Tweet
Part I General info
Many nonDIYer's would think the primary reason is to save money. Many times this is true. Generally speaking one can "clone" or closely copy an existing loudspeaker design for 1/3rd-1/4th of the retail cost, so for many, this is motivation alone.
For the hobbiest, the motivation soon changes. It becomes a learning experience, and a tool for experimentation/creativity. Frequently the same raw drivers can be built into numerous configurations, all with differing sonic properities. The cost of the raw building materials is inexpensive, so experimentation generally doesn't cost much.
In the late 1950's and early 1960's there were many "kit" manufacturers. Fisher, Scott, Eico, Knightkit, Heathkit, Dynaco, were some of the "big" names. There were also dozens of small "mom and pop" operations usually offering one or two products. Operations such as Heathkit offered everything from sophisticated computerized weather stations to FPTV kits. Believe me when I say that building a FPTV or any TV kit, is a serious undertaking
Slowly the demand for kits began to diminish and the businesses all but disappeared by the 1980's. The age of instant gratification was upon us.
Now with the rising popularity of HT, there has been a slow but steady increase in the availibility of new kits. This has been aided in no small part by the DIY computer "brew-masters". Leading this trend in audio has been small companies that continued to offer one or two products, then were able to expand their product lines as time and investment capital permitted.
Marchand Electronics is a excellent example of this type of development. Begun some 8 years ago with a simple but well designed active crossover, it now offers many different active XO's. Some esoteric tube units with separate outboard power supplies. They also have power amps, specialized EQ devices, passive pre-amps., etc.
At the other end of the spectrum is John Pomannand his neat little compact active XO kit.
The "popular" resurgence of DIY speakers, is due in no small part to the online forums and companies like Avatar/Adire Audio. Adire's website, the plans posted there, combined with the companies exceptional customer service, have helped launch a phemenon in subwoofer building. Armed with new found confidence after building a sub, people are now again taking on the challange of building their own mains.
So after 40 years, we've come full circle
theAudioWorx
Klone-Audio
Many nonDIYer's would think the primary reason is to save money. Many times this is true. Generally speaking one can "clone" or closely copy an existing loudspeaker design for 1/3rd-1/4th of the retail cost, so for many, this is motivation alone.
For the hobbiest, the motivation soon changes. It becomes a learning experience, and a tool for experimentation/creativity. Frequently the same raw drivers can be built into numerous configurations, all with differing sonic properities. The cost of the raw building materials is inexpensive, so experimentation generally doesn't cost much.
In the late 1950's and early 1960's there were many "kit" manufacturers. Fisher, Scott, Eico, Knightkit, Heathkit, Dynaco, were some of the "big" names. There were also dozens of small "mom and pop" operations usually offering one or two products. Operations such as Heathkit offered everything from sophisticated computerized weather stations to FPTV kits. Believe me when I say that building a FPTV or any TV kit, is a serious undertaking
Slowly the demand for kits began to diminish and the businesses all but disappeared by the 1980's. The age of instant gratification was upon us.
Now with the rising popularity of HT, there has been a slow but steady increase in the availibility of new kits. This has been aided in no small part by the DIY computer "brew-masters". Leading this trend in audio has been small companies that continued to offer one or two products, then were able to expand their product lines as time and investment capital permitted.
Marchand Electronics is a excellent example of this type of development. Begun some 8 years ago with a simple but well designed active crossover, it now offers many different active XO's. Some esoteric tube units with separate outboard power supplies. They also have power amps, specialized EQ devices, passive pre-amps., etc.
At the other end of the spectrum is John Pomannand his neat little compact active XO kit.
The "popular" resurgence of DIY speakers, is due in no small part to the online forums and companies like Avatar/Adire Audio. Adire's website, the plans posted there, combined with the companies exceptional customer service, have helped launch a phemenon in subwoofer building. Armed with new found confidence after building a sub, people are now again taking on the challange of building their own mains.
So after 40 years, we've come full circle
theAudioWorx
Klone-Audio
Comment