The diy speaker saga continues... [Archive]

Wardsweb

10-01-2006, 11:00 AM

Well, in my never ending quest for audio perfection, I've decided to change woofers in my DIY speakers. The Altec 416-8C are coming out and the JBL 2235H are going in. Have to use longer ports and change the bolt mounting holes. The Altec wide lip drivers bolt pattern is larger than the JBL 2235H. For the ports I just cut longer 4" PVC on my table saw. To change the bolt holes, I will fill the existing holes with synthetic wood filler (Bondo) and drill new holes backed with t-nuts. I also found the perforated metal sheet I needed to make the front curved grills. So, things are getting close to veneer time.
http://wardsweb.org/audio/Widgets/transition.jpg

peteracing

10-02-2006, 03:12 PM

I like those diy enclosures:applaud:... Be carefull with those drivers magnets!
dont play around those tape reels with them!!!:biting:...

Wardsweb

10-02-2006, 08:44 PM

Widget built the cabinets. The man has absolutely mad skills. Ok, the 2235H's are in and the bass is better. I think this will improve even more as they have some time to break in the recone.

http://wardsweb.org/audio/Widgets/den_jbls.jpg

Mr. Widget

10-02-2006, 09:05 PM

How close are they to the rear wall? Those ports do need some room to breathe.

That perf is really transparent... is it aluminum or steel and how structural is it... I mean will it dent easily? The reason I ask is the stuff I got seems too flimsy and I want something a bit more structural.

Back on the bass... those 2235Hs do like an amp with a stiff power supply. Looking good... once they break in I bet they will sound great.

Widget

Wardsweb

10-02-2006, 09:34 PM

Yes I do need to pull them out from the wall some more. Haven't really given room placement much time. I will let them play for a while, veneer them and then break out the tape measurer.

The perf is steel, 22 gauge, 1/4" hex x 0.285" on staggered centers. This makes it 77% open area. It has good spring for holding itself in the cabinet. I think it will be even better once it's covered with some JBL blue cloth.

I bought it online at http://www.perf-plus.com/

If you like I can send you a sample piece. If so, just PM an address.

Wardsweb

10-19-2006, 08:16 PM

Ok got the edging and put on the grill cloth.
http://wardsweb.org/audio/Widgets/grill_edging.jpg

Wardsweb

10-19-2006, 08:18 PM

I still need to afix the bottom edge, but you can see what it looks like in this picture.
http://wardsweb.org/audio/Widgets/grill_covered.jpg

mikebake

10-19-2006, 08:45 PM

Thats cool, brother. You are on to something. That's a look.

scott fitlin

10-19-2006, 08:47 PM

Wardsweb

10-19-2006, 08:55 PM

OOO, look at that Manley!

How do you like their gear? I have always read very good things about their stuff, have yet to venture into purchasing their Pultec style EQ,s, but, it is on my list of things to do!

Cabinets look sharp!
Actually the Stingray is a very nice amp. There is some synergy with it and the horns. Way more power than I need but delivers the slam when I want it. This is the featured amp for the November 4th meet at my house. I sent a picture of it to Manley Labs and EveAnna liked it so much, she put it on their website. She's also sending some SWAG to give away. Even their sales director, Albert, emailed me that he's going to try and make the meet.

scott fitlin

10-19-2006, 09:11 PM

It does look sweet. I read about their gear, Ive met Eveanna Manley at the AES show, and she does have that enthusiastic personality about her gear. Listened to the EQ,s through some headphones, seemed to be nice!

Maybe this year, Ill spring for a pair of Pultec style EQ,s.

I know this though, Manley aint Made In China! Gotta love that!

Wish I could make that meet, cabinets look all that! Matter of fact, so does all your stuff.

:thmbsup:

spkrman57

10-20-2006, 05:44 AM

What crossover frequencies are you using?

You might have posted and I missed it.:o:

Thanks, Ron

Wardsweb

10-20-2006, 09:06 PM

What crossover frequencies are you using?

You might have posted and I missed it.:o:

Thanks, Ron
The crossover is a combination of a Altec N501 and JBL 3106

Wardsweb

10-20-2006, 09:08 PM

Here is a picture of a sheet of the sapele pommele veneer I will use. This is raw veneer that I still need to spray with some veneer softener and press.

http://wardsweb.org/audio/Widgets/sapele_pommele_sheet.jpg

Titanium Dome

10-20-2006, 10:13 PM

You'll have a real treasure when you're done.

Wardsweb

10-28-2006, 09:19 AM

Here is a good shot of the back hookups. The attenuators are mounted to a powder coated rolled edge piece of 18 gauge steel. Not to get into a cable debate, but the cables from Dual Connect did bring up the HF. The 077's can really shine now with some excellent sibilance and sizzle. The 2235H's are really starting to break in and give me the synergy with my system I've been searching to achieve.

http://wardsweb.org/audio/Widgets/dualconnect.jpg

brockybear

10-29-2006, 02:44 PM

Is that a pair of Shanling Monoblocks I can see in the photo ? I was thinking about buying a set for myself. What are they loke?

Cheers

John

Wardsweb

10-29-2006, 05:06 PM

brockybear

10-29-2006, 08:40 PM

The Shanlings are an absolute joy. They have more than enough power, are very good across the freq spectrum and have wonderful imaging. Well at least with these speakers. I've rolled in several amps over time and always come back to these.

I have a pair of Klipsch Horns and Altec 604-8G's which I will soon mount into Bill Forts cabnet design. I have a Shanling CD-T100 and have been knocked out by sound quality. I use SET valve monoblocks but at 9 watts I wanted a little more botom end. The Shanlings look liked they would do the job. Thanks heaps for the feedback.

John

mpmarino

06-11-2007, 08:16 AM

That speaker build is inspirational - a modern approach. I do wonder if it progressed to completion? I for one would love to see it!

cvengr

06-11-2007, 10:49 AM

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=465821222&size=o

I observed your nice looking speakers might also be used as a subcomponent of a grander design. Compare the link above with the exterior shape of your cabinets. They could also be incorporated into a grander horn, for that 60,000 SF castle you always wanted.....

JBL 4645

06-11-2007, 12:34 PM

I like those JBL custom made beauties mate delicious.:p

Note: You really should place objects that can be easily subjected to vibrations on top of the loudspeakers and under different frequencies and sound pressure levels will make rattling and buzzing sounds:biting:!

sourceoneaudio

06-11-2007, 06:38 PM

How close are they to the rear wall? Those ports do need some room to breathe.

Usually the at least the diameter of the port spaced off the wall will do the trick.

Very nice looking project you have going there. :applaud: Where are you bringing that 2405 in at, also what driver on the Altec horn? 802-8G?

Jeff
J/S-S1A