Hey everyone, I am just a guy who has loved listening to music since a kid. I have a goal of assembling a system from component parts from a tried and proven design used by the community here which may sound as good as something several times it's price that I wouldn't be able to afford otherwise, whilst also be proud of building it and enjoy the process of doing so. Who knows, maybe it will turn out a hobby? I have dabbled into this idea a bit and even gotten intimidated because I can only describe myself as a guy who is a complete beginner but wants to DIY something that would rival a flagship system in a renowned Hifi gear maker's showroom. Anyone who has been there done that or wants to point me where to begin?
It's a 10 ft x12 ft x10 ft room, basically a bedroom. But I want to be able to use it in the living room which is thrice the size for parties.
A party system is rather different from a small room system. A different pair of speakers in each room may work out,
sharing the rest of the system from the smaller room. You wouldn't want to schlep around all that equipment anyway.
CDs, digital files, LPs, tapes?
sharing the rest of the system from the smaller room. You wouldn't want to schlep around all that equipment anyway.
CDs, digital files, LPs, tapes?
Welcome,
do you have thought about what kind of gear you want to build? A Dac, a preamp, an amplifier, etc? I recommend you start with a complete kit to get a positive result quickly and build up some skills and knowledge. A good starting point can be one of these fine headphone amplifiers from diy store. These ACA amps from Nelson Pass might also a great starting point.
Have fun,
Michael
do you have thought about what kind of gear you want to build? A Dac, a preamp, an amplifier, etc? I recommend you start with a complete kit to get a positive result quickly and build up some skills and knowledge. A good starting point can be one of these fine headphone amplifiers from diy store. These ACA amps from Nelson Pass might also a great starting point.
Have fun,
Michael
Yeah that might be better. Just wanted to give the idea that power to spare is one of the necessities. I mostly listen to digital files now, FLAC/mp3 or streaming music played from my pc or phone. Maybe I will upgrade to LP someday.
Thank you.
I want to start with an amplifier and speakers because adding too much equipment that is good quality will be hard on the budget. It should get me started right?
First decide on some small speakers for the small room, and some type of high efficiency, loud volume speakers for the big room.
Then decide on an amplifier that would work with both of those.
Yes, that will get you started. Building a speaker is completely different than building an amplifier. Speakers require a lot of woodworking and almost no soldering skills. Just a few parts for the crossover for a passive speaker design.
Amplifier requires more soldering and testing.
Please keep in mind the best Amp / speaker design are only as good as the source is. You need a good Dac or analog source to make it sing 🙂
Regards,
Michael
Remember that you will not be able to play both pairs of speakers at the same time, because they
will be very different in efficiency, and one pair will play much more loudly than the other pair.
will be very different in efficiency, and one pair will play much more loudly than the other pair.
Bose 901 series. No power limit! Direct reflecting design. Farly efficient Small size, ceiling mountable. Incredible sound. But requires a supplied equalizer and precise placement. I've heard them many times in different listenimg environments, and the effect is fantastic!
But everyone wants to be an authority! So there are minor criticisms of this speaker system that get blown way out of proportion, are mostly theoreticsl, lack practical foundation, and are largely motivated by economic concerns.
For small speakers nothing even comes close. The 901s are no longer manufactured, but they were in production for at least 30 years! So there exists a glut of them on eBay. Many are in need of repair. But most every metro area in the USA has at least one shop that can do the job right for a reasonable cost..
But everyone wants to be an authority! So there are minor criticisms of this speaker system that get blown way out of proportion, are mostly theoreticsl, lack practical foundation, and are largely motivated by economic concerns.
For small speakers nothing even comes close. The 901s are no longer manufactured, but they were in production for at least 30 years! So there exists a glut of them on eBay. Many are in need of repair. But most every metro area in the USA has at least one shop that can do the job right for a reasonable cost..
"I can only describe myself as a guy who is a complete beginner
but wants to DIY something that would rival a flagship system in a renowned Hifi gear maker's showroom.
a tried and proven design which may sound as good as something several times it's price that I wouldn't be able to afford otherwise
It's a 10 ft x12 ft x10 ft room, basically a bedroom
adding too much equipment that is good quality will be hard on the budget."
Not contradicting requirements or too ambitious ?
This is what I use for my bedroom / computer desk.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/mini-dcaav-with-dayton-nd91.249372/post-3782570
I use LM1876 in bridged mode as amp.
Power supply is Lenovo laptop 19V SMPS.
Source is Pono Player with balanced output.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/325020483420?hash=item4bacbaff5c:g:5~MAAOSwryth8w4Z
Sounds great to me in near field. But no flagship system.
Will fit your budget though.
Cheers,
Patrick
but wants to DIY something that would rival a flagship system in a renowned Hifi gear maker's showroom.
a tried and proven design which may sound as good as something several times it's price that I wouldn't be able to afford otherwise
It's a 10 ft x12 ft x10 ft room, basically a bedroom
adding too much equipment that is good quality will be hard on the budget."
Not contradicting requirements or too ambitious ?
This is what I use for my bedroom / computer desk.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/mini-dcaav-with-dayton-nd91.249372/post-3782570
I use LM1876 in bridged mode as amp.
Power supply is Lenovo laptop 19V SMPS.
Source is Pono Player with balanced output.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/325020483420?hash=item4bacbaff5c:g:5~MAAOSwryth8w4Z
Sounds great to me in near field. But no flagship system.
Will fit your budget though.
Cheers,
Patrick