I have been pondering and laboring over which loudspeaker to build. I know there is no single answer and there are many factors to consider, and I suppose it is because there are so many factors that I am totally confused as to what to do.
To provide info for anyone wishing to help, I will be using a slightly modified Leach 4.4 amplifier. I believe this is a pretty high-end SS design and is worthy of a high end set of speakers. My musical tastes run towards the easy listening types of music, so thundering bass and very loud reproductions are not a requirement, but rather accurate and faithful reproduction with excellent imaging is what I am after.
I have considered the Thor, but while I can afford the speakers and the woodworking requirements do not concern me (I am blessed with a very nice woodworking shop), some things I have read have scared me away from it a bit. Also, even though I can afford it doesn't mean I really want to spend around $1K, either! I would be more comfortable with spending about half of that for a pair.
I have looked at the Ariel, but its proponents claim it doesn't sound good with a SS amp. Well, that in itself scares me, as how does a speaker know what is driving it??? I presume the crossover is optimized for the driving impedance that a tube amp presents, and that a different xo network might allow it to sound good with a SS amp, but I am not particularly skilled with xo optimization.
The Odim seems like it might be ok, but I haven't found any listening reports. I suppose there are a myriad of other loudspeaker designs that would suit my purposes, but I shy away from claims made my the manufacturer or seller.
Sorry if this question is too broad, but I really have tried to do my research. I don't live in a big city where I can audition other peoples homebuilt speakers, so I have to trust you guys out there.
Thanks,
Jeff R.
To provide info for anyone wishing to help, I will be using a slightly modified Leach 4.4 amplifier. I believe this is a pretty high-end SS design and is worthy of a high end set of speakers. My musical tastes run towards the easy listening types of music, so thundering bass and very loud reproductions are not a requirement, but rather accurate and faithful reproduction with excellent imaging is what I am after.
I have considered the Thor, but while I can afford the speakers and the woodworking requirements do not concern me (I am blessed with a very nice woodworking shop), some things I have read have scared me away from it a bit. Also, even though I can afford it doesn't mean I really want to spend around $1K, either! I would be more comfortable with spending about half of that for a pair.
I have looked at the Ariel, but its proponents claim it doesn't sound good with a SS amp. Well, that in itself scares me, as how does a speaker know what is driving it??? I presume the crossover is optimized for the driving impedance that a tube amp presents, and that a different xo network might allow it to sound good with a SS amp, but I am not particularly skilled with xo optimization.
The Odim seems like it might be ok, but I haven't found any listening reports. I suppose there are a myriad of other loudspeaker designs that would suit my purposes, but I shy away from claims made my the manufacturer or seller.
Sorry if this question is too broad, but I really have tried to do my research. I don't live in a big city where I can audition other peoples homebuilt speakers, so I have to trust you guys out there.
Thanks,
Jeff R.