New Speaker project, newbie needs help

[tater8]

Hi there all,
I want to build a pair of speakers, for my main listening room and need some input from you DIY'ers.

I will start with the basics, then can go from there.
Room size 7 meters (30 feet) x 5 meters (16 feet). Ceiling height is 3 meters (10 feet). Room has low pile carpet on a concrete floor. Soft furnishings and rendered brick walls.

Source. Marantz CD52 SE with a Sansui au-d11ii (130 watt per channel 8Ohms). Currently hooked up to a pair of TDL Studio 2 Transmission Line Speakers. Plus my back up pair of old Mirage SM-3 Speakers when I am in the mood.

I listen to Jazz rock fusion (no vocals, just instruments) as well as Metal / Hardrock. Everything from Joe Satriani, Steve Vai to Judas Priest and Black Sabbath.

I will try to explain the sort of sound I am after. The dynamic bass and detail from a pair of Altec Santiago Model 878b (15" bass driver and Horn Tweeter) at low listening levels with that almost live sound. But without the nasty sounding midrange nasal sound at higher listening levels.
Mixed with the explosive sound of a pair of Kef 104/2 tower speakers ( 2 x 8" bass drivers, inside the cabinet, with massive front port) plus 2 x 4" mid drivers and 1" softdome tweeter (I think).

I was wanting to use older/ or used drivers.
Anybody got any suggestions to what size drivers? sort of cabinet, Horn or dome tweeters, Port or sealed. And Finally what sort of XO ?

I like to listen to music at a non deafening level, and want to be able to close my eyes and think that the band are in my room.
Plus want to be able to hear all the music with detail, with a full, but tight bass.

I am looking forward to all replies, and look forward to building my own speakers to have in my Lounge room.

Cheers!
Tater

[Cal Weldon]

Originally posted by tater8
I want to build a pair of speakers, <snip> and want to be able to close my eyes and think that the band are in my room. Plus want to be able to hear all the music with detail, with a full, but tight bass.

Geez, you don't ask for much do you?

[i]I was wanting to use older/ or used drivers.
Anybody got any suggestions to what size drivers? sort of cabinet, Horn or dome tweeters, Port or sealed. And Finally what sort of XO ?[/B]

Altec woof - 515 or 416
Altec 1" comp driver (many to choose from) with dampened 511 horn
Active XO
Vented box
Small amp for the tweeters (50 wpc)
or
Altec 604 series coax units

- all usually available on ebay

If needed add a sub and or super tweeter later.

Cal

[playazinc]

Nice room size, you need some nice speakers to fill that ceiling height. Ideally a clone of the grande utopia..... but what you really should do for the best high and mid range is clone yourself some martin logan electrostats. Monolith is a great speaker you can do, the drivers: 1 electrostatic panel & 12" sub wont cost you much and all in all it is THE best performance for your $$$ you can get.

[tater8]

Hi guys,
Thanks for the replies so far.

I have to mention that I am not wanting to add a subwoofer to this system. I want the bass to come from the cabinets that I build.
Yes I know I am asking alot, but Over the years I have had "Alot" of speakers come in and out of my room, and the best 2 were the Altec Santiago and the Kef 104/2.
If I can make a speaker that has the blend of the 2 sounds, I will be a happy man.
Considering that I will want to stick with my source components (SS) for this project.
Also I am not wanting to build a pair of electrostats at the moment (as I have no idea, how to build them).

Cheers!
Tater