I have built several systems with great success. Currently my system consists of two NHT 12" drivers for the subwoofers, two Dynaudio 5" (mid) and two Dynaudio 1" silk dome drivers. I use a 3 way electronic cross-over at 100 Hz and 4000 Hz. I am extremely pleased. The system compares favourably to anything I have heard thus far including Watt Puppys, Vandersteens, B&W 801's etc. Cross-over design can drive you nuts but Leap designed cross-overs work well but I believe better sound comes from the the electronic cross-over route. Total cost was less than $1500 not including amps and electonic cross-over. If you must use passive cross-over then I suggest you find a kit or already published design. The "Black Dahlia" design by Dick Olsher (a superb speaker) when built is a good example. Zalytron has many kits designed by Joe D'Appolitto (sp?). The magazine Speaker Builder is a good place to start should you want to go this route. One caveat--home made speakers don't have any re-sale value and the snobs who spend $5000 and up per speaker will dismiss your efforts as pure idiocy but if you want champagne sound on a root beer budget, its the only way to go.
