So I started a project that I've always wanted to try: Building my own speakers. Being my first go round, I chose a kit based on a tried and true design that has been well received by the DIY audio community, both in terms of audio quality and ease of construction.
This speaker design details are here: https://sites.google.com/site/undefinition/diy-overnightsensations
The actual kit I purchased (x2) is here:
http://www.diysoundgroup.com/speaker-kits/os-speaker-kit.html
This was all spurred by the upcoming re-release of The Beatles mono recordings on vinyl. I always wanted to truly start a vinyl collection (I have a few I've picked up here and there) and figured this was as good a time as any. I've chosen a Rega RP1 for my first turntable and these DIY speakers will likely be connected through an inexpensive phono pre-amp and a 60 watt class D amp. Going forward, I plan to substitute Marantz components and a pair of Bowers & Wilkins speakers (a bucket list purchase for me) to complete a proper hi-fi system. Depending on how the DIY speaker project(s?) go, the speaker plans may change.
So far, I have one of the speaker cabinets assembled (baffle hasn't been attached). Some medical concerns have limited the use of my hands (on a holiday weekend no less!), so I'm kinda stuck where I'm at for the next week or so. I did order up new tips for my soldering iron and some small parts for the crossover, so I'll be ready to go once I can manipulate a soldering iron.
The kit uses baltic birch plywood instead of MDF, which I assume if fine since the cabinet is so small. Typically, plywood is a poor choice for cabinet construction. However, unlike MDF, hardwood plywood can be finished without having to veneer or resort to paint. It comes as a flat pack, all CNC cut but completely disassembled. The CNC cuts and rabbet joints make for easy and tight assembly.
The veneering part is what is turing me off from a larger speaker project. I know it's likely not difficult, but I've never done it before and am reluctant to invest the time and money into a larger speaker, only to muck it all up on the last steps. I am thinking of constructing a set of speaker stands for these small speakers from MDF and trying my veneering skills there, before committing to something larger.
Pics will be coming as the project continues. Right now it's a bunch of parts and a partially completed box.
This speaker design details are here: https://sites.google.com/site/undefinition/diy-overnightsensations
The actual kit I purchased (x2) is here:
http://www.diysoundgroup.com/speaker-kits/os-speaker-kit.html
This was all spurred by the upcoming re-release of The Beatles mono recordings on vinyl. I always wanted to truly start a vinyl collection (I have a few I've picked up here and there) and figured this was as good a time as any. I've chosen a Rega RP1 for my first turntable and these DIY speakers will likely be connected through an inexpensive phono pre-amp and a 60 watt class D amp. Going forward, I plan to substitute Marantz components and a pair of Bowers & Wilkins speakers (a bucket list purchase for me) to complete a proper hi-fi system. Depending on how the DIY speaker project(s?) go, the speaker plans may change.
So far, I have one of the speaker cabinets assembled (baffle hasn't been attached). Some medical concerns have limited the use of my hands (on a holiday weekend no less!), so I'm kinda stuck where I'm at for the next week or so. I did order up new tips for my soldering iron and some small parts for the crossover, so I'll be ready to go once I can manipulate a soldering iron.
The kit uses baltic birch plywood instead of MDF, which I assume if fine since the cabinet is so small. Typically, plywood is a poor choice for cabinet construction. However, unlike MDF, hardwood plywood can be finished without having to veneer or resort to paint. It comes as a flat pack, all CNC cut but completely disassembled. The CNC cuts and rabbet joints make for easy and tight assembly.
The veneering part is what is turing me off from a larger speaker project. I know it's likely not difficult, but I've never done it before and am reluctant to invest the time and money into a larger speaker, only to muck it all up on the last steps. I am thinking of constructing a set of speaker stands for these small speakers from MDF and trying my veneering skills there, before committing to something larger.
Pics will be coming as the project continues. Right now it's a bunch of parts and a partially completed box.