Going rate for plans...compared to the dear LX mini

H

HomeMadeSin

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Joined 2021
I may get flamed for my first post being on this topic, but let me state up front that I absolutely have no issues with paying for intellectual property. As a related example, I just sent off for a custom t-shirt today (personal use) and paid royalties ($10 each) for a couple of clip art items that fit the bill. And yes, to me $10/single use seems high for clip art....

I’m keen on trying the LX Mini +2 project but have hesitated on the $160 plans. I realize I’ll come across as a cheapskate, so help me. Is this high, cheap or middle-of-the-road?!?

Thanks,
Z

I’m 51, and no I’m not yelling at clouds or to get off my lawn. 🙂
 
Have not tried it, but the plans add roughly 20% to the cost of the kit, and are required for success,
so that seems within reason. Bear in mind that Linkwitz is gone, and his family is carrying on with his
creations, which supports them. They receive no income from the Madisound hardware sales. However,
it's always best to hear a speaker first, before buying it. Maybe someone in your area could preview one.
That said, $160 is a small amount for expert speaker design IP that is well received by many.
 
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That is in the ball park for ONE hour of professional engineering consulting time.
So the answer is the cost is more than reasonable
 
I agree that it’s not typical for a diy project to have a fee attached, but in this case I can assure it’s worth every penny. :yes:

LXmini is an extremely well designed speaker and unlike anything you’ve heard, you will absolutely love it.
 
Thanks for the replies, sincerely. Again, I appreciate the value of IP (I design also - mechanical not electrical). And honestly, I think it’s just a mental block; had the +2 plans been $105, I would’ve purchased them now and started the planning process. But what started at $105 (LX Mini) and added another $55 (+2) got me thinking: what’s the next entrance fee?. Another $40 for the Pass / Linkwitz analog crossover? Not suggesting it...

The point that may get lost in the emotion from the Linkwitz converted, is there is ALWAYS a practical limit. What if the plans were $260? $360? Hence my question about how it compares to others if applicable.

Sincerely,
Z
 
I'm not sure why anyone would need the "plans" to this design.

It's a Pluto base + what is essentially a no-baffle mount with some stuffing in the rear.

ex. using different drivers:

LXC - cdenneler

Note that both the Pluto and the LX Mini really need subwoofers (..and the midbass should have a high-pass filter on the low end).
 
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More than once I was on the fence of building the LXmini but then rather going DIY. I still might at one point.

Loudspeakers and audio is subjective of course and there is a little chance you might not like the LXmini.
But from a scientific and technical standpoint only I believe this must be one the best engineered loudspeaker in existance.
So yes, I think it is worth every penny; especially considering there are loudspeakers costing 10s of thousands which are nowhere near as thoroughly engineered.

If you wanna save some get the LXmini plans and do the "+2" yourself. (this is eventually easy todo if you have a microphone and build one of his dipole subs to go with it)

If you want it real cheap build a clone like
LXC - cdenneler
Probably not so bad but considering the thought, science and passion SL put into loudspeakers i don´t think it can be anywhere near the real thing.
 
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lx521 is far better in every regard.
my biggest gripe with the lxmini is the somewhat beamy and harsh high end, it needs tweeters, not overly expensive subwoofers.
 
Short answer: it's worth what you're willing to pay for it. The question you really need to answer for yourself is, do you think Siegfried Linkwitz's time and expertise is [sadly, now was] worth you paying for? If the answer is 'yes' then you have answered your own question, the price is what is, and in terms of a famous engineer of his standing it does not seem unreasonable. If you don't think it is worth you paying for, then you have also answered your own question.
 
multitask said:
lx521 is far better in every regard.
my biggest gripe with the lxmini is the somewhat beamy and harsh high end, it needs tweeters, not overly expensive subwoofers.
Click to expand...
Depending on SPL requirements and low-frequency-extension-needs the LXmini definitely benefits from subwoofers in a big way.

That the LX521 is better in some ways (and probabyl worse/different in others), I can imagine, also that you prefer tweeters to fullrange but that is your opinion and not the question here.
 
ScottG said:
I'm not sure why anyone would need the "plans" to this design.
Click to expand...

Because you can't replicate the performance without a certain amount of knowledge and measuring tools. You are paying for the knowledge it will work if built to plan. Many on here have the skills. Many more don't...
 
multitask said:
lx521 is far better in every regard.
my biggest gripe with the lxmini is the somewhat beamy and harsh high end, it needs tweeters, not overly expensive subwoofers.
Click to expand...

Side note: As a noob and without hearing them as of yet, I am concerned about both extremes. I’ve tried to test my hearing with a quick and easy tone generator via my K-horns (no longer with me), Wharfie W90D’s, Dynaco A-25’s and even my lowly Klipsch Pro Media computer speakers and 14kHz is apparently my limit. Anything above that wouldn’t matter. But that full range speaker on its own accord drops off like a rock.

Back to the topic, I think I’ll wait to hear these Spiritual Speakers before moving forward and try my hand at another, more basic DIY set first (perhaps the A26 🙂).

Thanks,
Z
 
Note I would not agree the LX521 is better in every regard. For example in my small listening room the minis would be a much better choice which is after all why they were designed!
 
One thing I would mention is that the plans are not just "cut out some MDF like this and attach the pieces to some plumbing supplies like this" but also buy SL's expertise in crossover design and miniDSP programming. You also get access to the LXMini community online, which has proved valuable to many of us. There are also different woofer options that you can explore via the online group, with the potential to save you much more than the $160 while still offering stellar performance.
 
>..."and 14kHz is apparently my limit".

I'd die for 14kHz again. Wait; that's what'll probably happen. I'll die, go to Heaven, come back and have 14kHz or even better again.

Especially if I come back as a dog. Which may be more than likely... ;')
 
The LXmini+2 is a rather expensive setup all around. I personally would go for the LXmini+ configuration (the "+" part of the plans are free over at oplug-support.org, and the specified drivers are very reasonably priced).
 
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joensd said:
If you want it real cheap build a clone like
LXC - cdenneler
Probably not so bad but considering the thought, science and passion SL put into loudspeakers i don´t think it can be anywhere near the real thing.
Click to expand...

..wrong.

1. It's built as well as the lx mini.

2. arguably the drivers are better (objectivly).

Having heard both the *Pluto and the LXmini, I prefer the Pluto - though I think it could easily be improved upon. In fact, with subwoofers the Pluto sounds better IMO than the LX 521 from about 300 Hz to 3 kHz.

*I've also heard a miniDSP clone (exactly the same drivers and construction) which was slightly better.
 
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