I think as Anil suggested , you do a pilot and figure out if you have the appetite for doing a more expensive system based on your experience. About 10-12 years ago I had very little other options available,so I had to go the diy route. In addition, your speaker is one link in the chain-the others will also affect the end result-amp/ sub/ source,dac, etc etc..So when you plan you may want to look at those components as well.
So there could be some element of hit or miss-for example a high sensitivity speaker system may work well with a tube amp, but not the other way around. My solution to this was to check and ask for feedback from people who had built systems, as well as read up-which is why I keep harping on doing some research, and then look at your budget. I ultimately ended up with 4 speaker systems and 4 amps! No doubt that good drivers cost money but they also end up giving you a much bigger bang for your buck, when implemented right.
Hi George,
I really want to do this
and I am really charged up and gung ho about this. I will do a lot of research before I take the plunge, including diy desktop speakers and if needed doing diy surrounds. I have already been doing a lot of reading and will continue to do so, I guess in about 4-6 months time, I will be ready to take up the project.
I have already done a good sub and that gives me a lot of confidence. I know the speakers are different, but then I didnt know jack about subs when I started out.:lol:.
I have (or is it had to
.) studied a lot of electronics in college, made a lot of circuits on bread boards, used oscilloscopes, made pcbs from scratch. A lot of it I dont remember, but reading will surely help.
, atleast I will reach a stage where I can understand the concepts behind a crossover and what goes into making it. If I dont feel comfortable, I can always take help, use pre-existing desins or kits etc. I dont have soldering skills, but that I can use some shop guy to do it for me. I can also learn and practise a bit as its quite a useful thing I feel.
I think so far what I have read, crossover is the hardest component to design, good part is I dont mind tweaking around with the crossover to get better sound. What I would be loath to do is make a big cabinet and then end up trashing it coz I choose the wrong drivers, so thats where I have to be very careful.
Desktop Speakers
OK, so the first I will take up is my desktop speakers. The space for this is about Wxhxd 9"x10.5"x9". I am thinking about going with a 4/5" FR driver, any bigger might not be good with nearfield. Any opinions about what size is suitable for this. If I am not happy with the performance, I can always add
a tweeter-crossover or sub or both depending upon the need. Though I think it will be a sub as a small FR will give decent High frequencies. I will be using some used 30-50w ss integrated/power amp. Since these are small sized cabs, sensitivity probably wont be too big to use ss. The source is m-audio revolution 7.1 sound card with flacs. Some day I might add a dac to the setup.
I also liked a few 2-way designs on the web. Will discuss these once i have sorted out a few things and narrowed down the list.
thanx.
