DIY fullrange speaker for beginner with zero woodworking experience

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limyang

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Joined 2012
#1
Hi all,

I am looking to build a simple bookshelf speaker utilising a fullrange driver. I have actually snooped around the forums a little and read these threads:

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/cons...easiest-cabinet-design-full-range-driver.html
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/full-range/160836-diy-full-range-bookshelf-beginner.html

One particular design (the mMar-Kel70) looked like something I would aim for. But as mentioned in the thread title, I have zero woodworking experience, and judging from the technical drawings (http://www.frugal-phile.com/boxlib/P10free/mMar-Kel70-1v0-map-231009.pdf), I think they are way beyond me for now. For starters, I was wondering if a simple sealed or bass reflex enclosure would be more suitable for me (basically just four walls, without any fancy angles or boards inside).

So my specific questions are as follows:

1. I have not found any pre-existing designs for simple fullrange enclosures (the closest is probably the DelSol - DelSol - Aura NS3-194-8E - Inexpensive DIY Fullrange Bookshelf Speaker). As such I assume I have to design one myself? If so, what should I look out for when designing the enclosure? (e.g. dimensions, volume, placement of driver [dead centre or above centre?], placement of vent/port) The dimensions of the mMar-Kel70 are quite ideal. Is it possible that I completely port over the external dimensions and driver placement of the mMar-Kel70, but omit the internal boards? Sorry if this sounds naive - I am completely new to this hobby.

2. Are there any drivers particularly suitable for simple sealed/bass reflex enclosures? It'd be even better if the driver could scale up into more complex enclosure designs when my skills improve.

My intended usage for these speakers: desktop setup (for use with the PC), listening in nearfield setting. I am most likely going to use a t-amp for them. I am setting them up in my bedroom, so space is going to be limited. I listen mostly to classical music, and some electronic music (trance, ambient). No need to worry too much about my music preferences, as I have headphones that I use for analytical listening. These speakers are for me to sit back, relax and enjoy the music.
 
#3
limyang said:
One particular design (the mMar-Kel70) looked like something I would aim for. But as mentioned in the thread title, I have zero woodworking experience, and judging from the technical drawings (http://www.frugal-phile.com/boxlib/P10free/mMar-Kel70-1v0-map-231009.pdf), I think they are way beyond me for now. For starters, I was wondering if a simple sealed or bass reflex enclosure would be more suitable for me (basically just four walls, without any fancy angles or boards inside).
Click to expand...

If you build them as designed, you will not be disappointed. They are an excellent desktop speaker. Is there any chance someone could cut the box material for you?

jeff
 
#4
limyang said:
One particular design (the mMar-Kel70) looked like something I would aim for. But as mentioned in the thread title, I have zero woodworking experience, and judging from the technical drawings, I think they are way beyond me for now. For starters, I was wondering if a simple sealed or bass reflex enclosure would be more suitable for me (basically just four walls, without any fancy angles or boards inside).
Click to expand...

Then, that i have 2 pair of flat-paks for these on sale, may make this design within reach. I also have a set of cherry veneered demos that will be going into the http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/planet-10-hifi/199201-just-too-much-stuff-almost-giving-away.html thread.

I also have nearly the entire North American supply of EL70.

Shipping could be a bitch thou.

dave
 
#5
bobfig said:
why not some overnight sensations? they have flat packs where all the wood is already cut and all you need to do is glue it together. they have instructions and even a youtube walk threw.

Overnight Sensation Speaker kit (Single) - Speaker Kits DIY Sound Group x2

or when these are in stock
Overnight Sensations MT Speaker Pair Kit 300-706
Click to expand...

Hi there L: The overnight sensations are a quality product throughout; drivers, birch plywood, CNC machine fabrication, quality jointery. You would pay at least $50 for a sheet of baltic birch ply wood and most people would spend inordinate time trying to obtain the results ( if possible at all) of CNC jointery. Most people here on DIYAUDIO believe birch ply wood is the finist material for speaker enclosures, there are numerous references here.
....go nfor it, enjoy assembly, wood finishing, and the music thereafter, hopefully you will post your comments and listining experiences. Also, you can learn a lot from this project, by down loading a box program and input the t/s parameters from catalog data (try parts express) for the drivers provided in the kit. ...regards, Michael
 
#6
Overnight Sensation
Click to expand...

The inquiry was for a single driver solution, not a multiway.

2 VI diyFESTs ago, a direct shootout between Overnite Sensation and mMar-Kel70 left the former eating the latter's dust... evidenced by people cleaning Bob out of the EL70 he had brought with them -- people not only commenting but voting with their $$$

Granted the flat-paks for the OS are easier to assemble than mine (ours have butt joints with no dadom baffles are CNCed), one of the reasons we are revising ours and selling the remainders cheap.

dave
 
#9
Cal Weldon said:
Looks like a Singapore flag.
Click to expand...

Yes I am indeed based in Singapore. I very seriously considered the Overnight Sensations, since many people have labelled it extremely newbie friendly. The OS is $119 on parts express but the shipping they slap on them is $91 (!!!). I doubt diy sound group ships out of US.

So I pretty much figured, it may be more cost effective if I could just get FR drivers online, ship them in at a not-so-astronomical price, and get the enclosure done myself.

planet10 said:
Then, that i have 2 pair of flat-paks for these on sale, may make this design within reach. I also have a set of cherry veneered demos that will be going into the http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/planet-10-hifi/199201-just-too-much-stuff-almost-giving-away.html thread.

I also have nearly the entire North American supply of EL70.

Shipping could be a bitch thou.

dave
Click to expand...

How much are your flat-paks going for? Shipping could indeed be a bitch, but I won't rule this option out...

Which brings me back to my point - as a starter, are simple sealed/bass reflex cabs viable?
 
#10
MarkAudio MarkAudio MarkAudio MarkAudio MarkAudio MarkAudio MarkAudio
(I like my Mark Audio speakers. A LOT!)

Mark Audio makes very nice full-range drivers. There are several simple builds for them too. I've heard great things about the EL-70's Dave mentioned. I've built a handful of single driver, full range speakers and my Mark Audio are, by far, the best sounding to me.
You could start with a simple build and go more complex as your experience allows you.
There are a number of dealers world-wide. Dealers | Markaudio
Did I metion I really like the Mark Audio drivers?
Mike
 
#12
I recently put together a Mar-Kel70 - they do sound good. Highs are adequate for my ears, mid-range is neutral, and the EL-70 produces very impressive bass for a modest 4" full range driver, that too in a relatively compact cabinet.
 
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