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View Full Version : The Need to Build Something.


walpurgis
29-03-2014, 23:40
My system is pretty well sorted out. It meets my needs and sounds vastly better than any system I'd imagined I'd end up with when I first got into Hi-Fi.

But I'm bored! I like a project on the go, but don't have a gap in my system that needs anything built for it. The only thing I can think of is to assemble a new second setup. I have spare CD players, TTs and amps, but only one (rather big) pair of speakers. So a speaker project it is then by the looks of things. But what? I've mountains of various types of drive units and crossover components. Do I go for something compact, or go the whole hog and build big floorstanding horns or transmission lines? Do I use full range drivers or multiples, or even build boxes for my spare 12" Tannoy DCs (not that I need more Tannoys)? A pair of transmission lines would make (slightly) more sense size wise, but I'm very tempted to go for horns, even though anything that can be accommodated in my den can't be too big.

Once I've made up my mind I'll be showing the project on here and of course anticipate loads of criticism, because I never follow the accepted rules.

Anybody got some ideas for me?
Audio Al
30-03-2014, 05:30
Build a bigger room ? ;)
Greg2010
30-03-2014, 07:22
What about a line array? They could be built with a relatively small footprint which would fit into your den. It would certainly be different than the tannoys.

Regards
Greg
337alant
30-03-2014, 09:42
Zaph Audio ZRT looks a very nice project
http://www.zaphaudio.com/ZRT.html

Lots of kits at Wilmslow audio
http://www.wilmslow-audio.co.uk/loudspeaker-kits-1-c.asp
I have built the HSM Home Studio Monitor which are very good
And I now have the Classique but with a scanspeak soft dome driver again very good
My next project will be the Prestige or ATC K50/100?

Alan
walpurgis
30-03-2014, 10:33
What about a line array? They could be built with a relatively small footprint which would fit into your den. It would certainly be different than the tannoys.

Regards
Greg

Nope, a line array just won't sound right to me. I've heard them, some very good, but I just don't feel quite happy about the presentation.
walpurgis
30-03-2014, 10:41
Zaph Audio ZRT looks a very nice project
http://www.zaphaudio.com/ZRT.html

Lots of kits at Wilmslow audio
http://www.wilmslow-audio.co.uk/loudspeaker-kits-1-c.asp
I have built the HSM Home Studio Monitor which are very good
And I now have the Classique but with a scanspeak soft dome driver again very good
My next project will be the Prestige or ATC K50/100?

Alan

No, I won't go for a kit, as I want to use some of my large collection of drive units and crossover components. I'm pondering the use of my 10" Sony bass drivers with Chrysler mid compression horns and Isophon horn tweeters or HiVi planar tweeters, all in a floorstanding reflex box. Or I could finally get around to using full range drivers again, I have a few pairs.
Reffc
30-03-2014, 10:50
Big 3-way Geoff?
walpurgis
30-03-2014, 11:02
Big 3-way Geoff?

Could be on the cards! :)
Mr Kipling
30-03-2014, 12:45
A pair of these, Geoff!?!

11896

Or maybe a pair of these:

11898

I was looking for photo of the original Wilson W.A.T.T.s with. their individual encloseures mounted to a stand
shane
30-03-2014, 13:06
How about a nice pair of Frugalhorns?

http://www.frugal-horn.com/

http://p10hifi.net/FH/images/FH-Mk3-comp.jpg
walpurgis
30-03-2014, 20:38
Dud link Stephen!
walpurgis
30-03-2014, 20:43
How about a nice pair of Frugalhorns?

I'm going to be using rather larger drivers.
Mr Kipling
30-03-2014, 20:54
Dud link Stephen!

11915

This browser really annoys at times.

Not a link just a photo - which amused me, Geoff.
walpurgis
30-03-2014, 21:55
That looks rather like speedy.steve's earlier setup!
Mr Kipling
30-03-2014, 22:09
Still cannot find a photo of the Wilson Audio speakers I was thinking of; I remember them in Hi Fi News in the early '80s. Apparently WA have been in business 40 years this year and said to be the most successful speaker manufacturer ever - in the USA that is. I'll have to dig-out my copy of HFN.
walpurgis
30-03-2014, 22:27
Well I know most of what WA have turned out over the years, but can't think which model you have in mind Stephen.

(by the way, if you're having browser issues, download 'Torch Browser' free from 'download.com'. I've been using it for months since having I.E. problems. Torch works great!)
Mr Kipling
30-03-2014, 22:47
I can see them in my mind - a collection of separate encloseures bolted to a Z frame and set-up by a WA engineer.

I'll try the browser. Thanks.
walpurgis
30-03-2014, 23:01
I can see them in my mind - a collection of separate encloseures bolted to a Z frame and set-up by a WA engineer.

I'll try the browser. Thanks.

I know the model. Can't remember what it's called though.
The Grand Wazoo
01-04-2014, 15:28
I think you are referring to the WAMM.
The most successful speaker manufacturer ever? That would depend upon your definition of success I'd think. I have heard the WATT described as the best selling high end speaker. But that would depend on your definition of high end!
The Grand Wazoo
01-04-2014, 15:29
WAMM....

http://www.wilsonaudio.com/images/product_thor2a.jpg
Mr Kipling
01-04-2014, 16:40
No, it's not them.

Not my description, just what I read. I'll see if I can find where it was stated.
The Grand Wazoo
01-04-2014, 16:44
Your description of the speakers on the frame made me think of the Goldmunds, but they aren't Wilsons, are they?!
Macca
01-04-2014, 17:01
WAMM....

http://www.wilsonaudio.com/images/product_thor2a.jpg

'Take us to your Leader!'

They look like they might be able to do some damage though. Pretty cool.
walpurgis
01-04-2014, 18:31
Somehow, I don't think anything I build will look like that! :)
Barry
01-04-2014, 18:37
WAMM....

http://www.wilsonaudio.com/images/product_thor2a.jpg

The square mid-range unit (second from top) is an electrostatic design, so won't necessarily be easy to build.
walpurgis
01-04-2014, 19:37
The square mid-range unit (second from top) is an electrostatic design, so won't necessarily be easy to build.

Easy Peasy. Two perforated copper plates, a sheet of graphite treated melinex, a rectified power supply and a matching transformer and 'Bob's Your Uncle'! ;)
Mr Kipling
01-04-2014, 21:24
They're horrible! I wouldn'd give them houseroom no matter how good they sounded. What I'm thinking of were really quite neat. I'll have to have a look tomorrow night.

They appear to use the same concept so could have been the original version - which were a lot neater.
Macca
02-04-2014, 12:38
Under that bottom foot there is a tank track and they come with a remote control so you can whizz them around the room or even drive it up the neighbour's path and smash through his front door whilst he and his Missus are watching Strictly... is it a loudspeaker or a bomb disposal robot? - you decide!
Reffc
03-04-2014, 19:08
I keep expecting it to say "Hello sir, I can save you £100 on your car insurance"
walpurgis
03-04-2014, 19:11
I think it belongs in a posh hotel lobby toilet and it shines your shoes as it dries your hands! :)
The Barbarian
03-04-2014, 19:43
Geoff:

you should have more than one hobby like your truly does, infact i have more than ten hobbies

:D
walpurgis
03-04-2014, 20:40
Geoff:

you should have more than one hobby like your truly does, infact i have more than ten hobbies

:D


But I do Andr'e. Cars and cameras. And tinkering with stuff in general. I have a well equipped (but underused) workshop. Some years ago it was martial arts and motorbikes too (I still have an interest). I do a bit of reading as well (mainly rubbish these days). Hi-Fi comes first though! :)

I spend as little time as possible on decorating and gardening though. As far as I'm concerned they are just hateful chores! :eyebrows: