Trying to get input on next build

[bullittstang]

Hey, my first time posting on any forum, but I have been hit hard with the DIY speaker bug the last 6 months.

So far I have built the OS (TM) and OS (MTM), currently using them as my home theater LCR and while not perfect for that job they are much better than the Athena set they replaced. Way better on stereo music by a long way. I have also built Paul C.'s Classix II build, which is a fantastic speaker, at least to my ears and room. I just completed Chris R.'s Nano Neo build and was amazed at what you can get from a 4" woofer in this build.
Thanks Paul and Chris, huge fan and appreciate your work.

So on to my question...what would be a good "next step" type of build. I prefer a bookshelf, I am okay with 0.50/ft3, but might like to go a little smaller, maybe 0.35/ft3, so I can get to a 12" tall cabinet.
I really like the Mandolin and the Piccolo, but got tougher when the recently released Docero showed up. I wanted to get some more seasoned pro's thoughts before I buy all the parts on what kind of an "upgrade" one of these would be compared to the Classix II, or Nano Neo. I know my mind thinks that double the price would mean double the sound, but reality can't always follow that logic.

My favorite parts of the Classix II are the relaxed midrange and tweeter (can listen for hours) and the solid bass from a 6-1/2" woofer. I really like the tweeter on the OS and Nano Neo, but can seem a little harsh, IMO, if I turn the volume up, but I might be pushing them a little past their comfort level too. Like I said earlier, I have always loved listening to music, but never knew what true audiophile's were actually hearing until recently.

Thanks for any input and your reasoning behind your thoughts is appreciated.

[Wolf]

How about my Stance kit; also here at Meniscus? 10 ltrs.

Wolf

[bullittstang]

Thanks Wolf, didn't mean to leave you out, you certainly have some great projects and I have considered your Stance kit.

I would like to hear some yours and others great designs, since each project is different and subjective.
Does anyone know of a DIY Group meeting/seminar this year in the Texas area? Where I might be able to hear 2, 3, 4 different designs?

[Wolf]

I know there are a few members of another forum that get together now and then down there.
Later,
Wolf

[mattsk8]

My cousin and I finally finished up the Blues that I've been working on, they sound fantastic. I plan on doing a build thread here in the next week or so, I can keep you posted if you want. They use the HiVi L6-4R driver in a ported .5cf cabinet.

They have very warm highs, IMO that's their strongest feature but they shine in plenty of other areas as well.

Ben's Stance sound very good as well.

[bullittstang]

Please let me know when you get the build thread done. I have seen that HiVi L6-4R and it is a very cool speaker with the carbon fiber look cone. How low were you able to get it to go in 0.50 cf? I modeled it a few times and in a decent sized cabinet I could get in the 50's. Does that sound right?
Are you taking them to any events this year? Would like to hear them in person.

[Wolf]

Matt's in MI, G.R. of all places, and that's a good trek down to TX....
Wolf

[bullittstang]

Why are so many of you DIY speaker builders and designers located in the North? Is that were all the engineers live or something?

[Wolf]

That's a question that has been pondered more than once on other forums. Kinda funny like that.
There really are quite a few around your area though.
Wolf

[johnnyrichards]

Why are so many of you DIY speaker builders and designers located in the North? Is that were all the engineers live or something?

My theory is that is where the two "big dogs" of DIY retail are situated - Madisound and Parts Express. Meniscus is also "up north" and they are also a serious player. Zalytron is in New York. Solen is in Canada. I think the roots of DIY culture are just deeper - not because we are better at it, or more intuitively drawn to it or any other individual reasons, I just think accessibility was more widespread pre-internet, and even for some time after the advent of internet sales.

If I had not found a list of vendors in the back of a Weems book almost 20 years ago, I would not have heard of almost any of the vendors outside of Radio Shack.

P.S. - most of us in this hobby are not engineers, and many of us are not even employed in any kind of "technical" position. Truck drivers, warehouse workers, construction workers, accountants, lawyers, assembly line workers, unemployed full time students (moi), kids, retirees - I believe virtually the entire spectrum of employment is represented in our hobby - which is the reason it is so fascinating.

Next time I chat with one of the Texas folk, I will send him over this way. They have regular, small get togethers down there, in addition to a bigger event called Lone Star Audio Fest which features DIY and commercial stuff.

[bullittstang]

Thanks so much for the reply and would appreciate you spreading the word about us "newbie's" in Texas. I think it would be great to find a group in my area and make some contacts. I was "tongue and cheek" with the "engineer" comment.Reading through the build guides that people have posted, it is very clear that they/we are from all walks of life, myself a Sales Rep, and I agree with you, makes this hobby that much more creative and interesting.
I look forward to learning a lot more about building speakers, just as I anticipate my wood working and cabinet skills increasing. What other hobby can increase your knowledge in two fantastic skills.

[tcc]

Don't know what part of Texas you are in (might have glossed that over?)

LSAF[url]http://lonestaraudiofest.com/url] is here May 2nd-4th (I think?) There are a handful of DIY guys, a few DIY guys trying to sell their stuff, and some boutique guys that all get together for a fun weekend. It is in a hotel in Addison and basically there are one or two floors that are reserved plus a lot of the ball rooms. It is worth the trip if you are close.

I have lived here in the DFW area for about 10 years and have not lucked into any DIY get togethers other than that. I do know there are a ton here, plus a lot in the Austin area. Tin Ears is in Far South Tejas.

[mattsk8]

Why are so many of you DIY speaker builders and designers located in the North? Is that were all the engineers live or something?

My theory is that is where the two "big dogs" of DIY retail are situated - Madisound and Parts Express. Meniscus is also "up north" and they are also a serious player. Zalytron is in New York. Solen is in Canada. I think the roots of DIY culture are just deeper - not because we are better at it, or more intuitively drawn to it or any other individual reasons, I just think accessibility was more widespread pre-internet, and even for some time after the advent of internet sales.

If I had not found a list of vendors in the back of a Weems book almost 20 years ago, I would not have heard of almost any of the vendors outside of Radio Shack.

P.S. - most of us in this hobby are not engineers, and many of us are not even employed in any kind of "technical" position. Truck drivers, warehouse workers, construction workers, accountants, lawyers, assembly line workers, unemployed full time students (moi), kids, retirees - I believe virtually the entire spectrum of employment is represented in our hobby - which is the reason it is so fascinating.

Next time I chat with one of the Texas folk, I will send him over this way. They have regular, small get togethers down there, in addition to a bigger event called Lone Star Audio Fest which features DIY and commercial stuff.

Everything Johnny said, plus what else is there to do in during this miserable winter besides have some beers and build some speakers??