First Time Poster: Need a DIY Project

[Mr Malty]

Hi All,

First Post!

I have a dated system that I adore (before kids of course)
Revel Studio
Jeff Rowland Model 10 Amp
Transparent Musicwave Super
Sony SACD 777ES
EAD 8000 Pre-amp
unused: B&K 200.5, Velodyne DD12 with EQ and Mic

What I love is the rich vocals and deep/wide soundstage. What I would change is to improve off-axis listening. The sweet spot is ultra sweet but if you are not sitting in the perfect spot you feel like you are missing something...at least I do.

That being said, I am older and wiser with my money. I fully believe that DIY can beat what I spent a fortune for.

I would like to build a L/R speaker that can keep up with my current setup for 4-5k or less. Is that possible? I have been thinking that building a monitor where I can incorporate the DD12 might be doable. Towers would be okay too.

I have access to crossover engineers and top notch carpenters for builds that exceed my comfort level. So don't hold back on build recommendations.

What build would you make if you were in my shoes?

Thank you!

 

[Inductor]

Just to give one or two ideas open to critic I would suggest CYCLOP by Troels (look at his site), or others it depends what you're looking for.
CYCLOP
Visaton Monitor 890 MK III
Pi Speaker Systems
A good DIY inspiration

 

[picowallspeaker]

I would just abandon the concept of the box with holes for the speakers.
If you really like 'em, go for noble materials such as carbon fiber or aluminum.
But the basic principle is that a speaker's got to be freestanding
You've already got some nice drivers, it's time you pick your screwdriver ( beware of the nearby membrane ! ) and do some Xperiments

 

[Mr Malty]

Thanks you two! I will start reading up. The dipole/orion type speakers do seem very interesting but not sure about WAF. Anyway, off to read up.

Thanks!

 

[Inductor]

Mr Malty, read here to what posters say about speakers and HT.
This might help in defining some of the problems or priorities in/with designing choosing a DIY big or medium (WAF) system.
Wilson Sophia vs WP6 vs Revel Studio
Wilson Audio WATT Puppy v6.0
Wilson Audio Specialties WATT/Puppy 7 loudspeaker | Stereophile.com
Wilson Audio Specialties WATT/Puppy System 8 loudspeaker | Stereophile.com

Look at more kits here
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[Jay1111]

This

Kairos (Pair)

Build a stand for it featuring a pair of high end woofers with a plate amp

 

[fatmarley]

This

Kairos (Pair)

Build a stand for it featuring a pair of high end woofers with a plate amp

From what i've read, you can't go wrong with a Jeff Bagby design.

 

[Mr Malty]

Kairos seems like a strong contendor. Thanks! I imagine those with a burl maple veneer.

 

[woodsart]

Mr. Malty, did you make your decision?

I have been looking as well and decided on the Kairos, will begin the build the end of the month. Parts on their way.

Mark is a great guy to deal with.

Thanks.

 

[Mr Malty]

Hi- I am in the middle of a home move, so I took the extra time to explore alternatives. I was looking carefully at the Nada 2-way kit but the price is 3x the price of the meniscus kit. Now I am back where I began... The meniscus kit with the upgraded crossover bits. I am 90% sure I will go this way. I won't close until the end of this month. That is when I get my tools back and plan to get to work. Please keep me posted on your results. I am excited for you. Did you go with standard crossover?

 

[kevinh]

Well if you don't mind doing some assembly this is what I would buy for <4k.

Loudspeakers

A pair of Abbey's

 

[woodsart]

Malty, Upgraded the caps, that's all.

There is also a straight baffle kit that will be available called the Adelphos.

Thanks!

 

[tf1216]

Mr Malty, whereabouts are you located?