New DIY speaker project underway

[Feanor]

After the reasonable successful completion of my recent DIY speaker project, (see HERE), i've decided to undertake another -- hopefully it won't take 15 years to complete like the last one.

My objective is to build small footprint, tower speakers with high-quality drivers. These could potentially replace my Magneplanar MG 1.6QR's which are rather obtrusive in my small-medium living room. I might decide I can't live without the Maggies, these new ones might go to my HT setup or be gifted to my son.

FIRST I will build the cabinets. Yes, cabinets first: with a reasonable choice of cabinet design it is possible to accommodate pretty large selection of driver options. Since I don't have a table saw, I decided to buy my cabinets and then do some mild mods. I choose Parts Express Denovo 1.16 cu.ft. MDF tower cabinets, (see HERE). If the selected drivers call for less volume, these cabinets can easily be partitioned to accommodate them.



I'll probably added an additional 1/4" of fiberboard to the front baffle's 3/4" MDF, and round the front baffle's edges with my router by 3/8 or 1/2". I'll probably paint the cabinets vs. attempting veneer; with enought work it's possible to obtain an automotive quality finish.


SECONDLY I'll choose my drivers. I could design my own crossovers but because I'll be investing in relatively expensive drivers I'll probably go with an expert's design. Leading contenders, (as I now see them), are:

• Zaph Revelator Tower, 2-way, (fits the 1.16 cu.ft. cabinets as vented or closed)
• Zaph Revelator Tower, 2.5-way, (fits as closed)
• Morel MoreTrix 2-way, (fits vented or closed)

The cabinets are ordered and on the way. Wish me luck. I will post updates as things develop.