As you may know I am in the final stages of my first ever build (measuring and tuning). In the meantime, I am thinking through the concept for my next project and I am thinking a small 3-way monitor with horizontal orientation, i.e. this layout:
The conceptual requirements are:
Questions:
For example, if the overall width is 36cm, then a abt 20cm woofer can be (tightly) accommodated, together with a abt 12cm midrange and abt 5-6cm tweeter (typical tweeters with 10-13cm plate would not fit). Woofer chamber will need to be small, which would limit the range of suitable woofers, I suppose.
The conceptual requirements are:
- self contained (i.e. electronics i.e. amps, crossovers built in) stereo pair
- as compact as possible: dimensions as small as possible while still fitting the plate amp and drivers
- very good LF extension (this is in conflict with the above)
- SPL low to medium (no high SPL should help the above)
- simple (to make) cabinet. Sealed box.
- cost low to medium (i.e. low to mid tier drivers, MDF as main box material, cheaper electronics if available
Questions:
- what are the options for plate amp and crossovers module? I am only familiar with Hypex FA series and from those it would be either the 123 or 253. They are both 360mm long, which would dictate the minimum size (width). I would like to find similarly featured options cheaper and smaller, if available
- what would be a few driver options for each channel?
For example, if the overall width is 36cm, then a abt 20cm woofer can be (tightly) accommodated, together with a abt 12cm midrange and abt 5-6cm tweeter (typical tweeters with 10-13cm plate would not fit). Woofer chamber will need to be small, which would limit the range of suitable woofers, I suppose.
If you don't care about the analog input, then take a look at this solution.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/3-way-dsp-amp.415065/
I like building smallish sized speakers, but I use them with a sub. Why do you want this all in one speaker? Where will you use it? On stands out from the walls, or sitting on a desk, or shelf? Is running speaker wires that much of an issue, or do you just want to be able to move the system around quickly?
These will be in the kitchen, on top of wall cupboards (i.e. close the ceiling and pointing down) and will get a lot of playing time.
HAve a look at this project for ideas: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...sive-drivers-and-components-mechano325.60789/
Good bass in a very small box, but not terribly inexpensive.
https://www.parts-express.com/Dayto...-Series-HO-Subwoofer-8-ohm-295-459?quantity=1
https://www.parts-express.com/Dayto...-Series-HO-Subwoofer-8-ohm-295-459?quantity=1
I am partial to the Hypex plate amps, but there are other options which are less expensive... and which are smaller.
The amp board from @uriy-ch is a good option. Another good option is Zoudio AIO4CH, there is a thread on it if you search.
I am familiar with the Epique in Dayton Audio range and the 7in Epique version looks cheaper, has higher excursion but smaller diameter/area. Indeed, a similar solution, slightly larger. Smaller chamber on the Epique.
If 8in can fit, what about this one:
https://www.parts-express.com/Dayto...400W-RMS-DVC-Subwoofer-2-Ohm-Per-Coil-295-708
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What about tweeters? Small, with integral or third-party waveguides. Not a familiar area for me.
The most important part here is probably integration with the midrange. That is, in level of course but mainly in directivity. You don't want a peak in sound power just above the X-over frequency. So waveguides, good baffle/enclosure shapes and ditto positioning of drivers are of quite some concern, more so than over-expensive 'exclusive' tweeters. I'd rather have a well integrated good budget tweeter than an overpriced one in a design that doesn't address this point well. Sadly the latter still can be witnessed in a lot of 'audiophile' designs, DIY or off the shelf.
Your first picture (on the left) gives a clue already. The Seas H1499 DXT tweeter is well known for its easy integration with 5" mids. Augerpro's waveguides also are worth mentioning. And you don't see it that often, but the Visaton waveguide WG148 is a good companion for a lot of tweeters, although you'll have to adapt it to the tweeter itself if you don't use the expensive ceramic or so-so fabric Visaton option. For tweeters: SB acoustics is hard to beat, but the Scan Speak Discovery's sure belong to the top. Scan even has a waveguided tweeter that also couples nicely to a 5" mid.
It's not very smooth. Could be OK if crossed low like a sub.
https://www.parts-express.com/pedocs/specs/295-708--dayton-audio-UMII8-22-spec-sheet.pdf
