To Buy or to DIY, here is my question


If I buy the speakers that appear closest to what I desire

they are $11k new and $8k used.

If I buy the raw speakers and build it 

the speakers alone are $2.2k.

That is a 3 way system.

Still must add costs of XOs and cabs.

 

Assume the total custom build cost would be about $3k.

The $8k speakers used are Proac D40Rs.

The raw components would be from ScanSpeak and SB acoustics

and include 10" woofer, 4.5" Mid and a planar ribbon tweeter.

MadiSound provides XO advice. 

 

Comments???

 

chorus

Showing 1 response by 88man

I suggest getting a commercial speaker first. Build a DIY speaker second because it’ll tie up considerable time, effort, planning, money, etc. BTW, if you don’t have the proper tools, like table saws, don’t waste your time, unless you’re fine with rough looking cabinets.

The virtues of building speakers is that you can voice the speakers like fine instruments to your liking. Certain MP Caps work well with different cone materials and to a lesser degree coils. For example, Mundorf Supremes work well with paper cones. Topology, drivers, cones, enclosures, porting, damping, etc. all contribute to the sound, and with DIY, you’re in control of these parameters, whereas a commercial speaker, you’re stuck with lowest-cost-to-produce mentality.

Good Luck!