Let’s go back to your stated goal. You want a big sound. So forget about all the suggestions for a singe driver full range solution. None of those are going to meet your goal. You have already identified that a 3-way is what you want, so there is no reason to compromise for something much less.
And I think trying to design this whole project around an existing cabinet, while certainly convenient, represents a serious compromise in sound quality right from the beginning. The cabinet should be a consequence of the overall design, not the other way around.
Next you asked about how to make a decent crossover. Don’t even think about designing your own. You’re an audiophile and used to listening at a high sound quality level. You need something designed by people with significant experience to come even close.
There are many kits readily available that could possibly give you what you want. For starters you might want to consider Jeff Bagby’s Kairos, a 2-way, from Meniscus Audio. Also look at Troels Graversen’s, SBA-761, a 2.5-way, from Madisound. They both use excellent SBA Satori drivers. And those are just starter suggestions. There are many other kits available from those two suppliers as well as Parts Express and diysoundgroup.
That leaves the issue of building a cabinet. It’s possible to develop the necessary woodworking skills with an investment of time and money, and you might enjoy doing it as a hobby as well. Otherwise you can probably find a local cabinet maker to build the box for you, although that could be rather expensive. Finally, see if there is local woodworking club and ask them if anyone would like to build it for a fee. We are approached occasional at my club by people who want things built at a reasonable price.
Bottom line: Build a kit designed by a pro rather than trying to become one overnight.
And I think trying to design this whole project around an existing cabinet, while certainly convenient, represents a serious compromise in sound quality right from the beginning. The cabinet should be a consequence of the overall design, not the other way around.
Next you asked about how to make a decent crossover. Don’t even think about designing your own. You’re an audiophile and used to listening at a high sound quality level. You need something designed by people with significant experience to come even close.
There are many kits readily available that could possibly give you what you want. For starters you might want to consider Jeff Bagby’s Kairos, a 2-way, from Meniscus Audio. Also look at Troels Graversen’s, SBA-761, a 2.5-way, from Madisound. They both use excellent SBA Satori drivers. And those are just starter suggestions. There are many other kits available from those two suppliers as well as Parts Express and diysoundgroup.
That leaves the issue of building a cabinet. It’s possible to develop the necessary woodworking skills with an investment of time and money, and you might enjoy doing it as a hobby as well. Otherwise you can probably find a local cabinet maker to build the box for you, although that could be rather expensive. Finally, see if there is local woodworking club and ask them if anyone would like to build it for a fee. We are approached occasional at my club by people who want things built at a reasonable price.
Bottom line: Build a kit designed by a pro rather than trying to become one overnight.
Last edited: