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#1508748 - 10/10/08 02:28 PM

DIY speaker designs

Mr. Tibbs
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So, from my experience in car audio I know I can get more bang for my buck if I build my own speakers. I am pretty good with wood so if I can find a simple design I should be able to handle it with ease. What is worrying me is the crossover designs. I have zero experience with anything like that and me and soldering do not get along. Can I have someone else build the x-over for me? Has anyone built their own speakers? Anyone have any designs they like?

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#1509186 - 12/10/08 01:47 AM

Re: DIY speaker designs [Re: Mr. Tibbs]

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Originally Posted By: Mr. Tibbs

I am actually designing an entire system in winter (I will have time then
usb to DAC to actively controlled speaker
the speaker will feature a waveguide tweeter with most likely a class a amp where as the mids will be in a dipole configuration
run off class B. My laptop will feed it while controlled from my iphone

id be willing to build a few extra if there is interest
maybe a cheaper version running off chip amps

go to htguide.com to see there "mission accomplished" or zaphaudio .com
you will notice that the passives cost more than the speakers in some cases

Parts express has very nice cabinets that will certainly be nicer than most can build

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#1510059 - 13/10/08 07:12 PM

Re: DIY speaker designs [Re: PERVO 2.0]

keep_hope_alive
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parts express also has some great books on speaker designs. as well as software like Bass Box Pro and Crossover Pro.

the crossover will take several iterations before you have a good design.

look up back issues of Audio eXpress - lots of projects in there.

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#1512526 - 16/10/08 04:34 PM

Re: DIY speaker designs [Re: keep_hope_alive]

veedubb8
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I think Madisound will custom build a x-over for you.. Haven't been there in a while so not 100% sure on that.

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#1512701 - 16/10/08 11:04 PM

Re: DIY speaker designs [Re: veedubb8]

Mr. Tibbs
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I did take a look at the ones on parts express and there seem to be some there that I can handle. I guess I'll just have someone else build the x-over for me when I tackle this. Thanks guys!

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#1513124 - 17/10/08 05:45 PM

Re: DIY speaker designs [Re: Mr. Tibbs]

keep_hope_alive
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crossovers can be very simple, very complex, or somewhere in between. it all depends on your expectations. you can even buy premade crossovers that have predetermined crossover points. testing the speaker with different component values and crossover points is the only way to properly tune a passive crossover. no one could do that without the actual finished speaker.

building one yourself is easy once you select the proper values. that is where software can be very beneficial. if you design the speaker using bass box pro, you can export the file to crossover pro and get very close on the first try. close enough for most people.

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#1514078 - 19/10/08 08:41 PM

Re: DIY speaker designs [Re: keep_hope_alive]

Mr. Tibbs
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I found a design that I love but have some questions about speakers and xovers. I'm thinking about using all Dayton drivers including a 7", a 5", and the 1 1/8" silk dome tweets. Do you guys think that is the right mix of drivers? And my real question is the xover. I have found some on parts express but am unsure of which one to go with. Out of these what one is the right one? Is there something better for around the same price?

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#1514152 - 20/10/08 12:05 AM

Re: DIY speaker designs [Re: Mr. Tibbs]

keep_hope_alive
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Dayton makes decent drivers - and they have a good warranty. if you are getting drivers from the same series or line then it would be a good mix. the premade crossovers are fine to get the set up and running. then you can hone the design once you get to listen to them.

as far as driver size goes - it really depends on what you expect from them. if you want bass output then get a small plate amp to power some integral subs. you can mount a sub to the side of the enclosure to increase bass output and maintain your desired width. the performance of those speakers will be determined by the enclosure - make sure the 5" and 7" don't share the same airspace. i assume the 5" will be sealed and you'll vent the 7".

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#1514608 - 20/10/08 12:39 PM

Re: DIY speaker designs [Re: keep_hope_alive]

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well you didnt read either of the sites I mentioned. Otherwise you would realize you need high order crossovers with the RS series and that 3ways are not recommended for first time "design"

you are far better served replicating one of the designs
you will have far better results

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#1514918 - 20/10/08 09:52 PM

Re: DIY speaker designs [Re: PERVO 2.0]

keep_hope_alive
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can't knock a guy down for wanting to try. $\:\)$ there is enough software and reading material available that anyone with the desire can get a 3-way design done well on the first try. it all depends on how much time and effort you are willing to put in. of course, testing/tuning is what makes the difference between an ok speaker and an outstanding speaker.

Dayton has a lot of successful projects that are well documented. I agree that choosing one of those will let you experience creating a speaker from scratch, while helping you make good decisions.

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#1518270 - 26/10/08 07:39 AM

Re: DIY speaker designs [Re: keep_hope_alive]

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http://www.htguide.com/forum/forumdisplay.php4?f=39

This forum has everything you need in regards to speaker design. There are proven DIY speaker and crossover designs complete with pictures, parts lists, and all the response curves.

Look into the Natalie P or Modula MT threads. You can do something as simple as a parts express pre-assembled box or designing and building a tower for it.

These designs rely on everything that can be had at parts express: Dayton M/W/T and all of the crossover materials

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