Looking for build advice: simple home theater floor standers

[cody6766]

I'm looking to build a simple floor stand pair and stay under$300, if possible. A little over is okay, but my current speakers start to sound better when I think about $400+.

Space isn't a huge concern, but they need to be fairly narrow. No wider than a 10" would need. I need something done before as I lack the experience and time to design my own cabinets and crossovers. I have 80w x2 for power and do have a powered sub for the extreme lows. My overall goals is to build a set that sounds better than i could buy for the same price, has enough low end authority to give that visceral chest thump from the drums, has a detailed mid and top end, and meets the wife's loose restrictions. Basically, it just has to look nice to make her happy.

I'm no master woodworker, but i can handle basic cabinet building. I dont think i will be building any curved horns of my own, but a ported, folded horn or tl enclosure doesnt worry me. I have a jig saw, table saw, circular saw, mitre saw and a rotozip on hand.

Thanks for the help.

Also, pointed search subjects are welcome. I looked, but didnt know what to look for.

[DrDyna]

I built a pair of these and I love them.

ZX Spectrum

Edit: Here's the designer's page, some commentary and some completed pics.

https://sites.google.com/site/undefinition/zx-spectrum

[Bare]

Don't forget that buying Used is also an option.
Resale prices on Used speakers is typically 30/40% of new. And that's for proven good ones. Just a thought

[sreten]

Hi,

Stuff with a 10" bass driver is thin on the ground at your budget level,
even stuff with an 8", and you want visceral bass extension.

Perhaps this : https://sites.google.com/site/undefinition/tarkus

in this cabinet :



Carmody Tarkus 3-Way in a one-piece curved cabinet

All the drivers are good value at PE and Madisound.

rgds, sreten.

[cody6766]

Thanks! I'll take a look at those and some used goodies and see what pops out. I know the budget is in the small side, especially given my goals, so I'm surprised there weren't more 'need more money for your goals' posts. More to look at is always better, so keep em coming.

[mikje]

I haven't heard these myself, but from what others say you can't go wrong with them. Curt does a lot of design work and is highly regarded for his knowledge and contributions to the DIY speaker world. Plus, the main drivers are on clearance at Parts Express. There are also "compacted" versions so you can make rear speakers to compliment these.
Speaker Projects Gallery,Speaker Design Goals, Project Materials, Enclosure Assembly, Speaker Project Photos and More, Submitted By Parts Express Customers.
Mike

[cody6766]

The link took me to the PE projects main page. Can you provide another link or a name for which i can search?

[mikje]

They're called the Stentorians. Curt Campbell is the designer. Here is a link to Curt's page.
Speaker Design Works
Hope this helps.
Mike

[cody6766]

That helped a lot and looks to be a great project for my budget. The problem is the tweeter. It is on back order. Can you guys suggest a viable alternative in the $25 or less (each). If crossover changes need to be made, those will be needed too as i have no clue about that subject.

[mikje]

Madisound looks to have it in stock.

Madisound Speaker Store

Mike