bookshelf speakers. diy vs internet direct vs paradigm, klipsch, yada yada etc etc

[khorny]

I've never personally owned an audiophile grade sound system. I have heard a wide range of car and home audio from the low end of the spectrum to at least the middle. I have some mid-late 70's (I think) pioneer premiere separates coming my way. Amp, pre amp, tuner and turntable. I believe it is a tube setup (I haven't done much research). They weigh a lot. The amp needs some work. One channel is scratchy. I am going to get the amp fixed and use it for a stereo music listening environment. I'm pretty crafty. I want to make my own speaker cables and do any work I can that will get me better sq for the money. Spending around $500 PR for bookshelf speakers, (limited space) is it worth the time/money/sq quality to go through the steps to build a proper speaker or is there a better choice based on the money issue? ($20usd/hr figured into the build for my personal time) ??? I was looking at svs speakers. A few other internet companies have crossed my mind as well as paradigm and klipsch. I want loud, true mids and highs. I live in an apartment so bass isn't my main priority although extension below 60 Hz would be ideal. I don't want colored or dull sound if possible. I have a feeling the amp is slightly colored and like that side of the spectrum better than dull. I'm stuck, confused and not educated enough to be confident with a decision based on my limited knowledge. I am too far away to audition anything. K horns will blow the foundation of my apartment building open and cost too much. Any help. Please. I am not biased towards or against any one or manufacturer. Any input is appreciated. Thank you for reading and thank you if you respond. This is only my second or third post I think, but I hope my username draws some responses.

 

[GranteedEV]

I have some mid-late 70's (I think) pioneer premiere separates coming my way. Amp, pre amp, tuner and turntable. I believe it is a tube setup (I haven't done much research). They weigh a lot. The amp needs some work. One channel is scratchy. I am going to get the amp fixed and use it for a stereo music listening environment. I'm pretty crafty. I want to make my own speaker cables and do any work I can that will get me better sq for the money.

The tube amps might be a bottleneck. Hopefully they're not though.

Spending around $500 PR for bookshelf speakers, (limited space) is it worth the time/money/sq quality to go through the steps to build a proper speaker or is there a better choice based on the money issue? ($20usd/hr figured into the build for my personal time) ???

DIY? You could def build some wicked speakers.

But i'm not sure why you think bookshelf speakers will take less space than a tower. It's the same footprint.

As far as commercial speakers go, consider EMP e55Tis if you're open to towers, or Ascend cmt-340 if you insist on stand-mounts.

 

[lsiberian]

Building speakers on the balcony is not a simple task. Doing it properly requires very good woodworking skills, fantastic tools with proper bits and blades. Precision is of utmost importance so jigs are required. Since plywood is often used you will need good techniques for handling it. I have no problem helping with some of what I've learned doing this, but doing so to save money rarely works out. Doing a proper finish is not a simple task either.

If you do want to DIY. I suggest the following
1. Go Sealed. Dealing with ports with limited tools is not easy.

2. Brace for tornados. (it's cheap, easy and leads to great performance.)

3. All circular drivers. I'm actually considering selling my RTIs and getting circular drivers. I'd have to recut the baffles, but it is going to require a lot of work to make the baffles look good.

4. Keep it simple. Avoid 3-ways and stick to the MTM or TM.

5. Go Active. A minidsp plus chip amp is gonna be cheaper and often easier than a proper crossover. Plus you can always voice your speaker more easily for any setup.

 

[khorny]

Thanks for the input. I'm not an extremely skilled woodworker nor do I have an amazingly diverse amount of tools, bits and attachments. The more I think about it the more I'm leaning towards buying speakers instead of building.
The speakers will most likely be hung or I will make stands are very unobtrusive. I don't want rear ports because of space and placement issues. I'm willing to spend a little more if it is worth it. Without anywhere near to demo speakers I'm thinking internet direct with most companies paying shipping both ways if you decide you don't want them. Eventually I will upgrade to 5.2 but that is way in the future. Now I just want a very compact very loud system. (All the components will be hidden in a closet.) Most of all I want it to sound great! No muddy music for me.

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks for the input. I'm not an extremely skilled woodworker nor do I have an amazingly diverse amount of tools, bits and attachments. The more I think about it the more I'm leaning towards buying speakers instead of building.
The speakers will most likely be hung or I will make stands are very unobtrusive. I don't want rear ports because of space and placement issues. I'm willing to spend a little more if it is worth it. Without anywhere near to demo speakers I'm thinking internet direct with most companies paying shipping both ways if you decide you don't want them. Eventually I will upgrade to 5.2 but that is way in the future. Now I just want a very compact very loud system. (All the components will be hidden in a closet.) Most of all I want it to sound great! No muddy music for me.

If you enjoy woodworking I'd recommend you give the build a go. If you want something simple you could go with a full range driver.

Creative Sound - Product Details would be an easy first build with one cut and you can simply get the hang of making speaker cabinets.