First DIY project

[patchwork]

I have come across, extremely cheaply, the following, and I want to put them together to make my first DIY loudspeaker. I'm not looking for audiophile sound, just something that works and that will help me learn.


1. A pair of sealed walnut cabinets (MDF on the inside, walnut on the outside except for the front baffle), 17.27 litres.

2. A pair of 1inch 20TFF SEAS tweeters,
http://www.seas.no/seas_line/tweeters/h830.pdf

3. A pair of 6 1/2 inch Vifa M18WO-08:
http://www.tymphany.com/datasheet/printview.php?id=269


So since I paid less than $100 for all of this, I jumped on the offer, and am considering putting it together.

My main questions are:

1. Will these sound OK in this size / type of cabinet? Would I be better off with a smaller or larger cabinet, or modifying it (i.e. to make it vented?).

2. To begin with, I am considering a crossover, 2nd or 3rd order, at 3.5khz (the recommended xover for this tweeter). I know this isn't going to give me super smooth response, but I just want to get them plugged in and going, and then tinker later. But if you have suggestions, please feel free.

3. Will this suffer between 1khz and 3khz? Would you suggest I make this a 3way design and add a 2 or 2.5 inch midrange just below the tweeter?

[Pano]

Those Vifas should be happy in 17L. I have some similar Vifas in that size.
They should probably be ported, tho.

3.5Khz might be pushing it a bit, I don't know. But it will certainly work.
Don't forget your baffle step correction. It can help fill out the low end.

Good luck with your good find! You should have something nice in the end.

[tinitus]

If your box volume is inside netto 17 liter you are in luck, it seems excactly what is needed

It might be worth to try a 2.5 way

[tinitus]

Sorry, I misread - forget the 2.5 way, I thought you had a pair pr speaker

just do a simple 2-way

17 liter will suit a single driver in BR, but it might work as closed too

[chainenoble]

3500 is high for that woofer.instaed on adding a mid.buy a better tweeter that will do 2500.solen as some good deals on their sale page.the seas 25TAGW06 would work well

[tinitus]

You have bought the drivers, and have a suiteable box

I would say, just mount the drivers and make a simple 6db filter and see how it works out - and play with it

start from the bottom and keep the cost down - filter components can be quite expencive

[patchwork]

I was thinking of buying a ready made crossover and then playing with it by adding parts.

Is that a decent idea, or just plain dumb?


by the way, I also have some Vifa D27TG3506's,
http://www.tymphany.com/datasheet/printview.php?id=257
which I thought of using, however, they have a higher sensitivity rating... Would those match better with the M18's?

[chainenoble]

go with the vifa.i think there are designs out there with that woofer and tweeter.
but go with a proper xover.you will be much happier with the results.if i was in canada i would simulate it for you and give you the values.maybe some here and run it for you.
proper xover for these to driver may not cost anymore than prefab ones

you can put an lpad on the tweeter to correct the sensitivity-real cheap

[patchwork]

Yes, I thought of putting an l-pad on the tweeter for sure.

I have tried figuring this out using a couple of websites and softwares that are free, but I'm still not %100 of my decision. I am considering asking Solen to make one for me, to my specs, and then take it from there.


My main question is... sealed or vented? Someone not on this forum told me a 2inch vent in the front below the woofer would be sweet.

[Pano]

Go vented. You'll get more bass. And you can always plug the vent if you want.

Do you want someone to simulate the box for you?

Solen will design the crossover for free if you buy yhe parts from them, right? Sounds like a good deal.