DIY High End Studio Monitors

[Alex Music]

Hello !

I want to build a pair of very good studio monitors, something like:

Barefoot Sound
Kii Three
Dutch & Dutch 8C

I need a little help. I have many questions. For the begin , let identify the drivers. (Sory for my bad english)

Kii Three:
Low = Peerless_SBS-160F35AL01-04
Mid = Dayton PA130-8
Hi = seas H1499-06 27TBCD/GB-DXT

Barefoot mm 35:
Low = Peerless xxls series
Mid = VIFA NE149W-08
Hi = ScanSpeak Iluminator R3004/602010

Barefoot Footprint01:
Low = Peerless SLS-P830667
Mid = Dayton Audio RS100-4
Hi = PEERLESS XT25SC90-04

Dutch & Dutch
Low = ?
Mid = SEAS Prestige L22RN4X/P
Hi = SEAS Prestige 22TAF/G

Amplifiers:
Barefoot = Hypex Ncore
Kit Three = Hypex Ncore
Dutch & Dutch 8C = Pascal

[plasnu]

I have been using Barefoot MM27 and the other pro monitors for 30+ years, and for monitoring purpose, I strongly believe it's very hard to make a better "studio monitor" than the reputable commercial monitors for many reasons. Unless you want to make it just for fun or experiment, buying good commercial monitors saves a lot of time and money.

I'm curious what is your current reference monitor, and what is wrong with it.

[Alex Music]

My current monitors are Eve SC208 I Want better monitors from all points of view I like Barefoot mm27, but Kii Three have better sound, more controlled, more detailed in Mid + more controlled Low end I do not have the money to buy a new pair. I find it easy to build something like Dutch & Dutch 8C Has anybody tried this?

[plasnu]

You can probably make a better sounding speaker than SC208, but how you will know it's a good monitor without having reference monitor next to it?

Your goal is somewhat unclear, so I may misunderstand it. You want to make a studio reference monitor, not an audiofool home speaker, right?

Yep, Kii is really really good, I'm impressed with their demo. I have a strong impression that they are usable in the studio environment.

[plasnu]

BTW, I think Kii is using their latest plate amp (selling for DIYers), which is probably by far the best sounding / price ratio for monitors, imo.

[Alex Music]

I'm sorry, but you do not help me. I have access to expensive monitors and I have experience... I'm not a beginner ... Why do you think I can not ? I want monitors with DSP because I do not listen in the anecoic room. I need to control the speaker parameters, to adapt it to my room. Their components cost only a fraction of their price...

[plasnu]

Sorry, but I'm trying help you not to waste your time and money. I'm 100% confident that you need a reliable monitor before you DIY a reference monitor. Why? Tons of the reasons, but first of all, you will never know if your monitor is good or bad, and it will just confuse you.

I'm not talking about anecoic room here, non-studio room is far less than ideal anyway, and DSP can't help much, and it will also confuse you.

Most important thing about the studio monitor is, using it for a long term until your ears are accustomed to it. Your brain has built in DSP.

[plasnu]

Originally Posted by Alex Music

Their components cost only a fraction of their price...

Well, if you open Kii and Barefoot, you should notice that their enclosure design is not easy to be done DIY...

[Bigun]

Originally Posted by plasnu

Most important thing about the studio monitor is, using it for a long term until your ears are accustomed to it. Your brain has built in DSP.

I have no experience to validate this comment but my gut feel says this is very good advice.

[Jag768]

Originally Posted by Alex Music

My current monitors are Eve SC208 I Want better monitors from all points of view I like Barefoot mm27, but Kii Three have better sound, more controlled, more detailed in Mid + more controlled Low end I do not have the money to buy a new pair. I find it easy to build something like Dutch & Dutch 8C Has anybody tried this?

I have made a 10inch version inspired by the 8C Cardioid monitor Using plaster for the waveguides DIY Waveguide