View Full Version : IPL speaker kits
fiddlemaker
07-06-2011, 15:25
These seem like good value. Anyone built one of these kits?
I not built one but read some good things about them, but if you want more sonics for your bucks and eaiser build why not build a open baffle speaker Lot to choice from and if you give an idea of costs and what muiic you enjoy I am sure I can point you in the right direction
fiddlemaker
07-06-2011, 15:44
I not built one but read some good things about them, but if you want more sonics for your bucks and eaiser build why not build a open baffle speaker Lot to choice from and if you give an idea of costs and what muiic you enjoy I am sure I can point you in the right direction
Nice idea, but no chance, unfortunately. One word, 4 letters, beginning with "w".
Lol
Hopefully Ali be along he probarly heard a few
anthonyTD
07-06-2011, 18:26
hi Antonio,
i visited Ivan at IPL a few years back and did a small write up on my website of his current [then] speaker range, I auditioned them on some of my own power amp designs, they are very good value for money, and punch well above their weight/price tag.
hope this helps.
Anthony,TD...
Tony Moore
07-06-2011, 18:56
I built the old style S5TL Golds a few years ago. Still using them and they still sound fantastic.
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm168/TonyMoore300B/s5tlb.jpg
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm168/TonyMoore300B/s5tld.jpg
The drivers were all good quality as were the crossover components. I bought the kit with the pre-veneered wood. The build was fairly straightforward, even for a novice woodworker like me, with very few woodworking tools. I use the speakers with a clone WAD 300B PP amp and they are not too difficult a load but would probably be better controlled by a SS amp with loads of feedback (very large 10" bass driver) but for me they sound fine. I now have them in a very large room (26 x 20) and they sound very nice. :)
Reid Malenfant
07-06-2011, 19:49
Yes, i'd agree that they look to be great value for money ;) Then again just about anything is if you can get down to basics & cut out the manufacturing process.
Tony, i assume the midrange driver has a closed back on that TL of yours! :eyebrows:
Nice work fella, a good transmission line is very impressive even given the larger than normal enclosure size over a reflex or sealed box :)
Tony Moore
07-06-2011, 20:08
Nice work Tony
Thanks!
Tony, i assume the midrange driver has a closed back on that TL of yours!
Actually no. I quizzed Ivan on that point when I got the speakers but he said that the resonant frequency of the mid driver is so far above the frequencies in that part of the line that it didn't require any seal at the back. You can't hear any mids coming from the bass port and the cone of the mid doesn't flap around so I guess he's a wizard with the design. I was sceptical myself but I believe him, he knows way more about speaker design that I do. (major understatement! :lolsign:)
Techno Commander
07-06-2011, 20:17
I have never heard anything bad about them and they are excellent value for money and look superb.
Ali Tait
08-06-2011, 08:16
Yes, these are good, but I'd say you could get as good or better for less dosh with an OB. I know you said your other half would not accept them, but the S5TL ain't small!
fiddlemaker
08-06-2011, 08:55
Yes, these are good, but I'd say you could get as good or better for less dosh with an OB. I know you said your other half would not accept them, but the S5TL ain't small!
HI Ali,
actually I was thinking of going for a smaller IPL model, such as this:http://www.iplacoustics.co.uk/S3tl%20Rib%20CP.htm
or this:http://www.iplacoustics.co.uk/M5M%20Ribbon.htm
My room is too small for the S5TL. I can't find anything on the web about the M5M reflex design. Do you think the TL designs are much better?
Ali Tait
08-06-2011, 09:04
They have a certain kind of bass IMHO, which is peculiar to that particular design of box. some love it, some hate it. Have you heard any TL's before?
activexp
22-06-2011, 08:41
These seem like good value. Anyone built one of these kits?
A few years ago I built the S3TLM (now discontinued, replaced by the S2TLP) and there's no doubt that they offer good value.
https://sites.google.com/site/stevesstuffproject/_/rsrc/1233332308404/ipl-acoustics-project---part-6/S3tlm_67.jpg
Full write-up of the build on my site here:
https://sites.google.com/site/stevesstuffproject/ipl-acoustics-project
If you go for the S2TLP I'm sure you won't be disappointed :)
Does anyone have any experience of their S5TL models? Either the Kevlar Mk2 or the Waveguard variants? :)
I'm looking (eventually) to replace my ageing Mission 753s with something significantly better, and these look in the right price range for my pockets...;)
I've contacted IPL and they have recommended the Kevlars over the Waveguard ...FYI
"Hi Will
The S5tl Kevlar ribbons have slightly more bass extension which you would need in your room
Kind regards Ivan"
Reid Malenfant
01-08-2011, 19:50
"Hi Will
The S5tl Kevlar ribbons have slightly more bass extension which you would need in your room
Kind regards Ivan"
:scratch: What's that about? Bass extension from a tweeter? :eyebrows:
Sorry Will but i just doesn't make a lot of sense imo... Either they have integrated the ribbon tweeter with the bass/mid driver (or mid driver if three way) or they haven't ;) The room shouldn't affect what the tweeter does, this only comes into effect when the wavelength of the sound is approaching the room dimensions ;)
activexp
02-08-2011, 05:47
I'm sure Ivan doesn't mean that the ribbon tweeters give more bass extension, he's referring to the model, i.e. S5TL Ribbon as opposed to the S5TL Waveguide.
http://www.iplacoustics.co.uk/ipl_acoustics_____transmission_l.htm
HTH
Cheers,
Steve
I built a pair of the original S5TLs many years ago and they sound extremely fine. My son says so, and he uses them every day now.
Cheers for the responses guys...
I'm sure Ivan wasn't talking about the tweeters, my assumption is that the Kevlar model has a deeper bass extension over the waveguide one, although I'm a little confused as they share the same bass unit...:scratch:
I did actually fancy the waveguide ones as they look a little more imposing, but I'll stick with Ivan's advice, and I know next to nothing about what a waveguide is, as opposed to a midrange and tweeter combo.
I did see a post about TL speakers not being to everyone's taste, I think it was Ali, for myself I have no experience, can anyone expand on this...I know that's a bit of a tough one ;)
activexp
03-08-2011, 08:18
..........my assumption is that the Kevlar model has a deeper bass extension over the waveguide one, although I'm a little confused as they share the same bass unit...:scratch:
I did actually fancy the waveguide ones as they look a little more imposing, but I'll stick with Ivan's advice, and I know next to nothing about what a waveguide is, as opposed to a midrange and tweeter combo.......
The waveguide will occupy more internal volume than the midrange and tweeter combo so this is probably why Ivan says the S5TL Ribbon has slightly more bass extension even though it's the same woofer.
The waveguide will occupy more internal volume than the midrange and tweeter combo so this is probably why Ivan says the S5TL Ribbon has slightly more bass extension even though it's the same woofer.
Ah I see Steve, makes sense...I think ;)
I'm sure Ivan knows his products :)
bobbasrah
19-08-2011, 08:27
To the OP,
Ivan's designs are interesting and thoroughly developed, particularly with his long history with TL's.
When I was looking at building either the S5 or S4 last year, he offered superb advice based on his knowledge and experience rather than what was financially in his best interest, which was refreshing.
I built his S4TL Kevlars from that interchange, and am well satisfied that they are a huge improvement over the IB design of my original MA mains, which replaced a Dave Berriman DIY design from many moons ago (forerunner to a line of Missions I recollect).
The cases are pretty easy to put together as instructed, although I had some variations at this end, mainly due to case materials availability.
TL's of this quality are IMHO hard to beat in terms of spatial imaging and frequency range, but in terms of bang per buck, impossible to match even second-hand.
The low down grunt and HF response on well recorded cathedral organ is truly breathtaking.
There are few if any genres besides cRap that I have not listened to, and HQ recordings from Linn and Chesky etc are all the more enjoyable, even if jazz still meets the disapproval of the cat. The downside as with all good systems is that you too readily identify poorly recorded and compressed albums.
Desirability of DIY speakers in the secondhand market will not match Named brands, and if that is an issue, put up with lesser audio quality, pay 3+ times the price, and take the depreciation hit. Do the Arithmetic however, and it makes sense. If you router edge and spray them as I did, they can be re-coloured and lacquered to match any decor SWMBO desires.
They have their own characteristics just like headphones, but the only downside in my view is the sheer weight consideration if you move house a lot.
As a footnote, the DIY absorption wall panels really paid off with the MA's on high volumes as I live in a concrete shell, but with the S4TLK, the difference with/without were even more startling, I guess due to the extended bass response.
Hi Robert,
Welcome to AoS :)
Could you do me a favour please and pop into the Welcome area and say 'hello', telling us about what system you have and your music tastes?
This procedure is required of all new members joining our community - cheers! :cool:
Marco.
To the OP,
Ivan's designs are interesting and thoroughly developed, particularly with his long history with TL's.
When I was looking at building either the S5 or S4 last year, he offered superb advice based on his knowledge and experience rather than what was financially in his best interest, which was refreshing.
I built his S4TL Kevlars from that interchange, and am well satisfied that they are a huge improvement over the IB design of my original MA mains, which replaced a Dave Berriman DIY design from many moons ago (forerunner to a line of Missions I recollect).
The cases are pretty easy to put together as instructed, although I had some variations at this end, mainly due to case materials availability.
TL's of this quality are IMHO hard to beat in terms of spatial imaging and frequency range, but in terms of bang per buck, impossible to match even second-hand.
The low down grunt and HF response on well recorded cathedral organ is truly breathtaking.
There are few if any genres besides cRap that I have not listened to, and HQ recordings from Linn and Chesky etc are all the more enjoyable, even if jazz still meets the disapproval of the cat. The downside as with all good systems is that you too readily identify poorly recorded and compressed albums.
Desirability of DIY speakers in the secondhand market will not match Named brands, and if that is an issue, put up with lesser audio quality, pay 3+ times the price, and take the depreciation hit. Do the Arithmetic however, and it makes sense. If you router edge and spray them as I did, they can be re-coloured and lacquered to match any decor SWMBO desires.
They have their own characteristics just like headphones, but the only downside in my view is the sheer weight consideration if you move house a lot.
As a footnote, the DIY absorption wall panels really paid off with the MA's on high volumes as I live in a concrete shell, but with the S4TLK, the difference with/without were even more startling, I guess due to the extended bass response.
Hi Bob, a very interesting post as I'm considering...
A) Building a pair of S5TL Kevlar Ribbons, to replace my Mission 753s
B) Finishing them off in piano black, and could do with some tips.
C) Building a DIY 'bass trap' for my back wall to improve my listening area.
Hope you're still enjoying your 60p beer :cool:
bobbasrah
19-08-2011, 12:19
Hi Bob, a very interesting post as I'm considering...
A) Building a pair of S5TL Kevlar Ribbons, to replace my Mission 753s
B) Finishing them off in piano black, and could do with some tips.
C) Building a DIY 'bass trap' for my back wall to improve my listening area.
Hope you're still enjoying your 60p beer :cool:
A bit early even if it is 25 in the shade right now.
The S5 looks a nice bit of kit IF you have the room size to accommodate it. Ask Ivan he is very helpful and honest. Any other questions, please feel free to ask.
PM me if you would like faster response or pics of my build.
A bit early even if it is 25 in the shade right now.
The S5 looks a nice bit of kit IF you have the room size to accommodate it. Ask Ivan he is very helpful and honest. Any other questions, please feel free to ask.
PM me if you would like faster response or pics of my build.
Bob it's past lunchtime, and nearly the weekend...get them in :cool:
I've had a chat with Ivan, and given my room-size (15' * 27'), kit, and varied listening habits he recommended the S5TL Kevlars, over the waveguide.
There's no rush I'm in the planning stage at the moment, I've had my current speakers since the late '90s so I'm taking my time, and looking for a big upgrade.
I may be bothering you in a few weeks...;)
Nice one, Will. I found Ivan very helpful to deal with and he gave me time to listen to the S5TLs back in 1996 or so - a long time ago now! Building them was very fulfilling. They are still giving good service at my son's house.
bobbasrah
19-08-2011, 16:30
Fair enough Will, and it looks as if Ivan has a bit of support here too....
Email me and and I'll send you back some pics so you are as informed in advance as possible. bobbasrah@hotmail.com albeit that mine were 4TLk's.
It takes about 3 days to assemble the cabinets and prep and wire, but over a week to sand and spray etc if uou want it perfect. If you want a real piano black gloss finish, dig around on google to see how some of the gaming lads did their consoles including rubbing down with wire wool.... Impressive finish is only down to patience and a bit of elbow grease, the rest is fast and easy by comparison. Not hard just slow, and well worth it.
One of the mods I did on the 4's was to reorientate the crossover and terminal plate so it could be buried behind the first reflector away from the main wave path and avoid any directly imparted resonances. It's tight and tricky but looks pretty good IMO.
bobbasrah
24-08-2011, 07:30
Will, I forgot to ask what you meant by DIY Bass Traps .... I never managed to get Slat/Perforated Panels or Helmholtz etc to work as theory suggested, and found that room nodes were impossible to cure. I ended up messing around with 100mm Rigid Glass Wool absorbers to better effect in that they reduced the effect, albeit in a much smaller space than you have to work with. The reduction in reflections made for a much clearer and tonally balanced soundstage, but also required increased volume to compensate... The nodes are still there but dampened....
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