullet and order them for how cheap they are ..

I've been advised that speakers such as mine are too large for my room in the first place, so I assume I should be fine with something smaller.

[pski]

Originally Posted by tvrgeek

John "Zaph" seems to know what he is doing.

Of his kts, which have you built? Be sure to include pics.

P