After much research and consideration, I ordered a Swope 3 way center. This is not my first speaker build, but close to it, and I have some things to decide before the parts arrive. Please advise.
First, is it possible (or advisable) to build a ported box for this speaker? The room is very large, and I wonder if there is anything to gain by doing this? Since I have a sealed 12" sub, bass extension is probably not real important. I would increase cabinet volume the appropriate amount (how much is that?), and have the option of plugging it up later if I don't like it. Just tell me if I'm overthinking this.
My last project left me sick and tired of MDF dust, so I might use Baltic Birch this time. Will I notice a difference in sound?
I assume the kit will come with some instructions for lining the cabinet. Maybe 1" foam and stuff with poly fill?
Anyway, I'd love to see your advice, opinions, or even insults. I'll post updates on the build. (Have to build a new TV stand first)
Swope Center Build
Re: Swope Center Build
I don't see why you couldn't vent the box.
Wolf
Wolf
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Re: Swope Center Build
Yes, what Wolf said. You should make the same size enclosure as the Swope Tower, which is vented and basically the same design as the center.
Mark
Mark
Re: Swope Center Build
Thanks guys! So I can leave the xo as designed. I'll have to see how much room I have to expand. Is it worth doing if I end up with less volume than the towers? What differences can I expect to hear? Since I'm in the middle of building the tv table with a shelf just for the center speaker, now is the time to decide..
Re: Swope Center Build
So I finally got started on the baffle. Did a great job with the Jasper jig, and then realized I should have put the veneer on first. Hmm. I think I'll just round everything over and paint it. While thinking about the final assembly, I'm wondering about a removable back panel. Do you guys usually glue it up after testing? How do you get to the xo later? [img]baffle[/img]
Re: Swope Center Build
We usually mount the crossovers on the back - through the woofer hole for easy access.scary wrote:So I finally got started on the baffle. Did a great job with the Jasper jig, and then realized I should have put the veneer on first. Hmm. I think I'll just round everything over and paint it. While thinking about the final assembly, I'm wondering about a removable back panel. Do you guys usually glue it up after testing? How do you get to the xo later? [img]baffle[/img]
Mark
Re: Swope Center Build
I mounted the xo's to the back panel with heavy duty Velcro. I wired everything up outside of the cabinet for testing, then just stuck them to the back with all soldering done outside of the box. I also left the top panel off while doing this work. It made the sound liner go in easier too. The box is sanded and primed - just need to sand it (again), paint it, and screw in the drivers. This project took longer than expected because I had to build a TV table that would accommodate the size of the new speaker first. Plus, I have MS and can't work very hard. All in all, I'm stoked. The parts and design are good. The drawings suck, but it didn't really matter much. I will know about the sound very soon. Pictures to follow. Has anyone built the Swope towers? If not the Swopes, I might build something else, but I'm curious about how to get a good match to my new center. ????????????? Advice and opinions are appreciated.
Scary
Scary
Scary
Scary
Re: Swope Center Build
It's done and in my living room almost before the paint is dry. Quite a learning experience, but after working way too hard on it, it came excellent. The sound is quite good, but not spectacular, possibly because of not a perfect match with my fronts, and it's a big room. It sounds great with some artists; and with others, I still prefer 2 channels. The cool thing is that dialogue in HT is much improved. If I could figure out how to post an image, I would.
Bye the way, I'm still in the dark on the question of how to know if the center is a good match with L and R. (BEFORE I BUILD IT!)
Scary
[img]IMG_1205%20.JPG[/img]
Bye the way, I'm still in the dark on the question of how to know if the center is a good match with L and R. (BEFORE I BUILD IT!)
Scary
[img]IMG_1205%20.JPG[/img]
Re: Swope Center Build
Last post:
When I first started using the speaker, it sounded just 'ok'. After about 20 hours, it began to sound better, and better. Now I know that cone "break in" is a debated topic, and I would have been one of the doubters myself, but something happened. Bottom line - I'm happy with it now. And the Yamaha has no issues with the '4 ohm' load.
LF
When I first started using the speaker, it sounded just 'ok'. After about 20 hours, it began to sound better, and better. Now I know that cone "break in" is a debated topic, and I would have been one of the doubters myself, but something happened. Bottom line - I'm happy with it now. And the Yamaha has no issues with the '4 ohm' load.
LF