My next speaker project

Mazeroth
Mazeroth Posts: 1,585
edited August 2005 in DIY, Mods & Tweaks
After listening to the Linkwitz Orions a few weekends ago I don't think I can ever go back to a box speaker again. I got lucky and found a man by the name of Monte Kay who owns a pair of Orions and who also designed an Orion clone based off the Dayton RS series of speakers. After exchanging many e-mails with him I'm convinced these speakers are going to perform extremely well, especially after Monte told me they sound 95% as good as the Orions do.

I posted about the Orions a few weeks ago and didn't get any replies so I'll do it one more time for you guys :D

Here's a link to the Orions:

http://www.linkwitzlab.com/orion_us.htm

And here's a link to Monte's project:

http://www.mfk-projects.com/rs_dipole.htm

Do yourselves a favor if you live near someone that's demoing Orions and take a listen for yourself. If you're blown away, like me, consider building Monte's clone. Total cost for all drivers and the Behringer DCX2496 will run you less than $800, which should outperform pretty much any speaker <$10,000, or more. If you're skeptical, have a listen for yourself and please report back here. I should start this project in the next few months and will be documenting everything for your guys.

FYI, here's the link to people that will demo their Orions off Linkwitz's site:

http://www.linkwitzlab.com/orion_challenge.htm
Post edited by Mazeroth on

Comments

  • Toxis
    Toxis Posts: 5,116
    edited August 2005
    but using dayton drivers instead of Seas? I think I'd consider upgrading. Looks like a kick **** project though... let us know how they sound.
    Never kick a fresh **** on a hot day.

    Home Setup: Sony VPL-VW85 Projo, 92" Stewart Firehawk, Pioneer Elite SC-65, PS3, RTi12 fronts, CSi5, FXi6 rears, RTi6 surround backs, RTi4 height, MFW-15 Subwoofer.

    Car Setup: OEM Radio, RF 360.2v2, Polk SR6500 quad amped off 4 Xtant 1.1 100w mono amps, Xtant 6.1 to run an eD 13av.2, all Stinger wiring and Raammat deadener.
  • Mazeroth
    Mazeroth Posts: 1,585
    edited August 2005
    The Dayton RS series are the undisputed value champion now in speaker building. Check out these links to intensive testing on the Daytons and Seas:

    http://206.13.113.199/ncdiyaudio/mark/Testing/Woofer5/L18vRS180.htm

    http://www.zaphaudio.com/4.5test/

    One other perk...I live an hour away from Parts Express and attend their annual speaker building event, where they hand out 25% off coupons for ALL purchases that day. These new speakers will only run me about $600 with all drivers, the DCX2496 crossover, wood and all supplies. I call that a pretty good deal :D
  • gatemplin
    gatemplin Posts: 1,595
    edited August 2005
    Cool project. The guy seems to know his stuff. What tweeter is used in the speakers? Doesn't look like the Dayton RS28a, but maybe I'm mistaken.
    Graham
  • Mazeroth
    Mazeroth Posts: 1,585
    edited August 2005
    He's using the Usher 9950, if I'm not mistaken. Usher makes the RS28 and it's quite similar to the 99xx series, only a little bit nicer. Monte actually tests a lot of prototype speakers for PE and said from now on he'll be using the RS28 in all his designs. He said the RS28 should be able to drop into these dipoles with little or not crossover correction, even though they are 4 ohms. I'll still take measurements to make sure.