Hi all, first post so apologies if I have the wrong area of the site or am asking something which has been asked before.
TLDR: Is there a sticky or list of available diy designs that are active? By active I mean able to be created today?
Searching through a lot of designs I see that various components are discontinued and hard to find. I live in NZ so getting my hands on parts is a bit of a nightmare although I can import from aus easily, US too although shipping can get costly..
I have good woodworking skills and can solder like a champ but i do not have thorough speaker design experience apart from a few subwoofers that i have designed myself using winisd. Hence why I want to explore tried and tested designs.
I have an array of subwoofers so do not need so much the low low end but I do like the idea of a 3 way design to cover the low end from 80hz up.
In terms of price range and performance I have been looking at the statements II. But as it is an older design I can't find all of the components easily. The mid driver is also discontinued.
So. I have a few questions.
1. Is there a list of diy designs that can still be made stickied somewhere that i can look through?
2. Are there any other designs similar or better in performance to the statements 2 that I can build? I am assuming that in the last 10 years speaker components have improved. So should I be looking at more recent builds?
3. Is there a woofer I can drop in for the discontinued NE123W-08 mid driver to be able to build the statements 2 speakers? Or do I need to remodel the cabinet and crossover?
4. Similar for the tweeter. Although it is available it is costly to ship from the stores with it in stock. Are there any alternatives worth looking into to upgrade the tweeter that are newer and more widely available? Again, do I need to remodel the cabinet and crossover if i replace?
Thanks all for your help. Look forward to contributing more over the coming years.
Chris
TLDR: Is there a sticky or list of available diy designs that are active? By active I mean able to be created today?
Searching through a lot of designs I see that various components are discontinued and hard to find. I live in NZ so getting my hands on parts is a bit of a nightmare although I can import from aus easily, US too although shipping can get costly..
I have good woodworking skills and can solder like a champ but i do not have thorough speaker design experience apart from a few subwoofers that i have designed myself using winisd. Hence why I want to explore tried and tested designs.
I have an array of subwoofers so do not need so much the low low end but I do like the idea of a 3 way design to cover the low end from 80hz up.
In terms of price range and performance I have been looking at the statements II. But as it is an older design I can't find all of the components easily. The mid driver is also discontinued.
So. I have a few questions.
1. Is there a list of diy designs that can still be made stickied somewhere that i can look through?
2. Are there any other designs similar or better in performance to the statements 2 that I can build? I am assuming that in the last 10 years speaker components have improved. So should I be looking at more recent builds?
3. Is there a woofer I can drop in for the discontinued NE123W-08 mid driver to be able to build the statements 2 speakers? Or do I need to remodel the cabinet and crossover?
4. Similar for the tweeter. Although it is available it is costly to ship from the stores with it in stock. Are there any alternatives worth looking into to upgrade the tweeter that are newer and more widely available? Again, do I need to remodel the cabinet and crossover if i replace?
Thanks all for your help. Look forward to contributing more over the coming years.
Chris
You might consider sourcing your drivers from Oz, the shipping wouldn't be nearly as high as from the US or Europe. I looked into buying some drivers recently and the cost was more than the parts - not good value. Driver cost was A$42, shipping A$80!
However, that would limit you to just a few brands: Scan Speak, SB Acoustics, Viva/Peerless/Tymphany, Dayton Audio and Visaton. XO parts are available from Speakerbug in Brisbane or Wagner Electronics (which also operates the Loudspeaker Kit) in Sydney. There's also Digikey but I haven't bought from them.
One good thing about buying from Antipodean suppliers is that while slow to get new products, they're slow to discontinue them too, so there are some Peerless and Vifa products which have been discontinued in the US but may still be available here.
Any list is going to be out of date as soon as it's done and driver substitution will almost always need a crossover change. You could try posting your budget, room size, cabinet constraints and listening preferences here and ask for project suggestions based on Oz-available brands.
Geoff
However, that would limit you to just a few brands: Scan Speak, SB Acoustics, Viva/Peerless/Tymphany, Dayton Audio and Visaton. XO parts are available from Speakerbug in Brisbane or Wagner Electronics (which also operates the Loudspeaker Kit) in Sydney. There's also Digikey but I haven't bought from them.
One good thing about buying from Antipodean suppliers is that while slow to get new products, they're slow to discontinue them too, so there are some Peerless and Vifa products which have been discontinued in the US but may still be available here.
Any list is going to be out of date as soon as it's done and driver substitution will almost always need a crossover change. You could try posting your budget, room size, cabinet constraints and listening preferences here and ask for project suggestions based on Oz-available brands.
Geoff
Although not a fully published design and ported, maybe you would be interested in reading about forum member @PKAudio's NE 3-way.
I think your part of the world is the last remaining where Vifa/Peerless NEs are still available. An NE265 / NE315 in 8 or 4 ohms with your NE123s crossed around 300-400hz would be tasty in a closed box with subs.
edit I assumed NE123s are still available in AUS/NZ. You can't drop in another driver to the Statements design without reworking the crossover, unfortunately.
I think your part of the world is the last remaining where Vifa/Peerless NEs are still available. An NE265 / NE315 in 8 or 4 ohms with your NE123s crossed around 300-400hz would be tasty in a closed box with subs.
edit I assumed NE123s are still available in AUS/NZ. You can't drop in another driver to the Statements design without reworking the crossover, unfortunately.
Thanks for the replies.
The room is approx 14 feet by 30 feet. Listening position about 2-3 metres. No real cabinet constraints other than my desire for integrating a large wooden slab for the front surface that I'd like to carve (I have a good supplier of local native hardwood here that I can use for this) otherwise anything that passes the wife test so nothing too industrious and large in design 😅.
Music is mostly electronic. Lots of percussion and low extending bass (but i have a sealed 15 inch subwoofer to handle the low end). I mostly listen to uk bass music so think jungle, dnb and dub. But largely older vinyl and therefore lots of dynamics and less compressed commercialised trash. Therefore a good transient response and clarity with mid bass punch is preferred. I lean towards sealed over ported but I suppose it entirely depends on the driver. I have had plenty of responsive ported speakers in the past despite reading lots of material on the contrary.
Ideally something I can source in ANZ. But if I need to split up the order and get from the US that's fine. I might be able to avoid import duties if that's the case! But preferable to ANZ region to ensure I'm not ******* money down the drain.
In the past i have had plenty of reference monitors from Adam and eve audio. Through this I am biased towards ribbon tweeters but I haven't explored dome before. Im looking for something a little more musical with the ability to sparkle at the top end. Hence the move away from studio monitors.
Considering the live edge slab. Would you recommend any open baffle designs? Otherwise anything you think would suit this situation?
Budget is approx 1000 US (1500 to 1800 AUD/NZD) for the components (less the wood). But really I am willing to up by 30% for the right design.
Thanks
The room is approx 14 feet by 30 feet. Listening position about 2-3 metres. No real cabinet constraints other than my desire for integrating a large wooden slab for the front surface that I'd like to carve (I have a good supplier of local native hardwood here that I can use for this) otherwise anything that passes the wife test so nothing too industrious and large in design 😅.
Music is mostly electronic. Lots of percussion and low extending bass (but i have a sealed 15 inch subwoofer to handle the low end). I mostly listen to uk bass music so think jungle, dnb and dub. But largely older vinyl and therefore lots of dynamics and less compressed commercialised trash. Therefore a good transient response and clarity with mid bass punch is preferred. I lean towards sealed over ported but I suppose it entirely depends on the driver. I have had plenty of responsive ported speakers in the past despite reading lots of material on the contrary.
Ideally something I can source in ANZ. But if I need to split up the order and get from the US that's fine. I might be able to avoid import duties if that's the case! But preferable to ANZ region to ensure I'm not ******* money down the drain.
In the past i have had plenty of reference monitors from Adam and eve audio. Through this I am biased towards ribbon tweeters but I haven't explored dome before. Im looking for something a little more musical with the ability to sparkle at the top end. Hence the move away from studio monitors.
Considering the live edge slab. Would you recommend any open baffle designs? Otherwise anything you think would suit this situation?
Budget is approx 1000 US (1500 to 1800 AUD/NZD) for the components (less the wood). But really I am willing to up by 30% for the right design.
Thanks
Thanks Scott, the elisnore looks fab and locally made. Will have to troll through that post to try and find the mk6 design, lots of pages of back and forth chit chat and arguing (as is tradition) to get through first 😅
Here is the commercial site:
https://www.customanalogue.com/elsinore/elsinore_index.htm
-basically in your driver price point it’s a choice of SB Acoustic midbass drivers, the Scan/Peerless tweeter & the waveguides direct. SB drivers are from Indonesia so hopefully you can source them easily at a decent price.
Don’t forget the expense of good crossover component's - good ones can be expensive.
If you have the room for dipole’s you might consider these:
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/the-xsd-speaker.385717/
https://www.customanalogue.com/elsinore/elsinore_index.htm
-basically in your driver price point it’s a choice of SB Acoustic midbass drivers, the Scan/Peerless tweeter & the waveguides direct. SB drivers are from Indonesia so hopefully you can source them easily at a decent price.
Don’t forget the expense of good crossover component's - good ones can be expensive.
If you have the room for dipole’s you might consider these:
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/the-xsd-speaker.385717/
Adason's- Faital 6fe200 / open back (you could try OB) single cap. Plus your Subwoofer.
Faital 6FE200- fr looks like a built in BBC dip
https://faitalpro.com/en/products/LF_Loudspeakers/product_details/datasheet.php?id=401020110
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/6fe200-st200.282141/
Post#1, 2ufd cap, post#2 different tweeter, post #16 .47 cap, post#32 pad down the tweeter, etc.
MTM Faital 6fe200 + HiVi RT2C-A Ribbon
post#71
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/mtm-sound-characteristics.356684/page-4#post-6267378
https://edsaudiopages.blogspot.com/2022/
-----
Vietnam Site- some Pure Audio Project facsimiles and others.
https://linhkienloadai-vn.translate...uto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp
Emenince Alpha 15A ( $$$- look for a cheaper woofer) Woofers in Series.
crossover @ 9:00 minute on video
https://linhkienloadai-vn.translate...uto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp
Emenince Alpha 15A, Woofers in Parallel
https://linhkienloadai-vn.translate...uto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp
Pure Audio Project
https://pureaudioproject.com/
----
Audio Circle
Open Baffle Resources- Documented designs & kits
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=90.0
Google Translate
https://translate.google.com/
Faital 6FE200- fr looks like a built in BBC dip
https://faitalpro.com/en/products/LF_Loudspeakers/product_details/datasheet.php?id=401020110
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/6fe200-st200.282141/
Post#1, 2ufd cap, post#2 different tweeter, post #16 .47 cap, post#32 pad down the tweeter, etc.
MTM Faital 6fe200 + HiVi RT2C-A Ribbon
post#71
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/mtm-sound-characteristics.356684/page-4#post-6267378
https://edsaudiopages.blogspot.com/2022/
-----
Vietnam Site- some Pure Audio Project facsimiles and others.
https://linhkienloadai-vn.translate...uto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp
Emenince Alpha 15A ( $$$- look for a cheaper woofer) Woofers in Series.
crossover @ 9:00 minute on video
https://linhkienloadai-vn.translate...uto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp
Emenince Alpha 15A, Woofers in Parallel
https://linhkienloadai-vn.translate...uto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp
Pure Audio Project
https://pureaudioproject.com/
----
Audio Circle
Open Baffle Resources- Documented designs & kits
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=90.0
Google Translate
https://translate.google.com/
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My Nephila is still valid, using Hivi F6 and Airborne/Hygaeia RT5002 AMT ribbons. I'm thinking shipping from China isn't that far for the AMTs, but Canada is the alternative from Solen.
Jim/Curt have a few newer projects, here:
https://www.speakerdesignworks.com/
Jim/Curt have a few newer projects, here:
https://www.speakerdesignworks.com/
from OP
"1. Is there a list of diy designs that can still be made stickied somewhere that i can look through?"
some sites,
Don High End
https://www-donhighend-de.translate...uto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp
Parts Express
https://projectgallery.parts-express.com
https://techtalk.parts-express.com
AmpsLab
archived at the bottom have posted crossovers
https://ampslab-spk.com/projects/
Paul Carmody
https://sites.google.com/site/undefinition/diy
Tony Gee
https://www.humblehomemadehifi.com
https://www.humblehomemadehifi.com/archive.html
Troels Graveson
http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/Diy_Loudspeaker_Projects.htm
-------------
what spl are you looking for?
Peerless TC9FD18 (x2) spl under 90 is that enough? - plus your Subwoofer
Commercial- Nola Brio $3500 usd (FUNNY)
http://www.nolaspeakers.com/products/brio_b.php
(tiny, cheap build)Nola Brio Clone (over 300 posts) *people have tried other drivers.
Need help building open baffle/bass reflex hybrid
plans - post#172
wired out of phase - member “perceval”post #221,==>
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...open-baffle-bass-reflex-hybrid.299618/page-12
“I wired them out of phase and this seem to address baffle step as had been noted in the Nola Brio clone thread.”
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/another-nola-variant.350681/
——
Adason’s MTM Peerless TC9FD18 (open back or enclosed)- plus your Subwoofer
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/mtm-with-tc9fd.308444/
Some easy to build, some not..
Lots to think about.
"1. Is there a list of diy designs that can still be made stickied somewhere that i can look through?"
some sites,
Don High End
https://www-donhighend-de.translate...uto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp
Parts Express
https://projectgallery.parts-express.com
https://techtalk.parts-express.com
AmpsLab
archived at the bottom have posted crossovers
https://ampslab-spk.com/projects/
Paul Carmody
https://sites.google.com/site/undefinition/diy
Tony Gee
https://www.humblehomemadehifi.com
https://www.humblehomemadehifi.com/archive.html
Troels Graveson
http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/Diy_Loudspeaker_Projects.htm
-------------
what spl are you looking for?
Peerless TC9FD18 (x2) spl under 90 is that enough? - plus your Subwoofer
Commercial- Nola Brio $3500 usd (FUNNY)
http://www.nolaspeakers.com/products/brio_b.php
(tiny, cheap build)Nola Brio Clone (over 300 posts) *people have tried other drivers.
Need help building open baffle/bass reflex hybrid
plans - post#172
wired out of phase - member “perceval”post #221,==>
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...open-baffle-bass-reflex-hybrid.299618/page-12
“I wired them out of phase and this seem to address baffle step as had been noted in the Nola Brio clone thread.”
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/another-nola-variant.350681/
——
Adason’s MTM Peerless TC9FD18 (open back or enclosed)- plus your Subwoofer
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/mtm-with-tc9fd.308444/
Some easy to build, some not..
Lots to think about.
Hi Chris. I'm also NZ based (Kapiti). wes.com.au is the best in terms of value and range. WES have a pretty large selection of SB Acoustics drivers - which offer arguably the best price performance around. As they are popular drivers, you could focus on kits with their drivers to source them without huge USA/EUR shipping costs to NZ.
In terms of crosssover parts, I'd also be looking at WES for supply. I however have moved into Active / DSP speakers. One of the reasons was to avoid expensive passive crossover part shipping costs (inductors are expensive due to size / weight when shipping). I have a bin of XO parts I might be able to help with once you've locked a design (to save money).
If you are local / close - I don't mind helping with your project once you've decided it. I have a measurement setup and can do a conventional 2 way / 3 way crossover design (active or passive), if you want to go the custom route.
there is also theloudspeakerkit (I have ordered from them) and https://www.wagneronline.com.au/ as alternatives.
In terms of crosssover parts, I'd also be looking at WES for supply. I however have moved into Active / DSP speakers. One of the reasons was to avoid expensive passive crossover part shipping costs (inductors are expensive due to size / weight when shipping). I have a bin of XO parts I might be able to help with once you've locked a design (to save money).
If you are local / close - I don't mind helping with your project once you've decided it. I have a measurement setup and can do a conventional 2 way / 3 way crossover design (active or passive), if you want to go the custom route.
there is also theloudspeakerkit (I have ordered from them) and https://www.wagneronline.com.au/ as alternatives.
Loudspeaker Kit components are shipped by WES. Also in Aus, Wavecor & Visaton drivers are stocked by Soundlabs,
DJ City have some Faital product, & good xover components are available from Speakerbug.
Frankly, I'd take the trouble to learn how to design a crossover (Look at Rod Elliott's Articles). It's not as hard as many here make it out to be (Usually those who over-complicate the process by using simulation software). You just need the right formulae, manufacturer's data, and a modicum of common sense.
DJ City have some Faital product, & good xover components are available from Speakerbug.
Frankly, I'd take the trouble to learn how to design a crossover (Look at Rod Elliott's Articles). It's not as hard as many here make it out to be (Usually those who over-complicate the process by using simulation software). You just need the right formulae, manufacturer's data, and a modicum of common sense.
I just received some peerless speaker drivers from digikey. I ordered them 6 days ago, shipping was free and they came from the US!!!
https://www.digikey.co.nz/en/produc...wKYA0IA9lANogAMIAugL7EC0E0IakWeRpF4AbLCQN69IA
https://www.digikey.co.nz/en/produc...wKYA0IA9lANogAMIAugL7EC0E0IakWeRpF4AbLCQN69IA
I built the Statements II about 10 years ago.
Mid-drivers are NLA, and the tweeter hard to find.
The kit with the closest performance would be the Anthology II
All of it's drivers and crossover parts are available in lands down under from the Australasian distributor whose HQ is out of Sydney.
If I was starting out, what's what I'd build today if I was looking for a floor stander with great performance.
from OP
"1. Is there a list of diy designs that can still be made stickied somewhere that i can look through?"
some sites,
MTG Designs
https://www.mtg-designs.com/diy-speaker-plans
old site Curt Campbell
https://web.archive.org/web/20230824235214/http://www.speakerdesignworks.com/
new site
https://www.speakerdesignworks.com/
Visaton
https://www.visaton.de/en/products/hifi-surround-kits
https://forum.visaton.de/forum/galerie-der-projekte
https://boxsim-db.de/
https://boxsim-db.de/liste-aller-beitraege/
HiFi Compass
https://hificompass.com/en/projects/2-way-systems
---------
from OP
"2. Are there any other designs similar or better in performance to the statements 2 that I can build?"
-appearances, similar look, cost?
Nexus
http://www.hificircuit.com/communit...mbre-matched-family-of-hi-fi-ht-speakers.319/
Heartland Hybrid
https://midwestaudio.club/?page_id=2201
---------------
Driver Measurements, tools,etc
https://hificompass.com/en/speakers/measurements
https://feleppa.com.au/speakermeasmid.html
https://rockfordfosgate.com/support/box-wizard/
https://solen.ca/en/woofer-application
"1. Is there a list of diy designs that can still be made stickied somewhere that i can look through?"
some sites,
MTG Designs
https://www.mtg-designs.com/diy-speaker-plans
old site Curt Campbell
https://web.archive.org/web/20230824235214/http://www.speakerdesignworks.com/
new site
https://www.speakerdesignworks.com/
Visaton
https://www.visaton.de/en/products/hifi-surround-kits
https://forum.visaton.de/forum/galerie-der-projekte
https://boxsim-db.de/
https://boxsim-db.de/liste-aller-beitraege/
HiFi Compass
https://hificompass.com/en/projects/2-way-systems
---------
from OP
"2. Are there any other designs similar or better in performance to the statements 2 that I can build?"
-appearances, similar look, cost?
Nexus
http://www.hificircuit.com/communit...mbre-matched-family-of-hi-fi-ht-speakers.319/
Heartland Hybrid
https://midwestaudio.club/?page_id=2201
---------------
Driver Measurements, tools,etc
https://hificompass.com/en/speakers/measurements
https://feleppa.com.au/speakermeasmid.html
https://rockfordfosgate.com/support/box-wizard/
https://solen.ca/en/woofer-application
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This uses current drivers, is well designed and likely a small step up on the Statements. There is also an active version. Don't know about parts availability in NZ.
Cheers for all the responses. I actually live in Lower hutt so not far at all.
I am looking to go with the elsinore design as it fits the bill, is easy to drive and parts can be sourced relatively easily. It is also an active design with a very responsive community around it and has been for a while which gives me hope!
Next step is to figure out how to ship it all over avoiding the 1000 dollar import tax kick in.
I may take you up on that offer as I'd likely want to start experimenting on my own after this one, so thanks for the offer.
I hold a masters in physics and really ought to be able to do it from scratch myself. Otherwise it was a bit of a waste of money for the education 😅😆. But first. A known design is the best place to start and hopefully light up the passion to continue.
Any advice in where to learn the theory behind crossover design? Would be keen to understand the maths/physics of it all.
Thanks to the rest of you for posting, I know your suggestions will be useful to someone in the future.
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