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DIY Loudspeakers
#367811 02/24/12 04:48 PM
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INANE Offline OP
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This loudspeaker project looks like fun.

I used to build my own speakers, mostly because it was much cheaper (not this project) but also because its fun. Since I found Axiom my ways have changed a bit thou I still build my subs. Maybe someday I'll have the time to get back into it. Anyone else dabble?

Re: DIY Loudspeakers
INANE #367824 02/24/12 06:59 PM
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Yeah, I dabble. But I'm not good enough at either cabinet making or soldering to really "enjoy the process" the way I want to. It's been a great learning experience, though. And I'm constantly amazed by the gracious, helpful approach of nearly everyone in that community.

I've built a couple pairs of small speakers, and am currently completely stuck for lack of enthusiasm on another project (Roman Bednarek's Microbe SE) for my daughter.

I have some other less-than-half-baked projects, too. I would be surprised if I didn't build a Frankensub at some point.

But, speaker building kind of followed homebrewing for me. At a certain point, the value proposition of the market intersected with my willingness to pay, and I no longer wanted to spend The Time On That.

I am also amused by looking at Craigslist for vintage gear. The gratification is much quicker.

Tell me about your subs.


bibere usque ad hilaritatem
Re: DIY Loudspeakers
INANE #367844 02/24/12 09:32 PM
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I bought some Peerless drivers from Parts Express that I'll be making some towers with once I get settled in my next house(lots of renos to do as well). I haven't chosen a tweeter yet but it'll likely be an SB Acoustics ring rad or possibly a Vifa ring rad. I'll be using a BBE DS48 active management system for the whole thing once it's built...all my stuff's in storage right now including tools. I'm looking at building an elliptical cabinet with either a veneer back or maybe carbon fibre(!) and a front of bookmatched Sucipira or African Acashi, solid baffle but only minimal thickness over mdf.

Also want to try a sub sometime utilizing a CSS or TC Sounds driver combined with a pro amp.


Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
Re: DIY Loudspeakers
INANE #367852 02/24/12 11:19 PM
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A few years back, I built a sealed sub using an Adire Audio 15" Tempest and a Parts Express 500W BASH plate amp. The Tempest used to be one of the flag ship long excursion drivers available, but Adire has gone out of business. I imagine there are better options to be had now.

This sub plays very cleanly down to about 28Hz at any volume I can throw at it. I bought an EP350 figuring it would match better with my M60s, but quickly came back to my homemade sub. Anyone want to buy a 350?


I started out with nothing & I've still got most of it left
M60 VP160 QS8 EP350
M22 VP100
Algonquins
Re: DIY Loudspeakers
Adrian #367858 02/25/12 12:03 AM
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Originally Posted By: Adrian
and a front of bookmatched Sucipira or African Acashi, solid baffle but only minimal thickness over mdf

Is this something that specialty wood producers can provide if you don't have the tools to do this yourself?

If I ever get around to building my own sub, I'd love to play with exotic wood facing on the front of a sub. I even had a couple of designs drawn up in Sketchup.


Fred

-------
Blujays1: Spending Fred's money one bottle at a time, no two... Oh crap!
Re: DIY Loudspeakers
INANE #367869 02/25/12 01:00 AM
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I saw that in my latest Parts Express flyer. Crazy if you ask me (that design looks to be compensating for something).

I am going to build a sub to be my 2nd sub for my home theater. I have the details, but need to get it built. Looks to try to duplicate the sound of my SVS sub. I have the amp, woofer (from Parts Express) and port tube. Need to get the MDF and such (it will be a box instead of a "sono-sub"...


Farewell - June 4, 2020
Re: DIY Loudspeakers
INANE #367872 02/25/12 01:05 AM
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When I was a kid, I put some 6X9 3-ways into little purchased boxes for my bedroom stereo. Does that count?

It was the only experience I ever had with 3-ways....


::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
Re: DIY Loudspeakers
fredk #367881 02/25/12 02:17 AM
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[quote=fredk] Is this something that specialty wood producers can provide if you don't have the tools to do this yourself? [quote]

Fred, some suppliers of veneer should be able to set you up with bookmatched veneer although I feel that many of the veneers are quite expensive. Also, some of the very exotic woods are probably not available...whether it's because of demand or because of the difficulty in veneering some of these woods due to their hardness or grain structure, I'm not really sure. What I will likely do, is cut a strip or two of hardwood flooring in half (tall ways) and plane them down to 3/16 or so...each half would be bookmatched to the other of course. I have some strips of African Acashi left over from hardwood flooring my last house and I've recently purchased some Sucipira for my next house.


Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
Re: DIY Loudspeakers
INANE #367886 02/25/12 03:22 AM
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Joe,
how far are from Holbrook, MA?


M3 and
M80
Re: DIY Loudspeakers
Lampshade #367888 02/25/12 03:43 AM
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Originally Posted By: Lampshade
Joe,
how far are from Holbrook, MA?

About 3 hours...I'm in western CT near Danbury.


I started out with nothing & I've still got most of it left
M60 VP160 QS8 EP350
M22 VP100
Algonquins
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