Built your own speakers ?

I have built speaker kits from Madisound and even though they are very neat when you first complete building them, they never seem to sound quite right. This is the impression I've had about every kit built speaker I have heard. I had Source Technologies out of Conneticut build my last speakers ( Dynaudio satellites in an MTM configuration using all esotec drivers ). They did a great job of getting the crossover right and also did a fine job constructing the cabinets - proper internal bracing, sand filled bottoms, and thick cherry veneer. However, they were 5 months late on completion and the owner/designer was a horrible communicator. Needless to say I will never have speakers built for me by Source or anyone else for that matter. It simply is too much hassle and nobody seems to get the crossovers designed to perform like the designers and engineers do on a professional level. With all of the fantasic sounding speakers available today at reasonable prices, one should be able to be choose a make and model that will perform well, look great, and be reliable enough to last for some time; also, factory built speakers have better resale value. ( By the way, I spent about $2600.00 on mine. )

"Thorty"...Sorry to hear that all that effort was wasted. Doesn't discourage me the least bit, though, and I'm not just being stubborn. Your experience is extremely contrary to what the vast majority of speaker hobbyists experience. I've known several, and even know one guy (has the highest tech CNC equipment) that manufacturers many speakers' cabinets for the highend industry (they mostly are NOT made "in house", BTW.) And kits such as the Gemeni have been tested personally by none other than Joseph D'Appolito, and the matching and crossover design are in fact on par with commercially produced speakers at the retail level......................I'm tired of guys like you trying to discourage speaker hobbyists! Don't you realize that there would be NO HIGHEND speaker manufacturers anywhere, if they were all satisfied with what was available before they got started?

Carl, I am sorry if I was sounding like a speaker building "basher". I have had some bad experiences and though I have learned by them, I would really consider building again if I could tackle the project with better knowledge and patience concerning speaker design. Yes, Joseph D'Appolito has made substancial contributions and insight in regards to speaker design and building which I acknowledge and respect. I think what I like the least about some homebuilt speakers I have heard ( incorperating crossovers designed by LEAP programs mainly ) is the lack of soundstage depth and integration with frequencies through the spectrum. My biggest gripe with my previous and most recent project was time ( too long ) and money ( too much ). When I began the prospect of speaker building, I thought I could actually save a bundle and still get the end product I desired. In the end, I have a set of great speakers which, though costly, have provided great listening satifaction and an elegant appearance.

And by that, you are meaning that you aren't listening to any of the projects you built? Anyway, I don't mean to be overly touchy either, and don't mean to diminish your time and effort. It is indeed a terribly time consuming endeavor.

I have built my own speakers. Started with kits, then moved on to my own designs. There is a lot of room in the hobby for everyone, no matter what your skill level. I think it's a great thing for someone to build their own speakers. You can get great(or poor) sound, but I think the biggest thing is that you have to do your homework first. I found that that the most important things I learned were: 1). A + B often does not equal C. 2). Don't think you are going to build a reference set of speakers the first(or second) time you try - there is a LOT to learn(from experience). 3). Use your ears, and go around and find out what type of sound YOU like. Many people are disappointed after hearing the best equipment (hopefully they didn't buy before listening). Not that the equipment is not good, it just doesn't suit their tastes. That said, my current speakers are not homemade, but they are the best speakers I've ever heard. I could never build them, no matter what kind of CNC equipment I had. They are not typical in shape, so hard to work with the manufacturer realized they could not produce them in volume - they now make more typical shapes. From the lessons I learned, I will upgrade them, as there is always room for that, no matter how great. Better materials are available to us every day. I'd be happy to offer advice. GOOD LUCK!