First ever speaker build (Suggestions?)

Jump to Latest
#3
You will also need an amp between your record player and the speakers. You will also need a phono stage, this can be built into the record player, built into an integrated amp/stereo preamp or a separate box. What record player do you have.

However Pro-ject do a record player (Jukebox) that has an amp built in.
 
#5
Crossover design can be as easy or as hard as you want it to be - but the best results can only be achieved the hard way.

First you'd need to read the stickies (So you want to design your speakers from scratch) etc.

Then buy some books. - loudspeaker design cookbook etc

You'll need a calibrated microphone (Omnimic is good) and some way measuring the impedance of the impedance of the drivers (DATS etc). A DATS is also good for measuring the T/S parameters of the woofer for enclosure design.

There's lots of very good, free software out there how, so that saves a few quid.

Crossover calculaters, and ready made crossovers don't work.
 
#7
For a first build i would suggest to take an existing design, a kit or a wel documented design that you can copy. Designing a good loudspeaker is not that easy, and building a first one is already complicated enough to start. Good bookshelf kits are the Overnight Sensation, the C-Note or the Tango MT (found on varous webshops, depending on where you live). And there are also tons of plans on this site and others (not all are good, so reseach them) that you can copy if you don't want a kit.

If you really want to design yourself, prepare to study a lot before you even start, because it's all physics and relative complex to learn. And prepare to fail, because 99% of the first designs by inexperienced people do.
 
#9
Thanks for the feedback I will be hooking these speakers up to this record player
If I find a three way speaker design that I like can I insert these parts I had in Mind or would it have to be the exact same parts that are in the plans?
If not I am thinking I might end up going with a two way design.
also if I make my speaker is there any way to control the volume while I am playing music?
 
#11
I suggest for your first build you build a well documented and/or kit. Then pretend like it is from scratch so you can do all the measurements and design checking your results against the established design.

Yes, those drivers "work", but how well is up to you. I sure would not do a 3-way as a first build.
Have you first read things like the Loudspeaker Cookbook or similar? Do you have a basic understanding of electronics? Do you have access to a woodworking shop? You worry me not even understanding what components make up a stereo system.
 
#12
Perhaps the OP has seen a turntable like his connected directly to active speakers. That is, Djdebo, speakers with built in amplification and volume control.

This is currently a popular and compact way of setting up a vinyl system.

Unfortunately, to diy an active speaker is complicated.
 
#13
Galu said:
Perhaps the OP has seen a turntable like his connected directly to active speakers. That is, Djdebo, speakers with built in amplification and volume control.

This is currently a popular and compact way of setting up a vinyl system.

Unfortunately, to diy an active speaker is complicated.
Click to expand...
Do you think its bad idea to make my own speakers for this vinyl player then?
 
#15
#16
Djdebo32 said:
Do you think its bad idea to make my own speakers for this vinyl player then?
Click to expand...
No, but you need to know what you're doing. And like said your turntable need an phono stage, a preamp and an amp (sometimes combined in an integrated amp) to power the speakers. And from what you say we know that you know little. So start learning about how it works, and if you want to get it fast, buy a ready made integrated amp and build an existing design (so you don't have to worry about the most dificult phase, the designing). That is already a lot for a starter and you will be happier with the result probally.

And most basic knowledge are covered in this book to give you a start to study how loudspeakers are build: https://www.amazon.com/Loudspeaker-Design-Cookbook-Vance-Dickason/dp/1882580478
This site is also a good source of info btw, but often already advanced (basicly most assume that you know what is in that book). For more advanced knowledge there is a lot, but first cover the basics...
 
#18
Djdebo32 said:
Do you think its bad idea to make my own speakers for this vinyl player then?
Click to expand...
Not a bad idea. It will take a little time for you to begin finding the way to make it sound good, with our help.

Your record player is a special type that has a built in pre-amp, making it easier for you to connect it straight to a regular amplifier.

Let's start with the speakers. Where do you plan to put them. This place affects how they will perform...
We should see if they are loud enough to work with each other.
We should work out the size your woofer wants behind it.
Your choice of 8" and 6.5" is a little unusual, we should look at this decision.
 
#19
Djdebo32, that Dayton Audio 6" PK165-8 is a terrible choice of midrange. The other two might be useful.

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-PK165-8-6-Professional-Kevlar-Paper-Cone-Midra-295-020

Entirely unsuitable for an 8" three way. Horrible breakup at 4.3kHz which will take you into a world of hurt and complexity.

I assume you live in the US. Curt Campbell's Finalists look promising:

http://speakerdesignworks.com/Finalists_1.html

We Europeans and Troels Gravesen would be looking at a nimble SEAS 4" midrange as the heart of a three way. No nasty breakups:

http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/3WClassic.htm

Given that you seem fairly naive about these things, follow an established design for a good result. There's a lot to learn, and life is short. 😀
 

Attachments

  • Dayton PK165-8 FR and Z.jpg
    Dayton PK165-8 FR and Z.jpg
    141.5 KB · Views: 51
#20
Thank y'all so much for the advice and feedback I am starting to realize I may have bit off a bit more than I can chew but I have some knowledge on basic electronic circuits and the woodwork I'm not worried about whether I do it by hand or with a CNC.
I am thinking since all of this is new to me I am going to follow a two way design I find on the internet Do you guys think that will be a good project to start with?
Will i be able to connect them with an amplifier to my record player?
If I do find a two way design I like how do I find the right Parts on parts express?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom