computer speakers

RJaco

I have been wanting to build some speakers and saw the thread about the Vifa kit from madisound. Never even thought about building computer speakers. I have the wood and the skills to build the cabinets. The only reason I would consider this, is the fact that the kit is over half price and the desire to build some speakers. On the down side, I can buy some speakers that will probably be plenty good for around $50 and will have over $100 in the ones I build. So, what do I do? If I do this, I am going to need some help later on. I plan on ordering some cables from madisound in a few days. The one I need is not in stock. The amp Face pointed me to goes off in a couple of days, also. I need to make a decision fairly soon. All they will be used for is music. I am going to think about it tonight and then see what you guys say before I make a decision.

ShinAce

If you can build the boxes, and you're interested in doing it, go for it.

The quality of these speakers will FAR surpass anything you can pick up for $50(save a studio monitor going for real cheap - which doesn't happen).

I'd build a box out of 1/2" to 3/4" MDF, get an amp and call it a day. These speakers will probably last you 15-20 years.

p.s. If you find a design for a ported or vented box, build to that spec. I haven't looked at the woofer's specs to see if it likes ported boxes. I assume if they're recommending it, it's the proper design.

The crossover is already built for you. The crossover will have an input connection (+ and -) which is self explanatory. The output will be marked something like: woofer, ground, tweeter. This is where it can get a little confusing. The (-) on the woofer goes to 'ground'. The (+) on the tweeter also goes to ground. The (+) on the woofer gets the 'woofer' connection. The (-) of the tweeter gets the tweeter connection.

Yes, that's right, the tweeter is wired backwards in this particular speaker.

Heck, I'm thinking of buying the kit for **** and giggles. I'd probably use a crossover of my own making, but that's experience talking.

WARNING: Bookshelf speakers are not necessarily good PC speakers. If they're going close to the monitor, you'll notice they have to be pointing straight ahead to avoid problems with the monitor and speaker magnets. You'll want at least 12" from the monitor to each speaker. This is for old school monitors, and not LCDs.

RJaco

I went ahead and order the speaker kit. I will use them for my computer or put them in my son's room. I am looking at amps. Anything in particular that I need to look for. Trying to stay as cheap as possible. What about something like this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fisher-CA-225A-stereo-amplifier-in-VG-condition_W0QQitemZ170299544695QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item170299544695&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

ShinAce

Any amp or receiver will work, but I'd go for something with a warranty.

Used amps are just that, used. Most of them don't play treble the way they do new. If you're going to buy a used amp, check out your local pawn shops for amps. They'll hook it up and play it to show it works. You may even have friends with space receivers (2 channel and 5 channel).

You could even buy the Sonic Impact T-amp. This will give you 6 watts per speaker, which is enough for computer duty.

RJaco

What kind of cable does it take to hook up the amp to the computer? I will check in to the Sonic amp. Thanks.

ShinAce

For the Sonic T-amp:
http://cgi.ebay.com/6ft.-1%2F8%22-Stereo-To-1%2F8%22-Stereo-Phono-Cable_W0QQitemZ310120896182QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090206?IMSfp=TL090206166002r18286

For most receivers and other amps:
http://www.amazon.com/3-5mm-Mini-Plug-Computer-Stereo/dp/B000FEHO0U

Remember, that Sonic amp doesn't have a power supply. It's basically a car amp in a plastic case.

You could use a small 12 volt battery with it and take it camping.

Since it's for computer(read: loud fans) or your son(read: abuse), grab a 12V and 1.5A regulated power supply. You might be able to find one with the right plug already. A computer surplus store is your best bet for that on the cheap. You want to make sure the voltage is close. I'm sure it could take up to 15V, but it's not worth trying. The amps can go higher though without problems. If you find a 12Volt 2amp supply, that's cool too.

A donated receiver is still the best option, then a pawned one, then the Sonic amp. I only mention it because it's so cheap and brand new.

Refefer

RJaco wrote: »

What kind of cable does it take to hook up the amp to the computer? I will check in to the Sonic amp. Thanks.

A word of caution on the T-amp: while it is inexpensive, 6 watts might not be good for how loud you want to play them. While I love my t-amp derivative, the Trends Audio TA-10, there's no question they don't blast music or have a lot of dynamic overhead.

Face

Another option: http://www.nuforce-icon.com/Product-Icon.htm

You can sometimes find it a little cheaper at Amazon. Other than the PS being a little noisy at 3/4 volume, it sounds fantastic.

RJaco

I have been looking and found a few for around $50-$80. Let me know what you guys think. I don't mind buying something used as long is it is not used up.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-RX-396-2-Channel-Amplifier_W0QQitemZ120372834896QQcmdZViewItemQQptZReceivers_Tuners?hash=item120372834896&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1239000406&/SSI-powerflex

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sonance-ASAP1-2-Channel-Amplifier_W0QQitemZ180325185264QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item180325185264&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

RJaco

Would this wire work for wiring the speaker to the crossover and to the amp? http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=109-044

Speakers are coming and still looking for an amp.

ShinAce

I'd say that wire is perfect.

Consider if you want a terminal cup on the speaker before ordering the wire. You could always drill a small hole in the speaker, run the wire through, and plug it up with caulking. But then what happens when someone yanks on the wire too hard?

Terminal cups are good for the soul.

RJaco

Got everything coming. Bought an Adcom 535 II and order terminal cups & wire tonight. Figured I would go to Lowe's and get some screws. I was planning on using pillow stuffing to put inside. These speakers will be sealed. Am I on the right track? It may be a couple of weeks before I get them built, but will post some pictures when I do. I might build them to lay on their side. Sort of like the Energy cr-100. Still not sure on cabinet design. Would like to make something a little different than a plan ole box. If all goes well, I may build a small sub to go with them. Would I be able to hook 2 speakers to one of the channels and the amp to the other channel or should I just get a plate amp for the sub?

RJaco

Got the amp today and got to thinking about volume. Will I be able to control the volume through the computer?