Statement Center Kit in Energy C-9 Cabinet??

[acepaul]

I currently have a 7.1 home theater set up with the Energy Connoisseur line (C-9, C-3, C-C1). All is driven by an older Denon AVR 3806. I tried upgrading to Energy's newer Reference series, but I did not care for the sound (made in China now) it so am considering DIY options.

Since the usage is 90% home theater I am considering the Statement series. I plan on building the Statement center channel and as I was looking at the drivers, I had an idea! Why not take the removable front baffles/drivers out of the C-9's and make a new baffle with the same Statement center kit? It has the same number of drivers (2 woofers, 1 midrange, 1 tweeter) and even though the Statement woofers are slightly larger, they would still fit. I would also replace the Energy crossovers with the Statement kit. Here are the specs for the C-9:

http://www.highfidelityreview.com/revie ... r-c-9.html

I have a very large HSU sub so do not need the added base that building the actual Statements would bring. I am trying to gain a bit more clarity and brightness that the original C-9's lack.

Seems like it would work as the towers are very solid but please let me know what you think as I am new to DIY for speakers.

[Jim Holtz]

The Statements have open back mids which presents a few issues that other speaker designs might not have. The width and depth of the cabinet can't vary more than 10% maximum without impacting the crossover. The driver layout also needs to stay close to the original spacing.

It's not the bass impact a different cabinet may cause, it's the midrange which will be very audible.

BTW, you'll not find the Statements bright. Clear yes, but not bright.

HTH

Jim

[acepaul]

Okay, a few more pictures of the cabinet with the front baffle off...

[acepaul]

Another challenge for building a new front baffle...

[acepaul]

The Statements have open back mids which presents a few issues that other speaker designs might not have. The width and depth of the cabinet can't vary more than 10% maximum without impacting the crossover. The driver layout also needs to stay close to the original spacing.

It's not the bass impact a different cabinet may cause, it's the midrange which will be very audible.

BTW, you'll not find the Statements bright. Clear yes, but not bright.

HTH

Jim

Jim, thanks for the reply. The C-9 uses the same woofer for a mid as it does for the two bass drivers. They are all open back, so that will not change.

I guess the term bright is more a relative term as the C-9's are fairly laid back. I would like the increase in detail without it being harsh at higher volume levels.

So it sounds like even if the drivers work in the cabinet, the crossover might need to be altered for best performance?

[Jim Holtz]

Here's a view that might better show my comments regarding the cabinet. The mids tunnels need to be sealed from the bass portion of the cabinet with similar dimensions to the specs in order for the crossover to work correctly. Also, the bass part of the cabinet needs to net at 70 liters of volume for the (2) Rs225's.

The two critical dimensions are width and depth. Honestly, you'll be better off selling the speakers and building the correct cabinets.

HTH

Jim

[Jim Holtz]

Whoa! I just reread your post and realized you are considering using the Statements center crossover and drivers in you mains caninets???

That is a big no...

The Mini Statements come closest to what you're thinking of and I'll still recommend you build a new cabinet.

Sorry I missed the use of the center in this application.

Jim

[acepaul]

Jim, thanks for all your input. So if I plan to build speakers for 80% HT and 20% music, would I be better off with the Statements or the Statement II? Is there any disadvantage to the Statement II in a home theater application? If I went with the Statement II's, what would you recommend for surrounds and back surrounds? Thanks!

[Jim Holtz]

No disadvantage using Statements II's for home theater. Check your PM for more info.

Jim