DIY Nearfield Monitors


Two questions on this topic, please.

First, can anyone recommend an OEM supplier for single, "time aligned" and/or crossoverless cone drivers?

As mentioned in other threads, I am increasingly listening to music at my desk, in the nearfield, at lower volumes. Could this type of driver work well in that setting?

Second, I have never built or commissioned speakers of my own design, but I am wondering if there are any DIY or off the shelf cabinets available similar to the WATT type monitors, with a more interesting shape than the usual boxes?

Thanks for any ideas or suggestions.
cwlondon
I think Radian also makes the type of drivers you're looking for. Used by Tannoy and the defunct company Galante in their speakers.
I second Stanwal's suggestion of Madisound.Also,check out Common Sense Audio.They carry Lowther,Fostex,PA Audio and their own brand Audio Nirvana.They include your choice of enclosure plans with speaker purchase.There is a lot of information and specs on the website.The Audio Nirvana brand is very cost friendly and would probably be a good choice for someone wanting to try single driver speakers for the first time.If you go the single driver route,let us in on your experience.Good Luck.
I just finished bldg the audio nirvana cast8 speaker pair. If you can bld a cabinet OR have soemone do it correctly this a great start. They sound great with low power tube and ss also. After they settled, they were even better.
You can try the coaxials from Seas prestige line available from Madisound. They are used in some very costly designs by a prestigious German time-aligned loudspeaker manufacturer, Ascendo.
Hope this is of help.
Alexander
If you don't really want DIY you could check out the new GMA Rio speakers, or the Vandersteen "monitor" speaker (check out the Vandersteen website).