New Project

[nm2285]

Well I needed some computer speakers and didn't want to spend a whole lot. I had a KLH sub from an old rig and just acquired an old Kenwood stereo receiver, so I figured time to build me some speakers!

Goals:
Decent sounding
Small
INEXEPENSIVE

Drivers:
VIFA TC11MG-07-04 4.5" Infinity Woofer ($3.99 ea on clearance)
Hi-Vi TN25 Fabric Dome Tweeter ($8.28 ea)

Crossover:
2-way Linkwitz-Reilley. Polarity reversed on the tweeter to accomodate phase shift. These values acheive a crossover around 1900 Hz (see picture).

Enclosure:
I'll be using 3/4" MDF with maybe 1 cross brace. It will have a 1.5" port 3" in length on the back. See the picture from WinISD for freq resp plot and dimensions. It will be stuffed with polyfill. I haven't decided on the finish yet.

Hopefully this will turn out well. I'll let you know my impressions when it's finished!

 

[Rip Van Woofer]

Don't forget to post pictures!

 

[nm2285]

Oops, here's the diagram of the crossover

 

[nm2285]

Well they're constructed. I'm quite pleased with the sound. Parts cost me around $70 I think. As compared to my NHT SB2s and my previous DIY speakers (using much more expensive parts: http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4446 )

Here are the negatives:
-Some sibilance in the highs (noticeable especially with jazz symbols and female vocals).
-Less definition in midrange
-Lack of air/space between instruments

Here are the positives:
-Smooth at the crossover point
-Mix well with a subwoofer
-Good definition
-Not very deep (wall mountable)
-Good Rock speakers
-Good value

Neutral points:
-Dry, neutral, but not flat (quite dynamic)

At the price point, I've heard smoother speakers (lack of sibilance), however, the overall presentation of these is better than most I've heard in the under $150 price mark. Should work well for their designed purpose: computer speakers.

Pics coming soon...

 

[nm2285]

I wonder...right now my drivers are surface mounted just for sake of simplicity. If I flush mount them, anyone think this could improve tweeter sibilance?

 

[nm2285]

Well I've flush mounted them and finished them (minus a grill). The flush mounting did a world of difference. The overall balance is much more refined and even. There is still a bit of a bump in the treble range, although much of the sibilance is gone. The lower midrange has also gained a lot of clarity. Very glad I did that.

 

[WmAx]

I wonder...right now my drivers are surface mounted just for sake of simplicity. If I flush mount them, anyone think this could improve tweeter sibilance?

Not really. The actual effect will be very small. But the percieved effect may be large, based on expectation factor. But flush mounting always looks alot better, and it's not much additional work unless you have an odd shaped driver.

-Chris