DIY Speaker Kits, a good idea?


Looking at the high quality of drive units in DIY loudspeaker kits like from Madisound, GR Research, SEAS, etc., it easily looks like a sonic bargain.

However, the typical audiophile mantra is to demo for yourself to find what subjectively “resonates” with you.  Can’t do this with a kit.  But a kit could be a sonic jackpot for one on a tight budget.  Also seems fun to build.

What’s your opinion?

kennyc

Showing 1 response by helomech

I have built/assembled the Seas A26 and Satori Helios Textreme kits available from Madisound.

In both cases I concluded the resulting performance is on par with commercially available speakers that retail for >3X the price of the assembled kit. They are indeed a bargain in that sense. 

The Helios performs better, but it’s also the more expensive kit with costlier drivers. 

That said, for those who want a complete speaker that gives similar performance value, look no further than the Philharmonic HT Tower speaker—stupidly good value in the world of finished speakers.