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The most fun you can have in audio is DIYing your own speakers

You don't have to make the best speakers on earth, or most expensive, and you don't have to become an expert in the tech, but in all my years in audio, I have to say DIY is the most fun and educational. For me, speaker building was a lot more fun than electronics (amps, pre's etc.) 

Lots of great sources for complete kits as well as paper-only designs. Speaker building is also a great thing to do with your kids. I highly recommend it.

Best,


Erik
erik_squires
erik_squires OP
5,268 posts
 
Since I have no access to woodworking, when I get serious I ask Lee Taylor of TaylorSpeakers.com to build cabinets for me. I ship the drivers to him for exact fitting, and I do all the speaker analysis, design and crossover construction. 
riley804
628 posts
 
@erik_squires 

I have visited Parts Express and Madisound and will check out the others you listed.

I have an idea and will pm you probably tomorrow to get your thoughts.

thanks again.
erik_squires OP
5,268 posts
 
BTW, Audiogon is great for many, but if you are going to DIY stuff, I strongly suggest DIYAudio.com or the Parts Express forums are better. They let you post pictures which makes communication a lot easier, plus lots of die-hard DIY'ers there to help you. 
pc997
43 posts
 
I agree 100%. Especially your DIY speakers sound the same or better than many high $$ speakers.  I built mine using SEAS drivers and xover pieces from Madisound, cabinets from Parts Express, stands from Dynaudio (Stand 20). They sound amazing.

here they are:
https://youtu.be/C8fwA3nPNls


erik_squires OP
5,268 posts
 
Hey @pc ,

While I agree that DIY speakers can be huge cost savers, those conversations usually devolve into "but your speakers will never be as good as brand XYZ ... " 

What I will state unequivocally is that it is fun as hell. Whether you build better than a particular store brand or not. Every audiophile should do this at least once in their hobby lifetime.  You don't have to build "the best" or even expensive to have fun and feel like the journey was worthwhile.

Best,

E
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