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DIY hifi monitors

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hifi monitors
2K views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  1Michael 
#1 · (Edited)
Hi All,

New member here. Just signed up so I could get my hands on the latest version
of Room EQ Wizard and figured while I was at it...

My plan is to first treat my 12'x14'x9' listening room properly then build some good
speakers for it. Two channels only. A home theater in the basement is planned
further down the road.

I'd appreciate anyone pointing me to info on building speakers of the British hifi monitor
style. Two or three way. I just scanned threads here from the last year or so and
saw little of this style. I currently have a pair of KEF Q15's which I love but they're
on the small side. Something of similar clarity but with more power. My amp is a
NAD C340 (2x50w).

What's really important to me is clarity and imaging. I'd like to listen to a symphony
orchestra and be able to pinpoint the various instruments. I like to be able to "see"
the performers in front of me (be they rock, jazz or classical musicians) and don't
much like recordings where this is not respected.

All things being equal, would it better for me to have two smaller speakers and a
subwoofer (or two), or larger full range speakers ? I'll be sitting about 8' away from
the speakers.

I have a full woodworking shop and cabinetmaking experience so I can build just
about any kind of enclosure but would prefer a simple well-built box if possible.

Paul P
 
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#2 ·
What can be done depends on the budget and effort desired for the project. There are generally 2 schools of thought for loudspeakers. TL or Sealed. Ported is generally an option done to save money and simplify building, but I won't suggest it above the subwoofer range because it brings issues.

8' is not considered a monitor distance. Monitors are for mixing and will be right next to you usually.
Now I must ask if you want one spot kind of system or a many spot kind of system.

A loudspeaker enclosure should be ideally braced every 3 to 4 inches on every axis consist of a constraint layer and be insulated with fiberglass or mineral wool. If you do that to your enclosure you will have an acoustically neutral speaker that can be manipulated to whatever sound you like.

If you just want a commercial solution that can be modded. Buy a pair of Behringer 2030p's and mod it.
 
#3 ·
Thanks for the reply Isiberian. You write :

8' is not considered a monitor distance. Monitors are for mixing and will be
right next to you usually. Now I must ask if you want one spot kind of system or a many
spot kind of system.
I use the term monitor more in the sense of BBC inspired speakers by the likes of Harbeth,
Rodgers and KEF. Like the LS3/5a. I've only once listened to a pair of Rodgers and was
very impressed by the soundstage.

A loudspeaker enclosure should be ideally braced every 3 to 4 inches on every axis
consist of a constraint layer and be insulated with fiberglass or mineral wool. If you do that
to your enclosure you will have an acoustically neutral speaker that can be manipulated to
whatever sound you like.
I'd like to read a pictorial essay on building a very high-quality two-way box, possibly a three
way. I know bracing is important and would be interested in seeing different ways that have
been used.

If you just want a commercial solution that can be modded. Buy a pair of Behringer 2030p's
and mod it.
This has been one possibility in my mind, buy a reasonably good commercial product and
build a better enclosure to the same dimensions. But it would be useful to know the desirable
characteristics of such a box.

Paul P
 
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