Hello all, I am completely new to audiophilia(?) but not music. I was trained in music and it is a true life-long love, though it is not my profession due to pure lack of talent. Music takes time in my life every day, and little time passes in a single day when I am not listening. I am also a wanna-be craftsman. I can’t help it. Any interest I have, I want to build. And if not build, refurbish.
I have had these moments as I can afford more, when a new stereo unleashes a new level of appreciation for the same music I have been listening to for years. Most recently I have been listening to a new pair of powered towers. It’s like hearing some of my old music for the first time. It really is amazing.
I would like to build a pair of seriously high end tower speakers for music listening. I would buy a good amplifier.
Is there any consensus of the best route for this application? Full range, treble/mid/low, MTM, etc? Is there a good cabinet design that I can follow?
I don’t mind spending money for the drivers and components, but I also don’t want to spend what factory speakers would cost. I imagine they are better at this than I am, so why put in the time and effort if I can’t save a little? I am comfortable with woodworking and soldering.
I have had these moments as I can afford more, when a new stereo unleashes a new level of appreciation for the same music I have been listening to for years. Most recently I have been listening to a new pair of powered towers. It’s like hearing some of my old music for the first time. It really is amazing.
I would like to build a pair of seriously high end tower speakers for music listening. I would buy a good amplifier.
Is there any consensus of the best route for this application? Full range, treble/mid/low, MTM, etc? Is there a good cabinet design that I can follow?
I don’t mind spending money for the drivers and components, but I also don’t want to spend what factory speakers would cost. I imagine they are better at this than I am, so why put in the time and effort if I can’t save a little? I am comfortable with woodworking and soldering.
Is there a DIY loudspeaker shop around? It would be best to listen to some designs to get a feeling what kind of loudspeaker you like. There is no full consensus here about what makes a good loudspeaker. Some people like a classic three way, some like horns, some like full range drivers, some like waveguides and cardioid midranges etc. What speakers do you currently listen to? What aspects do you like and do you find something lacking?
It appears from your description that constraints are relaxed. Could you still specify them? Like budget, max size, does it have to play loud?
Woodworking and soldering skills + building a proven design + not having to work with low budget components should result in a satisfying loudspeaker. 🙂
It appears from your description that constraints are relaxed. Could you still specify them? Like budget, max size, does it have to play loud?
Woodworking and soldering skills + building a proven design + not having to work with low budget components should result in a satisfying loudspeaker. 🙂
Last edited:
I suggest you look at this thread;
Pulseaudio Crossover Rack - multi-way crossover design & implementation with linux
I am waiting for a second sound card so I can install a sound card in each box of my active speakers, in order to test it. If this works as well as appears, it will make the building of active speakers much easier, having a remote controlled music server and active crossover in one Linux computer.
All you then need are amps and speaker protectors. The savings on electronics and time mean you can buy better drivers and build a four way with quality drivers.
These Lenard Audio | Sarabande cost about 15k but you could do them for half that.
Pulseaudio Crossover Rack - multi-way crossover design & implementation with linux
I am waiting for a second sound card so I can install a sound card in each box of my active speakers, in order to test it. If this works as well as appears, it will make the building of active speakers much easier, having a remote controlled music server and active crossover in one Linux computer.
All you then need are amps and speaker protectors. The savings on electronics and time mean you can buy better drivers and build a four way with quality drivers.
These Lenard Audio | Sarabande cost about 15k but you could do them for half that.
I think SB Acoustics (and SB Satori) are producing some great drivers at affordable prices for DIY. They will be posting some new designs by Jeff Bagby and Java Shadzi pretty soon, including some very nice towers. If you are on Facebook, send a request to "DIY Loudspeaker Pad" group and check it out for yourself.
Hope this helps.
Can you select 3 commercial speakers which you favor AND fit your listening room AND your woodshop tools could construct?
=======
If you want great sound, you must at least bi-amp with a high power amp connected directly to the woofer, and equalize the bass to your room.
If all of your music is digital and on your PC, you should study these software DSP and room equalization tools: Equalizer APO, REW and Rephase
USED multi-channel HT receivers with 5-7 amplifiers WITH HDMI PORTs are often low priced on Craigs' List and eBay. You can use these PC_based software DSP tools with either a multi-channel sound card plus multiple amps, OR the HDMI port on a multi-amp HT receiver.
Equalizer APO, REW and Rephase
Equalizer APO, REW and Rephase WOW!
X-over realized by Laptop, Open Source and 7.1 AV Receiver over Display Port / HDMI
X-over realized by Laptop, Open Source and 7.1 AV Receiver over Display Port / HDMI
====
OTHERWISE: The $205 miniDSP 2x4HD has a large user group to support you. Many 3-way miniDSP designs use a passive crossover on the tweeter in order to run stereo speakers on one 2-input, 4-output miniDSP 2x4HD, using 4-ampifiers.
=======
If you want great sound, you must at least bi-amp with a high power amp connected directly to the woofer, and equalize the bass to your room.
If all of your music is digital and on your PC, you should study these software DSP and room equalization tools: Equalizer APO, REW and Rephase
USED multi-channel HT receivers with 5-7 amplifiers WITH HDMI PORTs are often low priced on Craigs' List and eBay. You can use these PC_based software DSP tools with either a multi-channel sound card plus multiple amps, OR the HDMI port on a multi-amp HT receiver.
Equalizer APO, REW and Rephase
Equalizer APO, REW and Rephase WOW!
X-over realized by Laptop, Open Source and 7.1 AV Receiver over Display Port / HDMI
X-over realized by Laptop, Open Source and 7.1 AV Receiver over Display Port / HDMI
====
OTHERWISE: The $205 miniDSP 2x4HD has a large user group to support you. Many 3-way miniDSP designs use a passive crossover on the tweeter in order to run stereo speakers on one 2-input, 4-output miniDSP 2x4HD, using 4-ampifiers.
No DIY loudspeaker shop around here. Currently listening to a pair of powered Klipsch towers. RP-440WF.
4.5” drivers x4 plus the tweeter. More low end would be nice but I don’t want a separate subwoofer. I am really enjoying these, especially in this 13x13’ room. Previously listening to an old pair of pioneer elite bookshelf speakers.
I need more education before I can determine the budget. I just halve no idea what I can do for a given budget. If it takes $7,500, then this fun idea will probably pass. $2-3k, that would be more in line with my thoughts.
No real size constraints because these will probably go into a 20x25’ room I use primarily. I would prefer nothing huge. I could go a bit bigger than these Klipsch, though.
As far as playing loud, i’m not sure. I like listening at a reasonably loud level without ear pain! I don’t want to lose my hearing. Just needs to fill the above size room with authority. Not throwing any teenage house parties though!
As far as commercial speakers that I favor, I just don’t have any real experience. I did demo a pair of B&W 702 s2 recently. They sounded awesome to me but I also didn’t compare them to anything else.
Most classic three way and some two way towers will fit these wishes. There are a lot of options below $2000. At this price point, DIY has got a better price-performance ratio than commercial loudspeakers.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.