I am looking to build my first diy system and was looking for some recommendations to pair with my new gainclone. My room is 14 x 15 and opens up to the left of the wall where the speakers will be placed. Placement is somewhat negotiable. I like the frugal horn mke look as well as the pencil 7. Let me know anything else that you want to know that ma steer your decision.
Other helpful info for recommendations would be:
1. Type music you listen to predominantly, and how loud
2. Is having deep bass very important to you?
3. How much are you willing to spend?
4. How much space are the speakers allowed to take up?
For a very cheap system that sounds pretty good and is extremely easy to build, I'd get a pair Pioneer BOFU full range drivers and some Parts Express piezo tweeters, read up on Zilla's site and here, and mount them on a fairly large open baffle (like 35 inches wide by 31 inches tall). Downsides to that plan are - not the "best sounding at any price" (although they'll destroy most speakers you can get at Best Buy), take up lots of room, and NO deep bass. Total price should be no more than $150 for the pair.
1. Type music you listen to predominantly, and how loud
2. Is having deep bass very important to you?
3. How much are you willing to spend?
4. How much space are the speakers allowed to take up?
For a very cheap system that sounds pretty good and is extremely easy to build, I'd get a pair Pioneer BOFU full range drivers and some Parts Express piezo tweeters, read up on Zilla's site and here, and mount them on a fairly large open baffle (like 35 inches wide by 31 inches tall). Downsides to that plan are - not the "best sounding at any price" (although they'll destroy most speakers you can get at Best Buy), take up lots of room, and NO deep bass. Total price should be no more than $150 for the pair.
I listen to musicians/bands like Sting, Dire Straits, PinK Floyd, Steely Dan, Bela Fleck, Avett Brothers, Johnny Cash. I listen to just about everything besides rap and country. Not trying to blow the doors off the house. Bass is important but i am more concerned with overall sound. Looking at other speakers in the 750-1000 range. I still need to be able to use the living room! Here are the speakers i am looking at;
http://www.speakerbuilder.net/web_files/Projects/Eros Project/erosmk2.htm
http://www.speakerbuilder.net/web_files/Projects/Eros Project/erosmk2.htm
Those are a nice design, but I thought I'd point out that they're "multi-way" speakers - this is the "full range" section and focus is on speakers where the bulk of the musical spectrum is reproduced by a single driver. Based on the types of music you listen to, you might be happiest with a good multi-way.
I'm assuming since you have a gainclone that your amp is in the 15 to 60 watt per channel range.
Unless you're set on doing things "from scratch" you might get the best results with a kit - less to go wrong. Some possibilities:
TriTrix MTM TL Speaker Package: Cabinet Kit and Components | Parts-Express.com
Tang Band D4-1 DIY Back Horn Speaker Kit (this one is a "full range" design - it won't play loud, but will let you hear what the fuss is about)
https://www.madisound.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=8691
(this is closer to your stated price ceiling, but might be too "big" for your room size)
You might also consider an "Econowave" speaker; if I wasn't into open baffle fullrangers this is what I'd probably build:
AK Design Collaborative - Econo-Waveguide Speaker - AudioKarma.org Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums
Hope that helps.
I'm assuming since you have a gainclone that your amp is in the 15 to 60 watt per channel range.
Unless you're set on doing things "from scratch" you might get the best results with a kit - less to go wrong. Some possibilities:
TriTrix MTM TL Speaker Package: Cabinet Kit and Components | Parts-Express.com
Tang Band D4-1 DIY Back Horn Speaker Kit (this one is a "full range" design - it won't play loud, but will let you hear what the fuss is about)
https://www.madisound.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=8691
(this is closer to your stated price ceiling, but might be too "big" for your room size)
You might also consider an "Econowave" speaker; if I wasn't into open baffle fullrangers this is what I'd probably build:
AK Design Collaborative - Econo-Waveguide Speaker - AudioKarma.org Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums
Hope that helps.
Not a particularily good one. Even if the driver is good (i don't know), the enclosure is decorative as opposed to functional.
dave
A single full-range driver might not go low enough in the bass for some people's liking, but the crossover less midrange is something to behold.
I'd recommend a system with a pair of full-range drivers (something from Mark Audio, perhaps?), backed with a stereo pair of subwoofers for the low stuff. Crossover at around 80Hz, so the FRs see little cone movement (so there's less distortion), and I suspect you'll be happy.
I have a similar set-up (Fostex FE126eN used, with a sealed sub with plenty of eq to get low), and it's brilliant. Handles everything I've thrown at it.
The entire project would come in reasonably cheap, but the FR magic is still there, along with the low-end response of a dedicated woofer.
Chris
I'd recommend a system with a pair of full-range drivers (something from Mark Audio, perhaps?), backed with a stereo pair of subwoofers for the low stuff. Crossover at around 80Hz, so the FRs see little cone movement (so there's less distortion), and I suspect you'll be happy.
I have a similar set-up (Fostex FE126eN used, with a sealed sub with plenty of eq to get low), and it's brilliant. Handles everything I've thrown at it.
The entire project would come in reasonably cheap, but the FR magic is still there, along with the low-end response of a dedicated woofer.
Chris
The mark audio stuff looks nice, but does anyone have any experience with the drivers or speaker designs. I was thinking of a frugal horn mkIII or a bibk. Can anyone offer any measurements of these or the mark audio speakers? Also, how easy would it be to use lowther drivers in place of the fostex that many of these designs specify. I was going to pair a MyRefC gainclone with a tube or b1 preamp but if there any suggestions in this area,they are appreciated. I have also looked at pass and tube amps.
Hi,
This seems to be in the wrong forum, there are loads of choices.
See some of the links below and see if anything appeals. I'd go
fairly budget if on your first build and then be more ambitious.
IMO a high value match to a high value (4 ohm capable) gainclone
might be the floorstanding Zaph|Audio - Bargain Aluminum MTM
Not disimilar in size to the Eros, but a lot more bang for buck.
(Note the bass powerhandling will be fine. I don't why such a big deal is made out of it in this design,
many other speakers are just as limited, and its the price you pay for subwoofer like bass extension.)
rgds, sreten.
undefinition
Zaph|Audio
FRD Consortium tools guide
RJB Audio Projects
Speaker Design Works
HTGuide Forum - A Guide to HTguide.com Completed Speaker Designs.
Humble Homemade Hifi
Click below to go to
Quarter Wavelength Loudspeaker Design
The Frugal-Horns Site -- High Performance, Low Cost DIY Horn Designs
Linkwitz Lab - Loudspeaker Design
Music and Design
This seems to be in the wrong forum, there are loads of choices.
See some of the links below and see if anything appeals. I'd go
fairly budget if on your first build and then be more ambitious.
IMO a high value match to a high value (4 ohm capable) gainclone
might be the floorstanding Zaph|Audio - Bargain Aluminum MTM
Not disimilar in size to the Eros, but a lot more bang for buck.
(Note the bass powerhandling will be fine. I don't why such a big deal is made out of it in this design,
many other speakers are just as limited, and its the price you pay for subwoofer like bass extension.)
rgds, sreten.
undefinition
Zaph|Audio
FRD Consortium tools guide
RJB Audio Projects
Speaker Design Works
HTGuide Forum - A Guide to HTguide.com Completed Speaker Designs.
Humble Homemade Hifi
Click below to go to
Quarter Wavelength Loudspeaker Design
The Frugal-Horns Site -- High Performance, Low Cost DIY Horn Designs
Linkwitz Lab - Loudspeaker Design
Music and Design
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Why am I in the wrong forum? I have spoken of things that i have looked at and considered, but as I continue to read my interest widen. I am putting together a system. THis includes speakers, amps, and possibly preamps. I may end up doing two different types of systems. Please give recommendations and reasons for giving them. If you try to redirect me, just explain WHY. If your reasoning makes sense, then i will listen and go another route.
Actually nne of are in a position to make a meaningful recommendation at this point. Your choices of musdic are helpful, but that is still not sufficient.
Why not tell us about the speakers that you have listened to and what were your thoughts.
For instance what did you find the strengths and weaknesses to be when you have listened to:
1) Panel speakers (maggenepans, electrostatics, ribbons )
2) conventional horns - Front loaded (big Klipsch, Altecs, JBLs)
3) Full range (single drivers / back loaded horns)
4) TLs
5) Direct radiators
6) Open baffle
7) etc
I am lumping a number of things together of course. But there are basic differences (strengths and weaknesses) between a horns and panel speakers for instance. We need to figure out what you prioritize in a system. Until we get to that point, any receommendation is at best a wild guess.
They look interesting, but not my taste. I know it should be all about the music,but.....
I have been reading about the alpair drivers and was wandering what differences would result from placing an alpair7 in a frugal horn mk3 vs a maeshowe or callanish.
You're in the right forum, but we're a little unclear if you're in the best section of the forum. The speaker you listed first as the one you were considering is an MTM design, or "multi-way" speaker. In further discussion is sounds like you're not settled on which way you want to go yet, so here is fine.
I bow to Planet's wisdom about the Tang Band kit - I haven't heard it but it seemed like an easy first project.
You can use Lowthers in place of Fostex, but like any driver you have to be careful to match the characteristics of the driver to the enclosure design. As Lowthers are pretty pricey I'm not sure I'd start there, especially if you've never heard true full range systems before. You'll blow more than your budget on just the drivers.
If you want to try a relatively easy project that is low cost and will let you try out the full range magic, you might try this: ZillaAudio.com, Outdoor Speakers | Rock Speakers | Garden Speakers | Patio Speakers | In-Wall Speakers | Ceiling Speakers and more! and go to the Pioneer B20 wide range driver plus Piezo super tweeter.
If you really like it, you can then later replace the Pioneer drivers with something pricer. If possible, see if there are other audio nuts around you that will let you auditon their speakers to get a better idea what direction to go - its difficult to base these decisions on other's opinions you read.
But keep reading anyway.
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I currently listening to a modest system consisting of a Sony CD player, AMC integrated 3050a, and mission bookshelf speakers. I am a father of 4 and to this point i have had to make do. I now have the opportunity to upgrade if I can DIY. I have both a brother and a family friend who are audio nuts, no insults intended. Component wise, I have heard quite a few things including my father's magnepan 1.6's with what i believe are creek amps and preamps, my brother has used various manufacturers from nad to linn, and my friend has owned linn active amps with keliegh's(unsure of the spelling), as wellas others i have forgotten. The best thing I have ever heard was a linn Klimax system at audio advice in Raliegh,NC. Family friend was in there all the time because of different linn equipment trades. Needless to say, the Klimax system was ridiculous. Close your eyes and your at small venue concert listening to whoever. It is something i will never forget. Now i know we are not talking Klimax level stuff here, and i am by no means an expert because i heard this stuff, but i do know what good sounds like. The thing that i liked about the Klimax stuff the most was the amazing soundstage they created. You were in a front row seat, if you know what i mean. I guess it is this component that has lead me to this forum. I have read similar statements about the music that comes from full range speakers. Hope this helps.
Hi everyOne!
Here is my first project(since early 1980) on speakerbuilding. I started with what I thought should be a Fonken(with Fe127) - and ended with the same box - but with CSS fr125SR and the new tweeter. The Reason: I have a good SS Harman HK980 80 Watts. So after following many post - the FR125 was the most logical choise. And compared to my old Infinity Delta 50(with 4 elements) - the soundstage and BASS is enormous. Nearly as good as my friends Martin Logan/DynamicPrecision! At least Musical Honesty that is a real eye-opener. FullRange is perfect. So even with the wrong box - I won`t rebuild it, too much effort. Save the energy to my next project.
So now I can listen to Bill Frisell, Chieftains, Tony Joe White with a staggering bass and a distinct clearness I had an inkling this building project could give me.
Hope my English wasn`t too bad.
Greetings
Ol
Here is my first project(since early 1980) on speakerbuilding. I started with what I thought should be a Fonken(with Fe127) - and ended with the same box - but with CSS fr125SR and the new tweeter. The Reason: I have a good SS Harman HK980 80 Watts. So after following many post - the FR125 was the most logical choise. And compared to my old Infinity Delta 50(with 4 elements) - the soundstage and BASS is enormous. Nearly as good as my friends Martin Logan/DynamicPrecision! At least Musical Honesty that is a real eye-opener. FullRange is perfect. So even with the wrong box - I won`t rebuild it, too much effort. Save the energy to my next project.
So now I can listen to Bill Frisell, Chieftains, Tony Joe White with a staggering bass and a distinct clearness I had an inkling this building project could give me.
Hope my English wasn`t too bad.
Greetings
Ol
Hi again!
Forgot.
I wonder: Could anybody(Dave) or other comment some about the use of FR125SR with ER26 tweeter in the Fonken-cabinet and the use of birch(18mm). Had a listen yesterday evening with a friend who is a musician and he said that it sounded more open and dynamic than our friends MartinLogan. So he will soon be on the way to build a full-range system himself!
But what to suggest to him: A pair of MarkAudio Alpair10 or Seven in a BassReflex cabinett?
Could we have some suggestion - please?
Greetings to all.
Ol
Forgot.
I wonder: Could anybody(Dave) or other comment some about the use of FR125SR with ER26 tweeter in the Fonken-cabinet and the use of birch(18mm). Had a listen yesterday evening with a friend who is a musician and he said that it sounded more open and dynamic than our friends MartinLogan. So he will soon be on the way to build a full-range system himself!
But what to suggest to him: A pair of MarkAudio Alpair10 or Seven in a BassReflex cabinett?
Could we have some suggestion - please?
Greetings to all.
Ol
Haven't heard Callanish, but the other 2 are very good with A7. I'm playing with stuffing on my FH3 and will be putting them back into the system soon.
dave
The ERT26 should go well with the FR125. I think Bob is actually going to offer a kit for exactly this.
A Fonken can certainly be made with 18mm. It will be tuned higher than the "official" miniOnken for FR125. That may be a good thing. It is pretty easy to do a reversible mod to adjust the tuning to "official" and see what happens.
Both these drivers are, IMHO, a step above the FR125 (as one would hope with cost >2x). I have miniOnken for both of them (the A10.2 enclosure may get some tune-up, even thou it works very well in the original A10 miniOnken)
dave
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