Need help picking my first DIY bookshelf speaker

Jump to Latest
S

Slaughtyrer

Member
Joined 2024
#1
Hi everyone!

I am new to the DIY audio world, but have been dabbling in audio for some time. I decided a few weeks ago to try my hand at building my own bookshelf speakers, but have frankly been overwhelmed by all of the options out there! I need some help narrowing down some options that may work well for me and my application. I have access to a full wood shop and electronics shop, and should not be limited by tools much and not scared of tackling complex cabinet designs.

Here is the criteria I'm working with:
  • My budget is <$1000 for the pair (incl. drivers, XOs, cabinets, etc.). I do not mind paying for plans on top of this.
  • I live in the USA, and would prefer to order components from US based distributors, but can make exceptions if warranted
  • They will primarily be used for home theater/TV, so would prefer some decent bass extension (down to 50-60Hz would be good)
    • I may later repurpose these for primarily music, not sure yet. OK to modify them in that case.
  • These speakers will be used primarily close to a wall (within 9inches) on stands
  • The room is approx. 15'W x 13'D (~4.5m x 4m), and will be placed centered around the TV on the 15' wall
  • Listening position will be near the opposite end of the room (~3m away)
  • Not particular about driver configuration: 2, 2.5 or 3 way could work
  • No more than 400mm tall, preferably <300mm, and max ~350mm wide
  • 4ohm is OK, and will likely only be driving them with a Yamaha RV6A for now
I am not quite sure how much has changed in driver technology and performance, so I have been trying to look around for more modern drivers. Perhaps this is naive of me, and some of the drivers from the last 10-15 years are still good value performers?

I also do not need to spend the full $1000 on a speaker set, if there is a really good $500/$600/$700 option, I would definitely consider it.

I love many of the Troels Gravesen designs, like the ScanSpeak Revelator-51 but I'm hesitant to import many of the components that I can already purchase in the US.
Some of the lautsprechershop.de designs look great, but couldn't find some of the components in the US.
The "Revel M105 Copy DIY build" by McFly on ASR also seem really cool, but I'm not quite sure whether I could build something even better with my budget.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post; can't wait for the feedback and suggestions from the DIYA community!
 
#4
Similar approach, though this is a little larger than you want.

Seas Idunn
https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.c...seas-idunn-2-way-speaker-kit-pair-parts-only/
1727285502330.png



Zaph|Audio SR71 - for something a little smaller at a bit lower price
https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/2-way-speaker-kits/zaph|audio-sr71-kit-pair-parts-only/
1727286076626.png
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Ixnay
#5
Thanks @mattstat! I looked at these, but they are little too large for me for this particular application.

The SR71s are now a 12 year old design, and I’m not sure whether that matters or not. I just feel there may be something that uses more modern drivers that would be a bit better. Also read these can be a little sibilant or fatiguing — but maybe that is just on the lower volume cabinet versions.

I think something like the Curt Campbell Chevalier might be at the largest end I would consider. Not quite sure how these would work in my setup, though.
 
Last edited:
#6
At this price point, I personally don't think you're sacrificing much with older drivers, as long as they are picked with reasonable care and implemented properly. The mid-priced drivers from major manufacturers have been good for quite some time. They've all had various options for a long time when it comes to softer and harder cones/domes/formers/etc. to cater to the various preferences of designers as well. If you want the last bit of resolution and the lowest distortion performance, newer drivers may be more beneficial, but you're likely looking at drivers that exceed your current budget. And unless you're a hardcore audiophile, you may not notice the difference anyway. Similarly, at lower price points some drivers have gotten quite a bit better in the past couple decades, but those are mostly below the price range you're looking at.

On the sibilance front, that's highly user dependent. Some people would describe the same sound as detailed or lively and like it. If you're one that finds any tendency toward brightness grating, you should be careful in your selection or be prepared to make some crossover adjustments. My ears are easily fatigued by a brighter presentation, so I tend to prefer speakers with a more relaxed sound. The 2-6 kHz region is one that pushes my buttons.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Ixnay and Slaughtyrer
#7
@Slaughtyrer: Recently built a set of CSS speakers as a bucket-list project. Chose rather larger speakers than you need (Criton 2TD-X in MTM format) but your description suggests this option:
https://www.css-audio.com/online-store/CSS-Criton-1TD-X-Kit-Pair-p221163830
The Criton speakers are high quality, though expensive. Their case is exceptional -- MDF machined to steel-like accuracy. Once properly glued they have no resonance -- you can put your hand on the case with a huge bass output playing and you'll feel nothing. The upgrade crossover is all Jentzen parts and comes with a nice mounting plate. It performs very well but is overpriced.
Overall these are expensive for a kit and I would order a finished speaker from Tekton or Emotiva if I just wanted value. As a kit project, however, they are straightforward and the company is open to questions and alternative build ideas.
Was a successful bucket-list project for me and I use them in a large bedroom for music and Netflix. Their bass is ridiculously powerful. If you want a speaker that handles the most powerful movie scores, this is a good choice.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ixnay and Slaughtyrer
#10
Craigl59 said:
@Slaughtyrer: Recently built a set of CSS speakers as a bucket-list project. Chose rather larger speakers than you need (Criton 2TD-X in MTM format) but your description suggests this option:
https://www.css-audio.com/online-store/CSS-Criton-1TD-X-Kit-Pair-p221163830
The Criton speakers are high quality, though expensive. Their case is exceptional -- MDF machined to steel-like accuracy. Once properly glued they have no resonance -- you can put your hand on the case with a huge bass output playing and you'll feel nothing. The upgrade crossover is all Jentzen parts and comes with a nice mounting plate. It performs very well but is overpriced.
Overall these are expensive for a kit and I would order a finished speaker from Tekton or Emotiva if I just wanted value. As a kit project, however, they are straightforward and the company is open to questions and alternative build ideas.
Was a successful bucket-list project for me and I use them in a large bedroom for music and Netflix. Their bass is ridiculously powerful. If you want a speaker that handles the most powerful movie scores, this is a good choice.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the recommendation @Craigl59 ! I was looking at these at one point, and have read online that these are in fact fantastic. Some just question the value at the price point, as you’ve mentioned.

I would like somewhat of a cabinet design and build challenge though, as I have a ton of CAD experience and a lot of fabrication equipment available at my discretion. So perhaps the kit without the flat pack.

I’ll add these to my short list, thanks!
 
#11
  • Like
Reactions: morbo, jaakkopetteri and stv
#12
Whoa, I'm amazed at how well the Mechano23 measures for the cost of the drivers! It does look to struggle a bit when the volume is increased.

The @Kwesi Edelstoff is also super impressive! Very interesting the effects from the added magnet on the woofer.

I have a little more budget available to me than these two options, but will add them to my list nonetheless. The @Kwesi Schnuckelchen is on my aspirational list -- simply beautiful.
 
#14
Since you are looking for home theater speakers take a look at these, if you have room under the screen you can add a center with your budget. I have never heard any of their kits, but people love them over at the A/V forum. 93dB/2,83v but only an f3 at 80hz, you can't have everything. And includes knock down cabinets and free shipping.

https://www.diysoundgroup.com/home-theater-speaker-kits/ht-6-kit.html
 
#15
Keep in mind the price will go up: decent binding post, port, wood finish.... I think that building a sub will probably give you more satisfaction in home theatre rather than better drivers. (Might be the same for music by the way)
 
#16
If you want the speakers for home theatre, are you doing 2.1 or 5.1? I ask because our Samsung 'Smart' TV won't work with stereo, it needs 5.1, unfortunately.

There are heaps of good kits and designs out there and things can get more than a little confusing.

You could even consider something a little different from a 6.5" two way, such as this:

https://techtalk.parts-express.com/...roven-zingers-an-indiyana-2019-8-2-way-design. Apart from anything else, it's a fascinating discussion of the DIY design process, well worth an optic.

There was a kit for them from Meniscus Audio, sadly now out of business, but that parts count for that project is low and should be easy to source from one supplier. Well below your budget; I haven't heard them of course but I thought their bass performance would be of interest.

Or, if budget allows:

https://sites.google.com/site/undefinition/bookshelf-speakers/carrera

I'd stick with drivers you can source in the US - no need to spend a large chunk of your budget on shipping!

Geoff
 
#20
Jcris said:
Have you considered an active system?
Click to expand...
For my forst build, I would love to do a passive speaker, just because I’ve never built a XO, and it seems like it could be fun.

For a future build I would definitely consider doing an active system, because they just make so much sense. Might even invest in a miniDSP mic and REW setup to for that.

Do you have any recommendations of cool 3-way stand mounters or floor standing active system builds?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom