Could use your help for school club project

[JZatopa]

I recent joined a club at school that is a group of DJ's. The problem is that the club needs some monitors (just one would do). They use computer speakers and it just isn't working so they would like to buy something. Before I joined they were looking at getting a pair of powered speakers and a sub for $250. I told them that they should get a single quality monitor and go from there. I have built speakers before and I suggested that we build speakers so we could get something that would work better then what we could afford. I could use advice on what you guys think would be a good way of doing this. Here are the criteria that need to be met. It must be portable, loud, powered (if possible) and have clean loud bass. These speakers don't have to be very detailed or even look that good. I was thinking that a pair of tweets from apexjr (they are $15 a pair) and a good 6.5" or 8" driver would be best. I would prefer sealed due to the added power handleing because I seem to be one of the few DJs who know when a speaker is distorting. Any and all advice and or cheap parts you guys can contribute would be great. If you feel we would be better off buying something please let me know.

 

[JZatopa]

noone has any advice?

 

[Bill Fitzpatrick]

These might fit the bill:

http://www.wadsnet.com/~dtenney/dayton_8MTM.htm

 

[BHD]

http://www.pispeakers.com/

Check out the kits - the prices are per speaker. Super efficient, and you'd have to play them really loud to get serious distortion. I think the theater four would be just the ticket...

 

[JZatopa]

The pi speakers may be the ticket. For a retail product I was looking at the carvin active studio monitors. What do you guys feel about those?

 

[BHD]

I haven't heard the Carvin active monitors, but I have heard their guitars and amps. They build good stuff and since it's factory direct their products are usually priced right. My buddy's bass is a thing of beauty and sounds great, too.

On the other hand, no matter what you build, why not build your own? You'll likely stretch your dollar further and get some valuable experience. Sounds like the epitome of a school project, as far as I'm concerned.

 

[JZatopa]

Well the carvin's arn't DIY. They are just a pair of powered monitors. I am worried that if we were to build a pair of pi speakers the amp that would be needed to make them active would put us over budget.

 

[BHD]

At 98 db for the Pi fours, I doubt it. You wouldn't need much power.

98 db 1 watt
101 db 2 watts
104 db 4 watts

You get the idea. Unless you're in a gymnasium, you won't need a lot of power. A gainclone or really cheap chip amp would play freakin' loud.

Good luck.

 

[warren o]

These are DJs?
Get them some serious reinforcement speakers; either build ‘em or buy ‘em.
Take a peak:
http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?&DID=7&WebPage_ID=27
http://www.renkus-heinz.com/
http://www.eaw.com/
http://jbl.com/
http://www.sweetwater.com/shop/live-sound/pa-speakers/
http://www.zzounds.com/cat--Live-Sound-PA--2713
Standard audio system speakers are designed for a different application & will not hold up being carted around and pushed hard. There are speakers designed for this task. The best are EAWs & Renkus-Heinz. They are very pricey, though.
I recommend buying the parts & having the kids help build them. It will give them ownership (so maybe the will be kinder to them) and be a learning experience, too.
Good luck.

 

[JZatopa]

I understand the pi speakers are very effecient but the amp needs to be attached to the speaker. These also need to be easily carried. If I had the means I would bring me ev eliminators and an amp but that is just to much of a hassle. Warren I will look into those options.

If someone knows of a cheap full range amp that could be attached to the pi speakers ($50 or less) that would help out a lot.

 

[warren o]

Try a local music store or pawn shop. Maybe you can find something cheap that will do.