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Actually yes, Dave. I have to bear in mind the total outlay of about £88 for the speaker cabinets and £120 for the drivers all-in, so hardly beer money but a tiny fraction of the cost of my big Ushers, and quite a lot less than the LS3/5a kits. In this latter context, they don't try to do what they can't do (i.e. deep bass) but they do not disgrace themselves at all in midrange transparency that is so important to me.
I don't think I could have done better for the cost.
Mission accomplished then, and they do look rather classy ;)
Nice job Martin :)
I have now removed the loft insulation and repacked the speakers with Monacor MDM-3 High End Speaker Dampening Pads, a bit of a misnomer really as it's more wadding than pads. They are made from sheep's wool and polyester. I used a pack in each speaker, folding the dual layers in three and cutting a slot to allow the internal cable through.
I also took the chance to drill out the holes and insert M4 Tee-Nuts, bolting up the drivers nice and tight with M4 domed hex bolts and washers.
Well, what a difference good damping material makes. Of course, there are more hours on the speakers now and things overall have improved noticeably. That slight nasality has gone and the sound is even more wide open, clear and easy with the detail. Bass is a little more up front (although they are no bass monsters) and the sound is very coherent top to bottom.
I am very impressed with the Fostex drivers. They're not cheap but they show real pedigree, performing way better than any small full-range driver I've heard. No wonder they're popular in horn loaded designs.
So, job done and I have an 'emergency' set of small speakers that will always get me out of trouble. Just for fun, I'm going to run them on the 'big rig' to hear what they can really do - just as soon as I can find a pair of stands to put them on. Talk about tiny and huge next to the Ushers!
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Talk about tiny and huge next to the Ushers!
I'd be interested in how these speakers are proving now you've been living with them for a while, Martin - any thoughts?
Hi Chris - the best thing I can say about them is that I don't think about them any more. That's praise indeed as I simply put on music (mostly Spotify at high bitrate) while I'm working at the PC and I get lost in the music and my work.
They are a great match for the souped-up Mini-T and Caiman, the whole definitely sounding like a good quality near-field hi-fi system. I think the quality of the full-range Fostex driver carries them, with their highly detailed and natural midrange, and the cabinets are nice looking, well made and great value for money. I should add that Black Rhodium Twist makes a fine external and internal wiring cable, in fact I'm using more of it for the Gale refurb project.
Are they better than an equivalent ready-made speaker? I think so but of course I haven't heard them all. For their cost and that of the Mini-T, they are excellent. Of course, the Paul Hynes PSU distorts the overall cost but that was a little treat for myself. There's always the satisfaction of having put them together, too.
Love the Avatar, Dave. I wonder how many will get the reference? I'll see if I can take a photo of 'Little and Large' sometime.
That's great Martin, thanks for that - always useful to know how things pan out in the long term after the honeymoon period is over. That first bloom of love for the product is always greater when it's something you've had a hand in building too, I'd think!
I remember when I built my first amp - the Linsley-Hood 75. I was well proud of that and it sounded bloody good, too.