Hi,
I am a new member to the forum. I’ve frequented this forum over the last 7 years or so. This is when I started to really become invested in the hobby and lifestyle. Over this time I have had a chance to purchase and try a lot of gear from vintage to modern. Loudspeakers and electronics both.
Currently, I have a few different systems that I have held onto while most everything else has been traded or sold in order to purchase more gear. Funny how that works, isn’t it? Anyway, for loudspeakers, I have an original set of Teledyne Acoustic Research AR9 loudspeakers (from the late 70’s - early 80’s, not the more modern ones that were junk), a pair of Sony SS-TL5 Transmission Line speakers from the early 90’s I believe, some Polk Monitor 7b speakers, and a more modern pair of Polk RTi-10 tower speakers. For my electronics I have a Plinius 8200 mk II that has been updated with the latest parts and tech recommended by Plinius. I also have a 1969 McIntosh MC2105 power amplifier that has been recapped with capacitors directly from McIntosh. Anything that wasn’t available for the amp, I was sent a direct replacement for by McIntosh service center. I also have the matching McIntosh C28 preamplifier that has been serviced and updated. A Yamaha MX-800 power amp.
When i, I use the Plinius integrated to power the AR9’s or Sony TL speakers. I’ve always been able to hear sonic differences between electronics but this amplifier took that to a new level. I could really hear improvements across the entire frequency range. I rotate between the two speakers above because of the sound characteristics that they carry.. both produce very musical bass that is not only heard but really felt. The AR9’s produce more bass at higher spl but the Sonys have better quality of bass. It’s musical, powerful, all while having excellent transients. Both speakers have a nice midrange and presence. The highs are clear and smooth without ever being shrill or harsh. I believe the AR9’s to be one of the best speakers that has been offered to consumers in the history or hifi audio. I’m also aware how far technology has come in the last 50 years. Yes, they produce great sound but I know that improvements could be had. The Sonys check all boxes for me other than being able to hit the lowest register in the bass region.. they’re solid down to 30-35 Hz. The quality of bass that they produce is astounding though. I’m assuming this has to do with the transmission line loading of the woofer.
With these things in mind, I would like to try to design and build a set of speakers for myself that will improve upon what I enjoy about the speakers above. I have decided that I would like to try to design a pair of transmission line speakers. I am aware of the difficulties in design due to the advanced mathematics and lack of accurate modeling software. HornResp seems to be the most popular software amongst the DIY/BLH/Quarter Wave enthusiasts. I have built speakers in the past with some success. I’ve tried my hand at transmission line theory but only by designing and building a few subwoofers using this alignment.
I guess what I would like opinions on, is if going the DIY route would prove to be a viable option? Could I realistically design and build a speaker, using the drivers and parts available today, that would produce better results than the speakers that I currently have? Or should I bite the bullet and spend a few thousand dollars on a manufactured speaker that is already tried and true? DIY appeals to me for the fact that I would also be learning and walking away with good experience that can be used later on future builds. I guess the only way to know is if you have had the opportunity to hear the speakers I currently use. They’re by no means end game speakers, obviously.. but i also feel they’re nothing to turn your nose at.
FWIW, I have installed room treatment in my listening room. I have 4” diy rockwool absorption panels at the first reflection points on the sidewalls and above the listening position on the ceiling. I also have 24”x48”x6” bass traps placed diagonally in the front corners of the room to give an air gap of roughly 14-16” behind the bass trap panels. One 36”x36”x6” panel in the middle of the rear wall behind me and 2 diffusers to the left and right sides of it of about the same size.
I know I’ve written a lot. So, anyone who has taken the time to read this and has any input, I would enjoy hearing what your thoughts are. I guess this wasn’t really the best question or way to execute asking it. It’s my first time trying to ask something of this nature though.. so take it easy on me.