An Exercise In Insanity (diy DML, Poweramp, Preamp & Linkwitz XOver) [Build Log]

Status
This old topic is closed. If you want to reopen this topic, contact a moderator using the "Report Post" button.
Greetings,

A few months ago I had something dreadful happen in my life and it has caused a steep decline into unhealthy obsession. What occured was this video, showing up in my recommended feed. Oh boy, the spiral.
Then he goes ahead and releases another video and things only get worse.

So naturally... I decide to start building my own DML Speakers, which the first iteration looked a little like this:
HhlP0B0.jpg

oJKwNpD.jpg


But that wasn't good enough, they were rediculously large and the build quality was really only to a prototype/proof of concept level. I needed something better. Not only that, I hated the design of the passive crossover network, it was as if as soon as I introduced it the life was sucked from the panels and it's spine tingling sound dissapeared.
Alas, I chose to keep the network for the time being, add a tweeter section, and carry forward with the reconstruction.

As it stands, the full project is yet to be completed, though I'm not far off I don't think.
DML Speakers: Fully operational, just a couple items left until completion
6 Channel Amplifier: Linear Supply prototype tested and amp boards assembled.
Linkwitz Reily 24db/oct 3 way stereo crossover: Constructed, needs rewiring and testing.
Preamp: CNC phono preamp & Mussify 15-0-15 supply pre-existing, k5169 Preamp Kit needs assembly, and Case needs building too. So just the pieces :/

Alrighty, picture time:

DML Construction
Drivers are da175-8, DAEX32EP-4, and PTMini-6.
Turns out these look like big IPhones, oh well, Steve Jobs would be proud.
ZIEdYDc.jpg

Passive Crossover v1
asU1vH7.jpg

Passive Crossover v2
SrFbve3.jpg

vCCgexJ.jpg

muctCKd.jpg

tLLWfxg.jpg

LFxbHW5.jpg

WS3GvhD.jpg

V4abtpa.jpg

NiQCKGR.jpg

NsbTdvx.jpg

alh2n7T.jpg

HIAKFr5.jpg

eKKj0Iv.jpg

5gVYSen.jpg

M2mL3KT.jpg

Current Evolution:
XlNczU3.jpg


Active Crossover:
Used VituixCAD to model the passive network, as well as the crossover points for this board. Sellers on Aliexpress provide these with custom ranges, they change the cap and r values around to meet the need. Construction quality seems high, but what would I know (shrug?).
JpDJQ5v.jpg

NMuIpdY.jpg

96JCZT5.jpg

Trhh1aV.jpg

Knhb4hT.jpg

eyiB59u.jpg

9sCA6iq.jpg


Preamp:
Just Image these two doods together inside a case that looks like the crossovers :p
rU4Fw7J.jpg

wK9rXHU.jpg


Power Amp:
Same deal with the preamp, just imagine them in a simlar case as the crossover :p
rxYdy6u.jpg

9xM7f3n.jpg

I4G6xo6.jpg


I have no experience building speakers or hi fi gear, but I've always been the type to void warranties out of morbid curiousity. So it seems I know enough about electronics to be dangerous, hence I invite discussion, recommendation and critique. Hopefully I can find new ways to improve upon the design.
I haven't taken many photos or made great descriptions so if you've got questions, I'll answer em.

I'll keep updating with progress.
 
Last edited:
Founder of XSA-Labs
Joined 2012
Paid Member
Great project!

Note: Not for analog audio signals with significant current:
Toroidal-Core-Inductor.jpg


For your passive crossover components, be careful not to use toroidal power supply filter chokes as they distort heavily when playing low frequency (relative to 400kHz switching frequency of Class D amps and SMPS) that they saturate easily and distort. I have tried the same thing because I did not have a 0.40mH air coil on hand and heard how bad it can sound. When you get a chance, replace those with a proper air core or even iron core but long plates not a toroid ferrite.

Love the custom wood work!

Trhh1aV.jpg


Keep up the great work and the curiosity. :cheers:
 
Last edited:
Great project!

Note: Not for analog audio signals with significant current: ...

Thanks for the advice. I just had these caps arrive so I suppose I'll grab air-coils too.

I'm very excited to see how the power amp turns out, I'm pretty happy with this aesthetic.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20200206_225758.jpg
    IMG_20200206_225758.jpg
    726.8 KB · Views: 92
  • Screenshot_20200206-230521.jpg
    Screenshot_20200206-230521.jpg
    89.7 KB · Views: 90
Status
This old topic is closed. If you want to reopen this topic, contact a moderator using the "Report Post" button.