Studio Monitor diy options vs off the shelf

[Tenson]

Re: Replicate Alesis MKIIs....

Of course it would be difficult to replicate the MKIIs because they are active, and I am sure their amp is tweaked for flatness(And to flatter the drivers). But you can buy the woofers used in the MKIIs for $15(US)ea, so you could probably build a nice set of passive monitors with them. I bought ten of them, but I have yet to do anything with them. A decent driver when you consider their construction and price. Carbon Fiber cones and shielded with a bucking mag. If you make a digital XO part of your budget, you can correct or at least dial in a reasonably flat curve(including delay/phase). Of course this would require at least two power amps(HI/Lo). You would not have spent much on drivers by this time($60+S&H per pair). They also have the MKII's tweeters(Shielded) for $15ea. Supposedly the woofers can yield an f3 of around 35Hz in a .75 ft^3 ported enclosure. 35Hz as a bottom for 6.5" drivers is about as good as it gets for the dough. Worth a look.

Who sells these? I have heard the Alesis Monitor One MKII active and I have to say they are really good for the money. That woofer is a damn bargain!

Still... I'd say just buy the Alesis. You get power amps, active crossover, sturdy cabinet and good pretty good drivers, which put together well make an excellent speaker for the dosh. It would be tricky to build a better speaker and buy power amps, crossover parts, wood etc... for that much.

You may be able to buy 'better' parts, but remeber the importiant thing is how well it all works together as a unit, and the Alesis does that very well.

 

[discreteouts]

Oops, I forgot....

I forgot to add the link to the Alesis components. They are available at Parts Express(Search for Alesis) . The woofers that come from the MKIIs are PE #299-164. These parts are factory buyouts and so the quantity available is finite.
I do agree with Tenson for the most part, as the MKIIs are only $350pr(US) and you can buy the passives for around $150pr. Still, for as little dough as the drivers cost, fun can be had from the trying, and you may end up with a reasonable system. My workshop...er..a garage is unheated, so it may be a couple of weeks before I can make something from the ones I have. I will report back on my efforts when I do. Even if one buys the MKIIs , a couple of spare replacement woofers can't hurt. But then again, I am an addict.

 

[Brett]

Now that surface postage is no longer available US-Oz, mud magnet drivers may prove to be costly to import.