DIY Speaker Kits, a good idea?

@nogaps: I myself almost bought the GR Research Super V to build. Before that could happen I was introduced to the Eminent Technology LFT-8b, an open baffle/dipole planar-magnetic hybrid loudspeaker (p-m for 180Hz and up, an 8" dynamic woofer in a sealed enclosure for 180Hz down). I’ll provide a link to the review of the LFT-8b by Steve Guttenberg below.

Since you already own the amazing GR Research/Rythmik Audio Open Baffle/Dipole Woofer system (incorporated in the Super V), you can do what I did and use it in place of the stock LFT-8 woofer. The LFT-8b features two sets of binding posts, one for the planar/magnetic panels, the other for the woofers. Just leave the woofer disconnected, and use the OB/Dipole woofer in it’s place. You may then set the balance between the panels and the woofers with the controls on the Rythmik Audio plate amp that is included with your Super V kit. You will then have a completely OB/dipole loudspeaker that can reproduce the full 20-20kHz sound of music, and at a bargain price! I like Magnepans as well as the next fella (I bought my first pair in 1973, and currently own a pair of Tympani T-IVa), but I agree with Guttenberg: The LFT-8b is better.

https://youtu.be/Uc5O5T1UHkE?si=KdWi2ZuslOZvYSPk

I just watched the video. Sounds like great set of speakers and mixed with the GR sub system..yikes,  Cost is very reasonable if they sound like Steve says. I’ve always liked planar/EM types. Never owned a pair, but I make a point of listening to whatever is available at audio shows.  But first!  I need to get the Super Vs up and running.  I’m a couple days work away form starting the final finishing. Still doing the final surface prep before the first coat of primer,  You’ll see the build thread on GR’s AC site.  I’ll be running the SVs with a Don Sachs DS2 pre and a DS Kootenay amp.  I’m hoping this will be a long term system..but, we’ll see. 

Sounds like the LFT-8b are power hungry. I currently run a McCormack DNA-1 (yes..still running wonderfully despite a gloom and doom thread here a few years back).  Should do fine, if need be. 

Thx for the (excellent) suggestion. It’s good to have options.  

(oh, and I auditioned a pair of Tympani speakers..jeez..3+ decades ago. Wow..didn't have room for them at the time though.)

@nogaps: I also don't have room for the Tympani's, that's why they are sitting in their cartons in a spare room.

As for the power needs for the ET LFT-8b's: While they are a low sensitivity loudspeaker (84dB, the same as Maggies), they are an easy 8 ohm load. And if you don't use the woofer, the planar-magnetic panels are an even easier 11 ohm load, great for tube amps. And with no current demands from the stock woofer, a 100w/ch amp is plenty for moderately sized rooms. $3200/pr, a true bargain.

Apologies for the late reply, just moved after 35yrs so I’m underwater with boxes of stuff.  My garage is packed with boxes 4 high with a narrow path, and many more within the home.

@devinplombier : Consider Linkwitz

I’ve demoed Linkwitz several times.  The first it sounded meh, but lately they sounded really good.  I suspect the drivers were different.  Their top drivers cost 20k, significantly more than I’d like to spend on a kit.

@decooney: If you have never designed or built anything like this before, and have very high expectations on how it turns out - its worth spending up a little more [first time] buying a proven kit with the right drivers and crossovers, with cabinet plans, or explore cabinets you can purchase through the product designer if desired.  

Yep, this is were I’m at.  The the transducers of upper end kits seem sonically promising 

Panel speakers from scratch: I read that Stereophile Herb REICHERT visited Nelson Pass who had a homemade panel speakers that Herb loved.  So I wrote down the individual transducers to maybe construct a pair of my own.  In my layman’s mind it seems that it’s simple to mount the transducers, wire the terminals,  then wire to a crossover (am I missing something). Problem is, besides knowing that they split the signal to run the separate transducers, I have no clue on how to choose and use a crossover.  Additional crossover guidance/info/education would be appreciated.

Although woodworking seems fun and enjoyable, I have no experience and only simple cutting tools. So if I do a kit, I’ll use a premade box.

@pindac : The Panzerholz proved to be extremely attractive in use.

I struggled to find online sources for panzerholz or similar.  Do you know of a source?

@devinplombier : https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/the-1000-budget-build-begins.430013/

Thanks for the link

@kennyc 

Panzerholz is a German product. I think LessLoss Audio used to sell it. 

This thread might interest you.

Bit off topic, but I moved to a new house 2 years ago after 31 years in the old one so I completely empathize with your predicament 

Re Linkwitz, not all kits use the same driver complement as the factory-built ones. There are also significant differences in amplification and electronics. Factory uses analog active crossovers whereas many DIYers use DSP.