Ive been listening to the same speakers for over 5 years and its getting boring.
I was talking to a person who builds their own speakers, and he suggested that I could buy a DIY kit, with crossover and box already finished. Just need simple tools and assembly. He said it offers a much better value than buying complete from a manufacturer. Is this true? I believe he recommended partsexpress.com... I also found a really cool kit from linkwitz for the LXMini. It struck my curiosity..
Im looking for some small speakers for nearfield "monitoring" for under $1k. Ive been using the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR and they are about as big as I would want to go. I picked them up locally years ago for $30. They are by far the best bang for the buck Ive encountered in speakers.
I want something similar in performance per dollar, but stepped up to the $1k price bracket. You can find many of reviews on the Pioneers stating that they are "giant killers".
I was thinking that maybe going the DIY route, or having someone on this website build me a set of speakers would be a good way to go.
Setup: Small studio apartment with 6 ATS acoustics 4 inch thick panels. Computer with JDS Labs ODAC. Currently using an old crappy Kenwood receiver, but I plan on buying something like a Sonic T Amp for the new speakers. My speakers sit on a computer desk. Sometimes, I make a miniature little fort out of the panels. Ive attached 2 image files to show you my setup. It sounds much better this way than with the panels against the walls. It is definitely overly "dead" sounding and small soundstage, but thats still much better than the overly reflective and awkward room dimensions.
Sound requirements: Neutral and clinical but with a slight tilt of warmth. Reference studio monitor without the scalpel. I want to hear the forest, not the trees. Synergistic details. Musical. Low distortion, no cabinet or port noise, low THD. Slightly laid back yet very accurate and neutral. Soothing, mellow treble. Roll off is OK. Needs spooky midrange timbre accuracy. Bass is not a concern as I live in an apartment and listen at low volumes. I also prefer mellow, soft, bass "light" speakers with no midbass emphasis and ruler flat, deep extension, similar to an Etymotic IEM (but I know thats not gonna happen in a small speaker). Soundstage will also be limited by my setup. So I would like to have a nice holographic, clear image of the instruments. My listening position is always the same. I rarely have company.
People on other forums tell me to look at the LS3/5a, but good ones seem to be out of my price range, and Im hesitant to buy vintage speakers with questionable drivers/crossovers.
In the end, I just want a setup that will knock it out of the park value wise, and I feel it might be possible considering my acoustic treatments and single listening position. The ODAC was a great buy, and I feel the Sonic T amp will be perfect for the situation. I just need some speakers that will keep up with these components.
Any recommendations?
I was talking to a person who builds their own speakers, and he suggested that I could buy a DIY kit, with crossover and box already finished. Just need simple tools and assembly. He said it offers a much better value than buying complete from a manufacturer. Is this true? I believe he recommended partsexpress.com... I also found a really cool kit from linkwitz for the LXMini. It struck my curiosity..
Im looking for some small speakers for nearfield "monitoring" for under $1k. Ive been using the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR and they are about as big as I would want to go. I picked them up locally years ago for $30. They are by far the best bang for the buck Ive encountered in speakers.
I want something similar in performance per dollar, but stepped up to the $1k price bracket. You can find many of reviews on the Pioneers stating that they are "giant killers".
I was thinking that maybe going the DIY route, or having someone on this website build me a set of speakers would be a good way to go.
Setup: Small studio apartment with 6 ATS acoustics 4 inch thick panels. Computer with JDS Labs ODAC. Currently using an old crappy Kenwood receiver, but I plan on buying something like a Sonic T Amp for the new speakers. My speakers sit on a computer desk. Sometimes, I make a miniature little fort out of the panels. Ive attached 2 image files to show you my setup. It sounds much better this way than with the panels against the walls. It is definitely overly "dead" sounding and small soundstage, but thats still much better than the overly reflective and awkward room dimensions.
Sound requirements: Neutral and clinical but with a slight tilt of warmth. Reference studio monitor without the scalpel. I want to hear the forest, not the trees. Synergistic details. Musical. Low distortion, no cabinet or port noise, low THD. Slightly laid back yet very accurate and neutral. Soothing, mellow treble. Roll off is OK. Needs spooky midrange timbre accuracy. Bass is not a concern as I live in an apartment and listen at low volumes. I also prefer mellow, soft, bass "light" speakers with no midbass emphasis and ruler flat, deep extension, similar to an Etymotic IEM (but I know thats not gonna happen in a small speaker). Soundstage will also be limited by my setup. So I would like to have a nice holographic, clear image of the instruments. My listening position is always the same. I rarely have company.
People on other forums tell me to look at the LS3/5a, but good ones seem to be out of my price range, and Im hesitant to buy vintage speakers with questionable drivers/crossovers.
In the end, I just want a setup that will knock it out of the park value wise, and I feel it might be possible considering my acoustic treatments and single listening position. The ODAC was a great buy, and I feel the Sonic T amp will be perfect for the situation. I just need some speakers that will keep up with these components.
Any recommendations?
Attachments
Problem is, description of a speaker sound is highly subjective. If you want something specific you have to listen to several speakers to find what you want.
Having said that, the best bang for the buck usually is an used speaker, and not the DIY route, because an used "commercial" speaker retains its value, and the DIY one not. In the past I bought several used speakers and sold them more or less for the same price. But stay away from ancient speakers if you don't have experience with problem recognition and/or restoration.
So my suggestion is either to go to some DIY fairs and listen, or to buy used commercial speakers after some reading in order to screen down a list. If you consider to buy blind a kit, designs from Jeff Bagby are highly respected, and are also sold as a kit but probably require you to build the enclosures. My preference would be for the Kairos/Adelphos as the drivers used are probably some of the best around, or the Continuum if you like a modern LS3/5A like design (disclaimer: I never heard them and I'm not affiliated in any way with him or with who sell those kits).
Ralf
Having said that, the best bang for the buck usually is an used speaker, and not the DIY route, because an used "commercial" speaker retains its value, and the DIY one not. In the past I bought several used speakers and sold them more or less for the same price. But stay away from ancient speakers if you don't have experience with problem recognition and/or restoration.
So my suggestion is either to go to some DIY fairs and listen, or to buy used commercial speakers after some reading in order to screen down a list. If you consider to buy blind a kit, designs from Jeff Bagby are highly respected, and are also sold as a kit but probably require you to build the enclosures. My preference would be for the Kairos/Adelphos as the drivers used are probably some of the best around, or the Continuum if you like a modern LS3/5A like design (disclaimer: I never heard them and I'm not affiliated in any way with him or with who sell those kits).
Ralf
Deep space nine, good show.
I think the second hand route is a good one, you can eq to suit your tastes with your PC.
That said, given your near field/low volume listening set up a full range driver might be of interest. Super simple too.
I think the second hand route is a good one, you can eq to suit your tastes with your PC.
That said, given your near field/low volume listening set up a full range driver might be of interest. Super simple too.
Really ?
Is it that amp with 15 Wpc and a supply of 12V/3A ?
Probably good for a mobile situation, but I feel your receiver is better.
If you can access to the main input ( that is the input of the power amplifier )
so you can use Pc's line output directly; probably an external volume control is required.
You'll likely get better results from a dedicated headphone system.
You've built a quasi-anechoic chamber, why not remove boundaries, entirely?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
You've built a quasi-anechoic chamber, why not remove boundaries, entirely?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
If you want to consider LS3/5a, here's a link to a complete kit for building them from Falcon Acoustics:
FALCON LS3/5a STYLE MINI-MONITOR S FULL KIT C/W DRIVE UNITS & CROSSOVERS
They come with brand new, matched drivers, designed by the engineer who originally designed the T27 and B110.
FALCON LS3/5a STYLE MINI-MONITOR S FULL KIT C/W DRIVE UNITS & CROSSOVERS
They come with brand new, matched drivers, designed by the engineer who originally designed the T27 and B110.
How loud does it have to play?
From your description of your needs, a good fullrange might suit. I’d suggest Mark Audio Alpair 6.2 or A7.3.
dave
From your description of your needs, a good fullrange might suit. I’d suggest Mark Audio Alpair 6.2 or A7.3.
dave
If you can accept a larger desktop cabinet of ~0.75cuft, you will get the best sound from a $1000 budget.
YOUR Pioneer Speaker volume 0.25-0.3cuft: 12.6H x 7.1W x 8.4D x inches,
Parts Express Cabinet volume 0.75cuft 17H x 10W x 12.5D inches
--------
Dayton Audio TW-0.75MA 0.75 cu. ft. 2-Way Speaker Cabinet Maple $140
Dayton Audio TW-0.75BK 0.75 cu. ft. 2-Way Speaker Cabinet Gloss Black $100
==============Ported 2-way design using "best" midrange======
Parts Express volume 0.75cuft 17H x 10W x 12.5D inches $100
SB_Acoustics Satori MW19P-04 7" midbass covers 40Hz - 1700Hz $178
SB_Acoustics SB29RDC 1.1" dome tweeter $52
Crossover parts $70
6-ohm minimum amplifier load impedance
Total $400 each + misc: stuffing + port pipe + terminals etc....
~
Crossover circuit available if you decide on this 0.75cuft box volume design path.
You will need to measure distances to walls, listening distance, and explain your "sonic signature preference" to get the best final circuit.
YOUR Pioneer Speaker volume 0.25-0.3cuft: 12.6H x 7.1W x 8.4D x inches,
Parts Express Cabinet volume 0.75cuft 17H x 10W x 12.5D inches
--------
Dayton Audio TW-0.75MA 0.75 cu. ft. 2-Way Speaker Cabinet Maple $140
Dayton Audio TW-0.75BK 0.75 cu. ft. 2-Way Speaker Cabinet Gloss Black $100
==============Ported 2-way design using "best" midrange======
Parts Express volume 0.75cuft 17H x 10W x 12.5D inches $100
SB_Acoustics Satori MW19P-04 7" midbass covers 40Hz - 1700Hz $178
SB_Acoustics SB29RDC 1.1" dome tweeter $52
Crossover parts $70
6-ohm minimum amplifier load impedance
Total $400 each + misc: stuffing + port pipe + terminals etc....
~
Crossover circuit available if you decide on this 0.75cuft box volume design path.
You will need to measure distances to walls, listening distance, and explain your "sonic signature preference" to get the best final circuit.
Hi Dave it's Jeff from Michigan. How about the the fostex ff85wk still a sleeper in my book. Jeff.
P.s. I will contact you about my build from the drivers I bought from you sorry not to get off the topic. Jeff
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FF85wk is still one of my favourites… only issue is the lack of bass (althou i have fooled people on many an occasion).
dave
dave
The LX Mini kit from Madisound:
https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/2-way-speaker-kits/lxmini-linkwitz-lab-speaker-kit-pair/
is certainly one of the most intriguing projects around. And it won't look like anybody else's speakers!! BUT, it DOES require TWO power amps per channel, four total; it's bi-amped.
https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/2-way-speaker-kits/lxmini-linkwitz-lab-speaker-kit-pair/
is certainly one of the most intriguing projects around. And it won't look like anybody else's speakers!! BUT, it DOES require TWO power amps per channel, four total; it's bi-amped.
+1. Full kit (both speakers) at meniscusaudio.com for $354 USD. Cabinet plans are included. Note spelling: Continuum
Thanks for all the suggestions! Its overwhelming trying to pick which build to do.
It seems like some of these drivers/kits dont include a pre-made enclosure. Remember guys, I need something I can assemble with basic tools. I dont have any wood working skills or tools...
Out of all these suggested kits, which one provides the best objective measurements overall? Which of these would look best, on paper, considering my low THD% and midrange accuracy goals? Tough question, I know.
It seems like some of these drivers/kits dont include a pre-made enclosure. Remember guys, I need something I can assemble with basic tools. I dont have any wood working skills or tools...
Out of all these suggested kits, which one provides the best objective measurements overall? Which of these would look best, on paper, considering my low THD% and midrange accuracy goals? Tough question, I know.
I own both the Bagby designed Continuum, the Kef LS50, Fostex ff85, the Elam Xt, the speedster, as well as several small seas magnesium excel systems. By far the most pleasant for desktop are the Continuums. The LS50 are close with the ports stuffed. The Continuum is a great design in that its greater than the sum of its parts. It's so seamless in its crossover between drivers it sounds a bit like a coaxial or the good parts of a fullrange.
Note: I drive them with Ncore 400's not t-amps.
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A router or saber saw which can cut speaker holes is required to complete this build, plus normal hand tools for screws, attaching absorption material, etc... A soldering iron or "screw-down connects" are necessary to complete the crossover on a peg board.
====
A wide bandwidth midbass like the new Satori WM19P-04 can provide a point source over 40-1700Hz, which covers the vocal range(80-1100Hz). Important for nearfield listening while composing, or listening to music while seated at a computer. Using a LR4/LR4 crossover at 1600-1700Hz maintains constant power as recommended for studio work, plus the steep slopes attenuate the WM19P high frequency cone resonance and SB29RDC tweeter 650Hz resonance.
Simulations show a F3 ~42Hz for this bass reflex design before room gain is factored in. The low fequency port can be put in the rear. A front mounted port can be quieted with a strip of wool inside around the port pipe.
Independent Satori WM19P-04 Measurements find: "Overall this is a very low distorting mid-woofer"
www.audioexcite.com SB Acoustics “Satori” MW16P-4
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The Continuum DIY Sound Group
Bagby Continuum kits WITH cabs (note the prices are each, not pair).
If it was me I'd probably go for a used pair of KEF LS50 for around $1K. Like someone said before, used commercial stuff holds it's value. The cost savings of DIY is pretty much in making the cabinet. Also, LS50's are awesome little speakers with pretty much the sound you are describing, subjectively. They only show their faults when things get loud. Which judging by your setup they don't.
On the other hand, a lot of enjoyment from speakers comes from volume. I'd probably be happier with a open-back headphone setup in that space and at that volume.
Bagby Continuum kits WITH cabs (note the prices are each, not pair).
If it was me I'd probably go for a used pair of KEF LS50 for around $1K. Like someone said before, used commercial stuff holds it's value. The cost savings of DIY is pretty much in making the cabinet. Also, LS50's are awesome little speakers with pretty much the sound you are describing, subjectively. They only show their faults when things get loud. Which judging by your setup they don't.
On the other hand, a lot of enjoyment from speakers comes from volume. I'd probably be happier with a open-back headphone setup in that space and at that volume.
IMO, with the limited tools available, it might just be worth looking at studio monitors.
The Behringer B2031a might be a bit larger than you want, but they put up a fight next to some Linkwitz Orions. I have the passive version here, and enjoy those very much. Both the active and passive ones measure very flat.
With the active ones, if you want a slightly mellower treble, just turn the treble down with the switches on the back.
Chris
The Behringer B2031a might be a bit larger than you want, but they put up a fight next to some Linkwitz Orions. I have the passive version here, and enjoy those very much. Both the active and passive ones measure very flat.
With the active ones, if you want a slightly mellower treble, just turn the treble down with the switches on the back.
Chris
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