<$100 Near-Field Recording Monitors

[lukazoid]

I have a friend who wants to fool around with home recording, and wants some ultra-budget near-field monitors for his computer/recording setup. I've been reading and reviewing different things and have come up with some general requirements and a few options for some systems. I need some help evaluating them.

Requirements/Info:

1. Stereo, near-field (probably table-top or wall-mounted)

2. Strict Budget of $100 for drivers and crossover parts

3. Must have as flat of a response as possible (not voiced for pleasure, but for critiquing)

4. Should be as revealing as possible (I'm thinking they probably shouldn't smooth things out too much if they are to be used for critiquing)

5. Should probably be shielded if they're going to be near computer equipment

6. They will be powered by some kind of SS stereo receiver

7. They should be able to play well at different volume levels

8. Would REALLY like to Crossover kind of high -- around 3500hz at least -- to keep the midrange as clear as possible


Easy, huh? Anyway, I know this is about compromises, and so does he. It's just something to get him in the ballpark. Here are some of the options I'm considering:


A. Zaph's Silverflute 2-ways -- Not shielded, but might work of they are wall mounted. The BSC might need to be reduced or removed for this usage, right? This design also crosses over lower than desired, but it looks like a well-measured and tweaked design, so it may not be a huge problem.

B. A 2-way with the RS180 -- This looks like it could possible cross over around 3500hz. I'm not sure what tweeter would pair with it, maybe one of the little dayton Neos or the Dayton "silkie" that Zaph tested.

C. A 2-way with the TB W5-704S and one of the Dayton Neos. This is my favorite option so far, because I could cross over even higher, around 4000hz, and make better use of a cheaper tweeter. It would also leave a little more money for the crossover.

C-2. Not sure if this has any merit, but I was wondering if I could adopt the waveguide idea from zaph's other project to the idea listed above (C). I guess I'm wondering if that might allow super-simple crossovers on both drivers and better time alignment in one fell swoop. Maybe it wouldn't work with this tweeter and this crossover point?


As you can tell, I've been sucking loads of info off of Zaph's site. He's been a big help. His site totally introduced me to the idea of worrying about distortion. Plus, he's a Wisconsin guy, so I gotta trust him.

-Luke

[Cal Weldon]

For a near field monitor have you considered a full range?

[zuki]

http://jacksmusicfactory.com/default...QZS-8_Monitors


not 100.oo though

[zuki]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fosgate-Audionic...QQcmdZViewItem

[lukazoid]

The price limit is a strict $100. $200 is twice that. Also, I would be pretty hesitant to trust any commercial speaker systems in that price range.

[zuki]

just throwing things out there.

[lukazoid]

Originally posted by Cal Weldon
For a near field monitor have you considered a full range?

I forgot! That was going to be option D. I was thinking that you could use a 3" like the B3S or the TB 871 paired with a larger driver, like the 5" Tang Band, and Cross over fairly low, like 200 Hz. The full range driver would have to be quite flat though, and have good top-end extension. It might work. This is officially option D.

[Cal Weldon]

I would think the CSS FR125 by itself might do the trick. As long as you are close, there's plenty of bass. It's a very balanced driver. Not very loud but you said nearfield, so...

http://www.creativesound.ca/details.php?model=FR125S

[lukazoid]

Originally posted by zuki
just throwing things out there.

That's cool. I'm just eager to get some feedback on the DIY options. Thanks!

[lukazoid]

Originally posted by Cal Weldon
I would think the CSS FR125 by itself might do the trick. As long as you are close, there's plenty of bass. It's a very balanced driver. Not very loud but you said nearfield, so...

http://www.creativesound.ca/details.php?model=FR125S

I've been reading great things about those drivers on this site for months. I'm interesting in playing with a pair in the future, but for this project they are a little too pricey. I'm also assuming that they would need filtering of some kind, which would add to the costs.