Top DYI Speaker Options


Hi, looking for some advice on DYI speakers kits.  One of my best friends has a wood working shop and he and I are thinking about tag teaming building cabinets for a kit. 
 

I currently have Alta Audio Alec’s which are a 2 way, transmission line design with ribbon tweeters. I’ve had Focal 1028BE, Omega DynaTen, Mirage Standard Floor Standers.  I love the Alta Audio, found the Focal’s magical with specific tracks but for the majority of tracks fatiguing.  
 

I’m leaning toward wanting to build a 3 way design, either retro style cabinet or standard floor stander cabinet.  Purpose is to have a really good time building them with my buddy, tapping into his passion for wood working.  I also want to build a speaker that sounds awesome with some high quality components and a design that takes advantage of the quality components. 
 

My gear is a PS Ausio BHK Pre, PS Audio Direct Stream II DAC, Lumin U2 mini with SBooster feeding a Krell 300XD Duo.  I listen to a wide range of music, ranging from Rock, Hard Rock from the 70’s-2000’s.  Eagles, Tom Petty, Chicago, Van Halen, Metallica, Aerosmith, Pearl Jam, U2 and others, Newer Country, Hip Hop from the 80’s to early 2000’s, Pop from 70’s through present.  My space is a finished basement, fairly open space, listening area 18 x 20.  Sit about 14 feet away from speakers.  
 

MadisonSound is a spot I know to go for DYI kits, I don’t have any experience in the this space. 
 

Thanks,

mm1tt77

GR-Research and Linkwitz, there is a concurrent thread going on right now that was pasted above

I second @gdaddy1's Hi-Vi/Swan's 3.1 recommendation. I built a pair and they punch well above their weight class. Terrific value and terrific speakers. High quality parts and very complete kit. The only issue I had was gluing up the cabinets, as all the joints are miter cut. That is a problem with my woodworking (lack of) skills, though, not a shortcoming of the kit.

If you have any interest in horns, you should look at Joseph Crowe Audio.

they have been supported DIY audio community for a really long time and Troy is absolutely fantastic with his designs and objective testing.

Build plans are incredibly reasonable. 
 

 

^ I like the J.Crowe builds but have never heard one. Another horn focused kit that sounds fantastic are from Pi Speakers. Great communication with the designer through a forum, flat packs and even matching subs. His kits use Eminence drivers for the standard kit and B&C if you choose to upgrade. I like the Four Pi bass reflex model, you have an option of using the JBL 2226 15" woofer!