Hello everyone,
I've come here because would like to build a decent set of loudspeakers and want to dive right in and have a serious attempt at doing so.
I have a pretty basic knowledge of audio recording and reproduction, and have had a bash at audio electronics in the past. A few years back I built a number of op-amp based on-board bass guitar pre-amps and a couple of attempts at a distortion pedal - but that was less of a success down to my poor design. My soldering/circuit building skills are ok though.
I work in and have access to a fully equipped Pattern Making workshop including a 3-axis CNC mill, a 6'x10' CNC router, CAD and CAM software, and everything else I could need to build some very high quality cabinets. So as far as the actual construction goes, I should have no problem with even the more complex builds.
I have a fair idea of the type of thing I am after making.
When it comes to the science of it all however, I don't even know where to start...
I hope I can find the help and information I need here to get me on my way to building some awesome sounding speakers.
Karl
I've come here because would like to build a decent set of loudspeakers and want to dive right in and have a serious attempt at doing so.
I have a pretty basic knowledge of audio recording and reproduction, and have had a bash at audio electronics in the past. A few years back I built a number of op-amp based on-board bass guitar pre-amps and a couple of attempts at a distortion pedal - but that was less of a success down to my poor design. My soldering/circuit building skills are ok though.
I work in and have access to a fully equipped Pattern Making workshop including a 3-axis CNC mill, a 6'x10' CNC router, CAD and CAM software, and everything else I could need to build some very high quality cabinets. So as far as the actual construction goes, I should have no problem with even the more complex builds.
I have a fair idea of the type of thing I am after making.
When it comes to the science of it all however, I don't even know where to start...
I hope I can find the help and information I need here to get me on my way to building some awesome sounding speakers.
Karl
Karl,
I am in envy for that CNC rig... too bad ur not closer in to me... but still...
Anyhow, your question is a lot like this one:
"I know something about cars, and I would like to build a really good car, which one should I build?"
You'd need to narrow it down a bit.
The first thing is to realize that there is more than one type of speaker:
- dynamic ("full range", two-way, multi-way)
- ribbon
- ESL
- horn
- plasma
The next thing to consider is size and expense.
After that you'd want to think about what ur going to power it with.
You want a very different speaker for a SE 300B or 2A3 as you would like want a different speaker for a 2,000watt amp rig...
The size of the room.
A few other details.
The science can be reduced to some free simulation software packages, some free measurement packages, some xover design freeware and a WHOLE LOT OF READING! 😀
The cabinet is an important part, but in your case it is absolutely the least significant aspect.
For a first project, start with something simple, not too ambitious, and probably copy a proven design. There are many proven designs here and elsewhere. Keep in mind that once you get into it, everything is a balance and a compromise. So, you end up choosing the compromises you can accept and avoiding the ones you can not.
_-_-
I am in envy for that CNC rig... too bad ur not closer in to me... but still...
Anyhow, your question is a lot like this one:
"I know something about cars, and I would like to build a really good car, which one should I build?"
You'd need to narrow it down a bit.
The first thing is to realize that there is more than one type of speaker:
- dynamic ("full range", two-way, multi-way)
- ribbon
- ESL
- horn
- plasma
The next thing to consider is size and expense.
After that you'd want to think about what ur going to power it with.
You want a very different speaker for a SE 300B or 2A3 as you would like want a different speaker for a 2,000watt amp rig...
The size of the room.
A few other details.
The science can be reduced to some free simulation software packages, some free measurement packages, some xover design freeware and a WHOLE LOT OF READING! 😀
The cabinet is an important part, but in your case it is absolutely the least significant aspect.
For a first project, start with something simple, not too ambitious, and probably copy a proven design. There are many proven designs here and elsewhere. Keep in mind that once you get into it, everything is a balance and a compromise. So, you end up choosing the compromises you can accept and avoiding the ones you can not.
_-_-
I'm keen on doing either a two-way or a possibly a full range, though I have never heard anything tweeter-less. Ribbon tweeters always appeal but I'm not sure how feasible it would be. I'm not botherd about huge bass. I prefer detail.
I really like the look of a transmission line design... They look like they would be nice to build. It does not need to be a work of art. Just a rectangular box-ish type thing is fine by me. Say no bigger 10"x16" and as tall as need be.
As for amp I currently have a Musical Fidelity M3i with 70wpc though I look towards getting something around 250wpc for my next amp. Though I don't listen at high levels.
I want something that could compare to a £2k off the shelf commercial speaker. Is that unrealistic of me though???
Room is 14' square. Budget less than £500 I guess but this really depends on what sort of results I could realistically expect.
I really like the look of a transmission line design... They look like they would be nice to build. It does not need to be a work of art. Just a rectangular box-ish type thing is fine by me. Say no bigger 10"x16" and as tall as need be.
As for amp I currently have a Musical Fidelity M3i with 70wpc though I look towards getting something around 250wpc for my next amp. Though I don't listen at high levels.
I want something that could compare to a £2k off the shelf commercial speaker. Is that unrealistic of me though???
Room is 14' square. Budget less than £500 I guess but this really depends on what sort of results I could realistically expect.
You can get fabulous results.
If you want a TL, you can look on here - there are many very good examples and projects.
70w is sufficient for almost any sort of speaker in a small room, modest listening levels.
You might also look at the TQWT designs.
Not a TL, but akin, and perhaps superior in many cases.
Detail is something that depends on a number of factors.
Hard to explain that simply.
It's sufficient to say that all speakers are compromises, and no single design is "best". Also, I would not expect to build your first speaker and have it be the final one, but maybe.
You have two choices, pick a proven design and copy it.
Learn a bit about how things work and get some measurement and simulation software, start simple and increase and improve over time.
Neither of these choices are mutually exclusive.
I'd feel free to ask reasonably specific questions *in* an existing thread about a design, or to start a thread as a noob and ask noob questions. People will probably give you more advice and information than you can digest.
How's that? 😀
_-_-
If you want a TL, you can look on here - there are many very good examples and projects.
70w is sufficient for almost any sort of speaker in a small room, modest listening levels.
You might also look at the TQWT designs.
Not a TL, but akin, and perhaps superior in many cases.
Detail is something that depends on a number of factors.
Hard to explain that simply.
It's sufficient to say that all speakers are compromises, and no single design is "best". Also, I would not expect to build your first speaker and have it be the final one, but maybe.
You have two choices, pick a proven design and copy it.
Learn a bit about how things work and get some measurement and simulation software, start simple and increase and improve over time.
Neither of these choices are mutually exclusive.
I'd feel free to ask reasonably specific questions *in* an existing thread about a design, or to start a thread as a noob and ask noob questions. People will probably give you more advice and information than you can digest.
How's that? 😀
_-_-
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