My first DIY speakers. I was originally and contemplating on a Mark Audio alpair drivers since there is a local seller but due to budget constraints it did not materialize, but later I would build one of these MAs in FHMK3. Need to save up 1st.
I looked for alternative and cheaper way and I chance upon a NOS 6.5inch woofer and a 1inch tweeter set, they are "human speaker" drivers dated Nov. 1996 made in the U.S. Research and google finds help me decide on the box designs.
I decided on a 14 liters closed box with odd sides, drawn up the plan on sketchup with a lot of revisions but very helpful on visualization. It is a truncated pyramid or trapezoidal box, there are no 90 degree side, with respect to the vertical/height baffles/front is 15 degrees and all other sides 5 degrees.
The baffles are mirrored and driver placement is odd too as they are not equidistant to any sides but you can interchange the boxes for left and right side placement.
![Wink ;)](https://www.pinoydvd.com/Smileys/default/wink.gif)
![](http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x468/n_dot2004/DIY/Final%20plan_zpsmqxrwayp.png)
Made a carton model 1st and adjusted some measurements.
![](http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x468/n_dot2004/DIY/Carton%20mock%20up_zps8kd17w7c.jpg)
The good thing here is that you can buy MDF or plywood in cut sizes in Wilcon like stores. I bought half 18mm MDF and started the cut, all straight only with a borrowed jigsaw(only available option).
![](http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x468/n_dot2004/DIY/MDF%20cut_zpscfat6him.jpg)
Since you can adjust the jigsaw angle for mitre cuts, I tried so slowly to edge cut the panels according to planned shape, 80% successful as can be seen on the top side of both boxes.
![](http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x468/n_dot2004/DIY/test%20fit_zpsllfglt1t.jpg)
Compared the carton model with the MDF cuts and was satisfied.
![](http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x468/n_dot2004/DIY/MDF%20carton_zpsyyir5mri.jpg)
After a lot of filing and 80 grit sand paper the angles seems ok for the sides, front, and back so I started to glue up.
![](http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x468/n_dot2004/DIY/Gluing_zps5zhvliji.jpg)
Walls and top side glue dried I put black silicone gel on all inside corners, done with the base also after it was glued and dried up.
![](http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x468/n_dot2004/DIY/black%20silicon_zpsseymjgtq.jpg)
After a lot more sanding and filing here they are ready for fitting or finish.
![](http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x468/n_dot2004/DIY/sanded%20and%20ready_zpsbmn09iay.jpg)
I decided to test fire and prelimenary tuning, only used a 10uF capacitor to the tweeters no fancy crossover being my first build.
![](http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x468/n_dot2004/DIY/drivers%20fitted_zpsu2zizc7e.jpg)
Then the finish, since am on very tight budget and no proper tools I decided on leather and plastic/vinyl wrap. This needs only glue which I have leftovers from the MDF. I love to do wood veneers, stain, poly finish on these later when budget and everything else comes into place for now what matters most is how does it sound.
Front
![](http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x468/n_dot2004/DIY/Fronts_zps6raa7nt5.jpg)
Front side
![](http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x468/n_dot2004/DIY/side%20front_zpsxbynv977.jpg)
![](http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x468/n_dot2004/DIY/sides_zpscfgwsbut.jpg)
Back
![](http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x468/n_dot2004/DIY/Back%20front_zpsx7evbvsl.jpg)
The Amp is from a Diyaudio guy, Tubelab SSE with Pope ECC81/12AT7 driver, Ei 6CA7 main, Sovtek 5AR4 rectifier. I won this assembled and used amp on the local bidding site. Since I still don't have a preamp, I also bought NOS Alps blue 20K Pot and a used input selector, a little drilling and solder I have a multi input attenuator(the block box on the right).
![](http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x468/n_dot2004/DIY/The%20ube%20amp_zps3ompdkou.jpg)
The speakers are 86/87db and the amp could drive them to normal listening modes plus I have a small room. 30 hours and it started a foot tapping experience sonically. I did not expect a bass this good with the woofer size and the highs are so right there where I want it.
![](http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x468/n_dot2004/DIY/Leftampright_zpseuvcxrrv.jpg)
That's all folks!
![Cheesy :D](https://www.pinoydvd.com/Smileys/default/cheesy.gif)
for now.....