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Tweakers' Asylum

Speaker project....

67.54.228.78

OK, I may be nuts, but I enjoy a challenge. I just picked up all the drivers from a pair Vandersteen 2Ci's on ebay (except the tweeters). I also picked up the 4 drivers and crossover for a pair Vandersteen 1C's the other day also on ebay... wild hairs???... well yes, probably (and certainly according to my wife)... but haven't we all?

I also have a fully functional set of Vandy's 2Ce's and 1B's and is how I was turned on to them. They really are awesome. These STAY intact and are NOT donors. Power is mid and late 90s Rotel units (RB990-Bx and three RB980-BX's (bridgeable to 360)).

But.. me being me... I tend to build up many things I can't afford otherwise... in this case something akin to Vandersteens Quatros or Model 5s. My skills are good, but I do confess electrical engineering is not as developed as I'd like.

So given the above... what would you consider? I hope to get the original 2Ci crossovers from this pair, but haven't heard yet. I am also not adverse to building my own crossovers. I am thinking in terms of a bi-amped at 120 each (a 2 way married with a 3 way, i.e their original crossovers... just all in a single cab?), or a 5 way with a single mono amp at 360??? Don't know yet...just starting to research the possibilities. I can always re-ebay em.

currently have;
1 set of 1" tweeters (1C's)
1 set of 4.5 inch cone midrange drivers (2Ci)
1 set of 8" full range (1C's)
1 set of 8" woofers (2Ci)
1 set of 10 inch sub base acoustic couplers (2Ci)

Cabinet to be designed yet... following Vandersteens concepts for the driver enclosures. Outer display style and grille cloth to be determined yet.

Crossover (maybe more than one?) and single or bi-amping yet to be determined.

Now.. the true specs of each of these were determined and spec'd by Richard Vandersteen... I do not know if I can get the spec details or not from them. They may be proprietary. He may work with me.. may not. I'm not a lost sale because at that price level it wouldn't have ever happened anyway. Will see at what level he will work with me at.

Ideas? Experiences with your wild hairs?

Thanks.

Follow Ups:

RE: Speaker project.... - dem45133 16:26:41 05/07/12 (0)
Thanks Dave T.

Yes I am aware of most of what you said and have been researching DIY speakers for a while now. Wood working (cabinet maker level) is a skill I possess and I have most of that type of equipment. The main sonic structures will likely emulate the original, but the outer edges and lower base portions will be thick veneered in 3/4 natural cherry. I have about 50 board feet in rough yet.

Oh yes, and I agree... my design limitations are only partially limited... I have no marketing or production cost limitations. Vandy really concentrates on the audio excellence of reproduction... that's primarily where he put his money. It will be hard to better it. It's what makes Vandersteens vandersteens.

As you say, I will need to spec these drivers... If Vandersteen will not provide that, I'll take up to an outfit on the northside of Cincinnati who sort of specializes in DIY audio. Its my understanding they have a full e-shop.

There a number of design progs on the net. I've played with some of them, but have no idea which ones are the better. Suggestions anyone?

If its doesn't seem it will fly.. I'll keep em as spares for my 2Ce's and the 1B's.

Thanks again... and keep it coming.

Dave
Speaker project - the Holy Grail - DaveT 08:54:11 05/07/12 (0)
To undertake the replication of a commercial product is noble and may be a daunting task. I would suggest that you communicate with those that have already successfully built a DIY version of the speakers. This tact may allow you to bypass problems that were encountered.

If you insist on undertaking the project from the ground up - you need to do a lot of reading. I would suggest the public library. Check for books on speaker building. Reading these text will give you the foundation to start your quest.

Either tact will require you to have the speakers tested. You will need the QMS, FS, and the VAC for each driver. With theses measurements in hand you can then undertake the design of the enclosures.

There is a lot more to building listenable speakers than purchasing drivers. There are any number of tried and proven DIY designs available on the Internet and other places that will yield high fidelity.

It has been my experience to build DIY speakers and to steer clear of trying to replicate commercial designs. There are a number of factors at work in commercial designs. Many of these factors are driven by the market and economics. Not knowing what compromises are made can lead to less than satisfactory results. Commercial designs are often in flux from production run to production run. It is possible you will be successful, but it is like finding the Holy Grail.

DaveT
Do you know anything about crossover design? - Mr. Dick Hertz 19:38:36 05/06/12 (1)
Do you have the proper measurement equipment? Design programs? Or are you just trying to reinventing the Vandersteen wheel?
- RE: Do you know anything about crossover design? - dem45133 02:03:14 05/07/12 (0)
  No, not really... but I know others have built them. Ultimately it will depend on whether I design for bi-amp in a single cab which then could use their originals (maybe) or a large 5 way that would need a different one. Just starting to think about the possibilities.
  NO equipment or design programs yet.
  Dave
  
  Edits: 05/07/12 05/07/12

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