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Opinion - Every audiophile should build at least 1 pair of speakers

I think everyone who does this, even just once, would be forever changed and become an improved music listener as well as equipment hobbyist.

Whether you build a single driver speaker like the LM-1S or the 2-way desktop LM-1 (designs are free) or any other kit from


I think you would find yourself with very different biases and understanding of how parts interact, how drivers work, and how much a good pair of speakers should cost, and most likely you would have a different opinion about what a good speaker sounds like.

Would you build world reference speakers for $50 a pair? Not likely at all, but when I see audiophiles argue over thousands of dollars in speaker cables and interconnects, I think to myself, their opinions and biases about where to spend their time and money would be forever changed if they built but a single pair of speakers.

Also, of course, building speakers is fun as hell, and a great project to introduce kids to electronics. Especially girls, we need more girls who grow up to be speaker makers, amp designers and audiophiles!

Best,


Erik


erik_squires
erik_squires OP
16,041 posts
 
John,

Lots of kits only require a router jig and circle cutter. :)

Some flat-pack kits don't even require that. Also, look through some of the Great Plains links, they work with a great cabinet maker. I personally use Lee Taylor for my top end stuff.

Best,

E
salectric
748 posts
 
Assembling a speaker kit is not "building" a speaker IMO.  Just like putting together an IKEA cabinet is not building furniture.  Hifi kits can be fun and give you a sense of accomplishment, but they are just scratching the surface for DIY.
erik_squires OP
16,041 posts
 
Assembling a speaker kit is not "building" a speaker IMO.  Just like putting together an IKEA cabinet is not building furniture.  Hifi kits can be fun and give you a sense of accomplishment, but they are just scratching the surface for DIY.

I am really saddened by this type of attitude in an area I want to make fun and inviting for people regardless of their economic opportunity, tools or background.

I think it is much more important to be welcoming and share knowledge and passion.

Best,

E
geoch's avatar
geoch
354 posts
 
Next time think twice when searching even for ... footers.
First you start by modifying the cheap parts, 
(internal wire, caps, inductors, binding posts)
Then you realize that with all these obvious compromises you should have done a much better clone instead of buying it ....

You may get the virus when purchasing a vintage TT.
It is so simple.
It is quite impossible to resist upon a TT plinth, a  PSU for TT using LT regulator boards already assembled,  the Belden 1800F for internal hook-up wiring, and wait ... what if  ... DIY interconnects with the rest using the KLEI Absolute Harmony? 
WTF? How come to overachieve my $$$ SOTA cables ?
The damage done
You are addicted
And yet, if you have the will, the speaker is the best place to dig deep into. You can't make it from scratch. Forget it! 
Please choose the over the top of your short list, give your best effort and keep the expectations low. You will be surprised with the outcome.
If you make it with dedication and attention to detail, you may easily sell it when you want to proceed to another project. It continues to amaze me how smoothly went the sale of 5 TT & 4 speakers that I've done.

I don't know what is the motive behind these projects.  
Financial reasons, or just fun, or about the uniqueness of creation. 
Maybe it is more about self-esteem ...
But then you realize, you have just make a jump to the next level
and suddenly all the glitter has gone. No more trendy boutiques for you...
Aqualung my friend ... You are no more with our collective elite.

and you are still wondering why this board does not hosts DIY ...
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,467 posts
 
Does anyone know what tower cabinet at Parts Express can be used with a GR Research tower kit? My step son would like to build a set of floor standing speakers, but needs a cabinet not just drivers and crossover.  He wants floor standers.  Thanks. 
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