Several simple newbie questions

[patchwork]

Hi guys,

My dad gave me a very old pair of speakers from the 60's that don't work anymore. I'm going to take all the insides out (crossover and drivers, but keep the stuffing), and replace it with new drivers and crossovers.

This is my first DIY project and I'm not looking to build a super fantastic set of speakers, just a pair that works and that doesn't sound awful.

Here are my questions:

1. Should I buy drivers that having matching sensitivities and impedances? I am considering buying Hi-Vi drivers, as they are rather inexpensive and pretty decent from what I hear.

2. These cabinets are sealed. Will this affect which drivers I chose, or is it safe to assume that drivers will work, more or less, the same whether in a vented or sealed design? Or is there something specific I should be looking for?

3. This is a 3way design (tweeter, small midrange and woofer). For the crossover, I will get Solen to build it for me. Is there something I need to tell them? I will be buying my drivers from there as well.


Thanks very much for all your help, it's much appreciated.

[patchwork]

By the way, I am considering using these three drivers. I unfortunately have to use three drives as that's how the cabinet is already cut.

Tweeter: HiVi TN25, $10, 5ohm, 90dB
Mid: HiVi DMNA, $30, 5ohm, 93dB
Woofer: Silver Flute W20RC3808, $30, 8ohm, 91dB


Would these match well in terms of specs? I would consider getting a different woofer (8inch woofer) if it were to be just around the same price or 5-10$ more and clearly better performance. But from what I hear, Silver Flute makes very good value drivers.

[Andersonix]

My first thought is that if this is supposed to be a learning experience for you, perhaps you should design, source, and build the XO yourself, but make it a 2-way with a passive radiator (PR). Simpler and less money is good.

[Vikash]

With your level of experience, the best thing to do is to follow a proven design and try to understand and learn from that. Attempting a three way design with no experience is almost guaranteed to flop. I suggest looking at Zaph's designs (www.zaphaudio.com). Also pick up the Loudspeaker Design Cookbook. There's tons of info you'll find on this and your other questions in a search.

[x. onasis]

Trying to be positive here.......
You don't really have to make a three-way out of that old cabinet. You could take that money for these drivers and put two FR 125's on an new baffle over the old one, or on a side, play with the interior dimensions of the box, and end up with something better sounding, while you learn about building speakers.

Three ways are difficult to engineer. Most people here will tell you to build something that's been already designed and tested for even a simple two-way. You'll freak when you find out how much these custom designed x-overs will cost.

If I were in your shoes, I'd tell Planet 10 how big your boxes are, send him some money and do what he says. (I'll bet he's even more frugal with your money than with his)




Welcome to the forum BTW, it sounds like you're half-way hooked on this hobby. Don't worry about anything but spending too much money on this addiction we have here, until you're certain of what your final product will be.