Switching gears: headphones --> speakers

[Kibble Fat]

Hello,

I've thought a lot about it recently and I don't see myself going too much further into portable audio. This has prompted me to make my first post here. Currently I have the following:

120G 6G iPod --> Mini3 --> DIY Canare Int. --> Nuforce NE-7Ms

Before my last semester of school this fall I will be getting a pair of RE0s and possibly a better amp. Also before school I want to build an AMB Gamma2 DAC (with Gamma1 Full++) just so I never have to buy another DAC. **cough**. This would be for my desk speakers and home listening.

What I want to do after that is upgrade my speakers. Right now I've got a pretty flexible setup of two systems. The first is a 2.1 Creative setup ($35-$40 retail maybe?). It has recessed mids and adjustable subwoofer volume. The second system is a 2.0 Sony bookshelf stereo set ($130 retail maybe). It has hearty mids.

Cost of 2.1 Creatives: $12 (thank you slickdeals.net)
Cost of 2.0 Sonys: FREE (thank you high school class grad party)

I really like how adjustable this setup is. I have a Y-splitter leading from my laptop to these systems. I can essentially EQ my music manually by adjusting bass, mids, and treble individually. A well-balanced sound is easy to achieve. Is this type of setup common? I really like DIY electronics and my dad has a full woodwork shop in his basement (which he knows how to use) so I figure speakers should be my next project. I just need advise as to which plans to go with. Size doesn't really matter, power should be under 100W (I think).

I enjoy detail, neutral frequency response, transparency, and some adjustability (whether it be changing out resistors and capacitors, or turning a dial). To give you an idea of what sound signature I like, I really enjoyed listening to the HD 1400s (very airy and lively), the K702s (similar qualities, needs a teeny tiny bit more bass), and the HD 650s (a bit too muffled). I'm sorry if you've never heard these, I haven't heard nice speakers.


My budget is roughly $300. Any ideas?



Eric