What New Stuff Have You Bought? If You Care To Share Thead! :)

[NINaudio]

That's what I'm going to use them for. My tiny JBL's just aren't cutting it anymore. This kit was too cheap to pass up.

Which JBL's do you have? I'm currently using these:
Edifier R1280DB

 

[panteragstk]

Which JBL's do you have? I'm currently using these:
Edifier R1280DB

Black version of these little guys.

They are actually pretty good, but the total lack of anything below 200hz is what's driving my decision.

 

[panteragstk]

Just bought a new (to me) video card from a coworker. He sold me his old RTX 2080 for a very reasonable $350!

 

[ryanosaur]

Hmm. I didn't think of that. Just any PCB will work or can I make something else work too? I've got a TON of random wood pieces laying around that might work. I'll start a build thread when I get the parts later this week.

I considered non-printed, perforated circuit board from PE... actually bought 2 different sizes. Circuit board is hard to drill through and easy to damage so I held off on that. Bought a sheet of 1/8” hardboard (masonite) and drilled my own holes for wire ties to help secure the XO Components. I just made cut it to size for my XO needs, layed out and traced the components, drilled holes where I wanted them. I used Silicon Adhesive/Sealant and wire ties to secure the parts. I used standoffs between the XO Board and cabinet, wood screws to secure the board to the cabinet.
Sounds like a lot!
I know pegboard is often referenced, but spacing was an issue and I figured if I had to drill anyway, I might as well go with the non perforated hardboard.
Photos here:

First time DIY XO build, random questions

When coming up with a crossover board layout, I find it useful to print a copy of this diagram and keep it nearby. Use alignment examples 1, 6, or 7. In your small 2-way, you might have a tough time finding 20 cm (8") as shown for #1. Do the best you can with the available space. Align iron...

forums.audioholics.com

Also see Mr Boat's photos further down the thread... I'm going to follow his example and put the leads down through the board next time with all connections made on the underside where possible.

 

[NINaudio]

Got damn loch ness monster!

What are you going to power the OS's with? I ended up using my deftech SC4000 as the "sub" for my PC.

 

[ryanosaur]

 

[afterlife2]

Black version of these little guys.

They are actually pretty good, but the total lack of anything below 200hz is what's driving my decision.

I had those they were great as surrounds in my NY apt. I remember watching the Roy orbison live dvd and the violins sounded so beautiful. I may buy them from you if I get a good deal or a trade perhaps.

 

[panteragstk]

I had those they were great as surrounds in my NY apt. I remember watching the Roy orbison live dvd and the violins sounded so beautiful. I may buy them from you if I get a good deal or a trade perhaps.

I'm pretty sure you are the one that recommended them to me. You said exactly the same thing about violins and you are correct. Those little guys have been great, just time to upgrade.

 

[panteragstk]

Got damn loch ness monster!

What are you going to power the OS's with? I ended up using my deftech SC4000 as the "sub" for my PC.

I have a Kanto Yaro DAC/amp that I'm using now. Should work well.

Nice sub. Does it really dig to 16hz?

 

[afterlife2]

I'm pretty sure you are the one that recommended them to me. You said exactly the same thing about violins and you are correct. Those little guys have been great, just time to upgrade.

What amp are gonna use with your new build?

 

[NINaudio]

I have a Kanto Yaro DAC/amp that I'm using now. Should work well.

Nice sub. Does it really dig to 16hz?

Absolutely not. LOL. It falls off a cliff below 30 Hz and was the reason I ended up building my UM18.

 

[slipperybidness]

Hmm. I didn't think of that. Just any PCB will work or can I make something else work too? I've got a TON of random wood pieces laying around that might work. I'll start a build thread when I get the parts later this week.

Oh, "any" board will work. Most people just go to homedepot and get a piece of pegboard, I think it is technically called "perf board", then cut that to the proper size. Then, you zip-tie and hot glue the components in place, then solder. It is basically just a way to get everything organized into a XO board.

BUT...the beauty of the proper PCB is that you don't even have to follow the schematic. Just stuff the board and solder the leads to the traces, trim the excess, done and done! You do put faith that the person that designed and had the PCBs made had it done properly, but the general feedback has been good that I have seen. And, then it is just a nice clean look, but you are the only person that will ever see it anyway.

I think @MrBoat has used some of the ebay PCBs on his work.

I will make it easy for you

Pair of Crossover PCBs for the Overnight Sensations DIY speaker design - PCB Kit | eBay

2x Crossover PCBs for the Overnight Sensations speaker design. Crossover components for the Overnight Sensations speaker design. Custom printed circuit boards designed for the crossover of the Overnight Sensation DIY speaker design by Paul Carmody.

www.ebay.com

 

[panteragstk]

Well, I had no intention of doing so, but I bought two sets of these. No I guess I need a 5.1.4 capable receiver for my office. Got them 50% off and I don't think I'll be able to find them much longer.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0148NPHO8/ref=emc_b_5_t

 

[slipperybidness]

How do you like the overnight sensations? I've been considering building them for PC duties.

They are good speakers, but I don't call them "excellent" for sure.

Certainly my DCM TP or TFE line of speakers are better. Certainly my DIY BMR and Alexis Rebecca Philharmonitor are much better!

I would rate them along the lines of my Emotiva Bookshelf Speakers or DefTech SM350. No slouch, but not top tier speakers either.

To my ears, the tweeters do seem a little bit "shouty" to me, that is my biggest complaint. Beyond that, they are indeed fine little speakers!

With that being said, they do get a lot of play time being in the garage, which is obviously not an ideal setting. They are at about the right ear-height while I am standing and working at my workbench. When the temperature is decent, I spend just about as much time tinkering in the garage as I do in the house!

 

[slipperybidness]

Got damn loch ness monster!

What are you going to power the OS's with? I ended up using my deftech SC4000 as the "sub" for my PC.

I am using a Boxed Kit Amps GOBO ChipAmp. I built it and measured it as a class project for my solid state class several years back at the local CC.

 

[MrBoat]

I think @MrBoat has used some of the ebay PCBs on his work.

Yes. I got a set from ebay for the C-note speakers. Also, when I built the fusion-12, diysoundgroup had not only the pcb, but offered to build it for a ridiculously small fee, so I splurged there too. I really dislike the perfboard, of all the possible alternatives.

I dunno, I reckon if I built the drivers from scratch, and everything about it was my own design, I might have kept it all 'self' made. I build a lot of things as a day job. After awhile, just knowing you can do it is enough.

I am currently sitting on a Paul Carmody Speedster kit. It has the mdf xover boards. I may saturate them with epoxy to plasticize them enough to drill halfway decently, and so that they look a bit more like I cared, at least.

 

[panteragstk]

Yes. I got a set from ebay for the C-note speakers. Also, when I built the fusion-12, diysoundgroup had not only the pcb, but offered to build it for a ridiculously small fee, so I splurged there too. I really dislike the perfboard, of all the possible alternatives.

I dunno, I reckon if I built the drivers from scratch, and everything about it was my own design, I might have kept it all 'self' made. I build a lot of things as a day job. After awhile, just knowing you can do it is enough.

I am currently sitting on a Paul Carmody Speedster kit. It has the mdf xover boards. I may saturate them with epoxy to plasticize them enough to drill halfway decently, and so that they look a bit more like I cared, at least.

Nice on the speedster kit. Did you do the ribbon version?

 

[MrBoat]

Nice on the speedster kit. Did you do the ribbon version?

Yes.

 

[slipperybidness]

Yes. I got a set from ebay for the C-note speakers. Also, when I built the fusion-12, diysoundgroup had not only the pcb, but offered to build it for a ridiculously small fee, so I splurged there too. I really dislike the perfboard, of all the possible alternatives.

I dunno, I reckon if I built the drivers from scratch, and everything about it was my own design, I might have kept it all 'self' made. I build a lot of things as a day job. After awhile, just knowing you can do it is enough.

I am currently sitting on a Paul Carmody Speedster kit. It has the mdf xover boards. I may saturate them with epoxy to plasticize them enough to drill halfway decently, and so that they look a bit more like I cared, at least.

I have also considered making my own PCBs! I have never done it personally, but I have at least 2 friends that have. You can buy the supplies online, likely from PE. It is fiberglass board with a copper plating. You mask off your traces (a couple different methods to do this), etch away the un-masked copper, then remove the mask. Then drill the holes, which isn't much fun!

But, I can tell you that one of my friends that has done this many times (he is an Electrical Engineer) has most recently just been drawing up the PCBs in Eagle, then just farming it out to some operation in China. He says that with the labor involved, he just pays them to do it now, and they will do low-volume work.

 

[MrBoat]

I have also considered making my own PCBs! I have never done it personally, but I have at least 2 friends that have. You can buy the supplies online, likely from PE. It is fiberglass board with a copper plating. You mask off your traces (a couple different methods to do this), etch away the un-masked copper, then remove the mask. Then drill the holes, which isn't much fun!

But, I can tell you that one of my friends that has done this many times (he is an Electrical Engineer) has most recently just been drawing up the PCBs in Eagle, then just farming it out to some operation in China. He says that with the labor involved, he just pays them to do it now, and they will do low-volume work.

Yes. It's actually pretty inexpensive, even if they have a board minimum. I also saw where someone used the (was like 3 different free programs) same pcb service to build electronics equipment front and rear panels for chassis, with silk screened lettering etc. Was actually quite nice and professional looking. Puts in all of the screw holes (even with the copper to add strength to the holes) and other component holes like for pots and whatnot.