Low Profile Desktop Speaker Build

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Wiggle8

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Joined 2016
#1
I am looking to build a pair of low profile speakers for my desktop. I have two widescreen monitors and I feel that the stereo separation is too great if I install speakers on the left and right sides. Here are my thoughts:

I have about 4" vertical room to work with below the monitors (may be able to push to 5" absolute max). Not much limitation on depth. Width less than 7" would be good.

  1. Looking to use to play music and mix audio for podcasts. Low volume, near-field. Neutrality and detail is more important than punch or loudness.
  2. Sealed or bass reflex is fine.
  3. Will be able to filter and (if I go 2-way, add crossovers) via PC. I have a measurement microphone.
  4. Not looking for terribly deep bass (anything better than 120Hz would be good), I can add a subwoofer if needed.

I do have some drivers currently available to me to use:
Hi-Vi M3N (many)
CSS LD22 tweeter (2)
MA Pluvia 7 (2)

A couple of options considered:
M3N full range
M3N and LD22 MT or MTM
pluvia 7 full range

Has anyone pursued a build like this and have some advice to share? I am open to purchasing other drivers if there is a good fit for my application. Would like to keep driver cost under $200 though.

I'd say I'm most interested in the M3N MT or MTM but I do worry about the performance of the speakers in horizontal orientation. Or is this a non-issue in near-field if I maintain tight driver spacing?
 
#2
Photos for size reference.
809700f7a29cfe99df265614d684fd3d.jpg
ef578aea782fd6ebecf2f4cc0c8612e7.jpg
 
#4
The uFonkenWK has about 5” wide x 8 ½” tall (use sideways) but could be reworked to fit your needs, althou any shrinking of the 5” dimension could well bring a cuppy sound from early reflections off the close walls.

Similar could easily be designed for the M3M. I would avoid adding a tweeter, you will be physically too close to get good integration.

M3M is not up to the same level as the FF85wk (or the FF85wKeN) but you have them so why not.

dave
 
#6
planet10 said:
The uFonkenWK has about 5” wide x 8 ½” tall (use sideways) but could be reworked to fit your needs, althou any shrinking of the 5” dimension could well bring a cuppy sound from early reflections off the close walls.

Similar could easily be designed for the M3M. I would avoid adding a tweeter, you will be physically too close to get good integration.

M3M is not up to the same level as the FF85wk (or the FF85wKeN) but you have them so why not.

dave
Click to expand...

Thanks, I've heard the M3N doesn't sound the greatest in ported enclosures though, I am thinking sealed may be best if extension can be sacrificed.

Good point about the integration though. Listening distance is only 30" or so. Perhaps trying to integrate a tweeter into there is a bad idea.

I was also wondering about the cupped sound from the low angle, I am wondering how well that could respond to a bit of filtering.
 
#9
2.7 litres sounds like the right idea, reasonable size too. I am wondering if it is worth exploring lowering the monitors and adding the speakers above the monitors instead. Tough choice there. I think I will build the 2.7 sealed and then if I use it in the lower position angle it upwards with a small booster under the front edge and an angled cut under the back edge.
 
#16
sayrum said:
Might improve sound quality quiet a bit by tilting the speakers up away from the desk top (refelxtions).

Cheers
Click to expand...

Good idea, once I update my left (video) monitor to match the right one I will gain room to add some tilt there. I'm actually pleased that I don't notice any cupping effect to the sound but nonetheless it seems like it should only be an improvement.
 
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