Where are some good places to get speaker kits?

[tdogr]

I'm a newbie at putting speakers together, actually never have done it and would like to try a pair for my bedroom. If you guys could give me some good information on what I should look for concerning speaker kits it would be appreciated. I am looking to stay under $500.

Thanks

 

[LizardBrain]

http://www.madisound.com/
http://www.partsexpress.com/

 

[tdogr]

What do you recommend for someone who has never put speakers together that would be pretty easy? A pair of book shelf speakers is what I am wanting.

 

[sreten]

Hi,

A decent speaker design and prebuilt Parts Express cabinets.

Check out here :

http://www.zaphaudio.com/

/sreten.

 

[tdogr]

this site doesn't sell anything, it look like they just have plans to build. Is this right? I don't want plans, I want to buy the whole kit with instructions on how to put together, wire, etc.

 

[Tenson]

Try here? www.iplacoustics.co.uk

 

[tdogr]

Are the sites you guys post good ones to buy speaker kits from, or ok? Are these good quality? What kits have you guys bought and liked the sound?

 

[morbo]

A few others:

www.creativesound.ca
www.diycable.com
www.acoustic-visions.com
www.rawacoustics.com
www.selahaudio.com
www.gr-research.com


Best thing to do is look at the kits on those pages, then search the various forums for feedback on specific models. You may find it quite limited, as there is usually a lot more feedback on the 'free' designs... not totally sure why that is.

Places to search for feedback are:

here
htguide.com diy forum
parts express tech talk forum
hometheatertalk forum

Also, Some of these companies have their own forums with reviews in them at audiocircle.com.

 

[tdogr]

Thanks

 

[Tenson]

I have head very good things about the IPL floorstanders from people but not a lot about the standmounts. If they follow the same trend though...

Why not find a free design? All you need to do if build the box and solder some parts together if you follow it exactly with no modifications. You can make it look the way you like then too.

 

[tdogr]

I don't have the tools or skill to build my own boxes. If I did I would do it in a heartbeat. And I actually want bookshelf speakers for my bedroom.

 

[tdogr]

any suggestions on bookshelf speaker kits that sound good for $300 or under?

 

[Variac]

These are said to be very well made:

http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage...D=352&DID=7&CAT_ID=48&ObjectGroup_ID=603&SO=2

They are pricey, but they even have removable front baffles that can be replaced in case you screw up cutting the holes.

As for kits, I would look around this website and find a design you like and then order parts. The same place (Parts Express) has many brands. Also try Madisound.com googling will find you a lot more such as CSS

 

[wa4swj]

How about these?

www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=300-640

Complete kit, inexpensive, looks like a reasonable small design. Might be fun....

Regards,

 

[tdogr]

Thanks guys.

 

[Variac]

Madisound has complete kits, or at least with assembled crossovers and all the parts except sometimes the cabinet

http://www.madisound.com/kits.html

The coax Seas have a good reputation, look good have an asssembled crossover, and you only have to make one hole, as the tweeter comes mounted in the center of the woofer..(which has some advantages soundwise too) here:

http://www.madisound.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?exact_match=yes&product=SEC&cart_id=3113121.21533

Cabinets too:

http://www.madisound.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?cart_id=3113121.21533&pid=2049

 

[tdogr]

The coax Seas have a good reputation, look good have an asssembled crossover, and you only have to make one hole, as the tweeter comes mounted in the center of the woofer..(which has some advantages soundwise too) here:

How is this a good thing? And, is it better than two seperates speakers? I was actually looking to do a 2 seperate speakers in a box.

 

[DaveM]

I have not heard the new Seas Co-Axials, but the older ones were not what I would choose for a home system. They certainly have an appeal as a point source and ease of construction, but it is hard to get the tweeter to sound right without a baffle.

Also take a peek at Zalytron.com They have some nice kits available.

DaveM

 

[Variac]

They are reputed to image well and have a coherent sound. Having the tweeter in the middle of the woofer keeps the phase relationship the same between the two drivers, no matter where you are listening from. BUT I havn't heard them!

For home theater,(make sure the model you get is shielded for use next to a TV if you are using a tube TV) they are quite versitile as you can in effect put both drivers close to the screen easily.

I like 'em but I you should only use them if you think they are cool , as there are plenty of conventional kits out there..


Here's another company that has various models:

http://www.gr-research.com/kits/av2kit.htm

 

[tdogr]

I'm only looking for a 2 bookshelves for my bedroom. Nothing fancy just something that sounds good.