Cam anyone recommend a good loudspeaker design book?

[ajm8372]

I am looking to learn more about loudspeaker design and would like to buy a book. I looked at Dickason's LDC, but it seems to assume some prior knowledge and is heavy on the usage of software that is not included with the book and is not (anywhere near) free.

I am mainly interested in building speakers by purchasing drivers, not building them. Anyone have a good recommendation?

Thanks in advance.

[ultrachrome]

I have Dickason's book (4th edition). It describes the construction of loudspeaker systems, the combination of enclosure, driver, and crossover. It may describe the actual construction of a typical woofer but it isn't about building them.

You say you want to build a speaker. Assuming you are a complete novice, find a complete kit. Whether it includes an enclosure or you build one from plans is up to you.

Before you choose a kit, you first you need to decide what your needs are. How big is your room, what kind of music do you listen to, how powerful is your amp, how loud do you want it, etc.

After that, it's time to just jump in there and do it. Most kits have more than enough info for a complete novice. But if you are serious about building and learning, get the book. It might not make a lot of sense first time you read it, you will ultimately find it an indispensible resource.

[rabbitz]

LDC might be a bit heavy to start with, but as you start building it falls into place. Might rely heavily on software, but most of the formulae are there........dust off the calculator or slide rule.

Always diving into it for info.

[crown300]

I also started on the LDC and found it somewhat complex at first. After a few weeks of learning and understanding the terminology it became easy to use.
As far as software to use, there is a HUGE amount FREE on the net, from excel spreadsheets to full blown programs - Speaker Workshop works great after the steep learning curve. A few (insert local currency here) spent on the jig and the results are amazing.

[hunter audio]

check out old colony sound lab catalogues , there is more to ld spk design than weems !

[Dave Bullet]

Dickason's LDC will be the next purchase for me.

I started with David B. Weems' "Designing, Building and Testing your own speaker system". I found this heavy on practical advice (good for a newbie) but a little light on theory. eg. it skims over notch/contour filters. It also has 2 - 3 practical projects (with modern drivers). I'd rate this 8/10.

Also Ray Alden's "Advanced Speaker Designs" - which has a very good section on subwoofers, and works through the formula's (probably a bit too much) via calculator. The projects in this one are a little useless (no-name drivers). I'd rate this 7/10.

Both avail. via Amazon (sorry - too lazy to post links :-)

Hope that helps,
Dave.

[Jimmy154]

I found Dicvkason's LDC to not be very helpful.

I would recommend learning through websites and esspecially other people's projects is the easiest way. You don't even need a kit, just copy some one else's project. www.speakerbuilding.com lalena.com home.hetnet.nl/~geenius/ Some websites, but there are many more about any speaker building subtopic.

I didn't use a kit to build my first project and it turned out pretty good. I will post pictures soon, but I can't figure out how to use my digital camara. Can any one recommend a book .

My fault (I read your post again), you did say you wanted to buy a book . I just don't like books . You should buy a DVD or tape if you really want to buy instruction .