Hey everyone,
I'm interested in doing my first speaker build, and I'd like it to be a kit for use on my desk. I'm somewhat space limited, so I'm considering options in the Overnight Sensation size range - IE 6x9x8 and 4.5L ish for volume. Options I've identified so far:
The Sopranos look great, but I'm not sure it's wise to spend that much money on my first foray. I've looked at the parts-express C note, and I think they're just a little too large. So that brings it down the the OS and S2000 (unless I'm missing other options, which I'm all ears for). Anyone have opinions on one vs the other? I'd like to keep it around the $200 mark.
Thanks in advance.
-Adrian
I'm interested in doing my first speaker build, and I'd like it to be a kit for use on my desk. I'm somewhat space limited, so I'm considering options in the Overnight Sensation size range - IE 6x9x8 and 4.5L ish for volume. Options I've identified so far:
- Overnight Sensations
- Carmody S2000
- Bagby Sopranos
The Sopranos look great, but I'm not sure it's wise to spend that much money on my first foray. I've looked at the parts-express C note, and I think they're just a little too large. So that brings it down the the OS and S2000 (unless I'm missing other options, which I'm all ears for). Anyone have opinions on one vs the other? I'd like to keep it around the $200 mark.
Thanks in advance.
-Adrian
Last edited:
Scott Sehlin's "Rhodiums" should be considered, as well as Jhollander's micro 2way with the Tectonic Elements 3" flat BMR. Both were stunningly good sounding.
Wolf
Wolf
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm having trouble finding the jhollander design. Any pointers in where to look? Also, if it makes a difference, I live about 5 miles from Meniscus, so I could very easily get anything they have.
I think Wolf is referring to jhollander's "BMR-3L" the details for which are at PE's speaker project gallery. I actually have all the parts to build both except the woofers for the Rhodium which seem to be unavailable except for backorder and will hopefully come back into stock once supply chains normalize. Both of those designs have BOM's and cabinet plans but do not have kits that will come with enclosures but I would bet they are each worthwhile making your own enclosures for. Incidentally, the Rhodium woofer is available through Madisound but only through the SB Micro kit they are selling that comes with enclosures and though I've not heard them I have heard good things about them too.
For a nearfield system there is great advatage to a single driver fullrange system, as the listening position greatly increases issue swith the tweeter and woofer not being in the same place.
I have herd Overnite Sensation. At a diyFEST. Closely followed by some EL70 FRs. Bob sold quite a few EL70 over the following half-hour.
dave
I have herd Overnite Sensation. At a diyFEST. Closely followed by some EL70 FRs. Bob sold quite a few EL70 over the following half-hour.
dave
I have a pair of Passive Aggressives on my desk. I love 'em and would definitely recommend them.
Passive Aggressive Mini Speaker Kit Pair
Passive Aggressive Mini Speaker Kit Pair
Found the BMR-3L design. Thanks. I have a woodshop in my garage, so making the cabinets isn't major concern for me. I was mainly looking at kits to make sure I had what I needed and figured somebody would be able the help if I get stuck. Crossover and their assembly (and reading the schematics) is new for me, so that'll be the challenging part. The rhodiums look great, but it appears the woofers are out of stock. I honestly don't think I'll be disapponted in any of the choices, they will all be an upgrade over my cheap 2.1 computer system I have now. Decisions decisions....
My Synchaetas would be another desktop option, based on the Minimus7 from Radio Shack. Higher sensitivity of 86dB, and vocals are very good. You may want a subwoofer with them, but close to a wall they really do fine without.
Later,
Wolf
Later,
Wolf
I have a black & a white pair of those. White set hooked up to a PTP ML1875 chip amp for outside use.
What kind of volume can you live with?
What kind of bottom?
This is a popular size for DT use.
dave
The Soprano is a very good and underrated speaker. Maybe too large and expensive for your needs but a good cheaper and smaller option is the SB Acoustics Micro using the SB12PAC driver. I've used it in several projects and Troels has some favourable comments on it in his TV speaker project.
Micro - Sbacoustics
myTV
I use a small FR on my desktop for a computer speaker and works very well and is satisfying but I wouldn't use it elsewhere.
You could always go for an active commercial speaker such as the Yamaha HS5 or similar but much more expensive route but does have speaker and amplifier.
Micro - Sbacoustics
myTV
I use a small FR on my desktop for a computer speaker and works very well and is satisfying but I wouldn't use it elsewhere.
You could always go for an active commercial speaker such as the Yamaha HS5 or similar but much more expensive route but does have speaker and amplifier.
The proven sound quality of the Sopranos justifies their modest cost, especially when you factor in the cost of a good cabinet and your time.
The 0.75" cabinet measures 6.5” wide by 10.5” tall by 8” deep. For nearfield desk use, I would raise the woofer location to touch the tweeter to minimize the C-to-C distance and best mimic a point source. The 0.75" thick baffle will support the thin tweeter faceplate. To save cost you can use a Schedule 40 PVC pipe 1.25" diameter 4.2" long for -F3 ~50Hz. If your desk is against the wall, you can locate the port on the outside panels instead of in the rear or front. The Soprano is an open design, so you can shop for modest cost crossover parts.
The 0.75" cabinet measures 6.5” wide by 10.5” tall by 8” deep. For nearfield desk use, I would raise the woofer location to touch the tweeter to minimize the C-to-C distance and best mimic a point source. The 0.75" thick baffle will support the thin tweeter faceplate. To save cost you can use a Schedule 40 PVC pipe 1.25" diameter 4.2" long for -F3 ~50Hz. If your desk is against the wall, you can locate the port on the outside panels instead of in the rear or front. The Soprano is an open design, so you can shop for modest cost crossover parts.