Brainstorming: Near field listening setup

[jdc0589]

First off, I do almost all listening from my computer desk.

Current Setup:
For the past 6-8 months I have been using an ancient JVC R-X40 amp (which isnt too bad surprisingly enough) and a pair of Dayton RS100S drivers in full range alignment in 3-chamber bass reflex enclosures (bass is astounding for these tiny drivers, the wall vibrates if I crank them up). The enclosures are 6in(wide), about 9in deep, and 18in tall.

I would like to move these in to my man cave for light duty movie use (the sweet spot is perfect for them in there) and build something nicer for normal listening.

Needs and Requirements:
- Enclosures can not be 'too' huge. I could go up to around 8in wide, 20in tall, and 12in deep or so. (more depth is better then height)

- I WILL NOT consider a seperate mono subwoofer under ANY circumstances.

-Needs to be very detailed and accurate.

-Not going to specify much on lower octave requirements. Obviously I would love to keep the f/r curve as flat as possible as low as possible. But, sloppy/blurred bass is not acceptable.

-Cost: I hate to put a price cap on here, but to keep things from getting too crazy, lets go with $500 total for driver and crossover costs.



Before we get in to creating something from scratch, can anyone think of a DIY project someone has already done that would satisfy my needs?

[1Michael]

Have you checked out the Mission Accomplished threads?

[---k---]

JonW is creating a highend speaker to sit on his desk.

http://htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=31249

Probably over your budget, and I'm not sure he is finished with it. But, I thought I would throw it out there since this in one of the few projects I know of that is specifically designed to sit on someone's desk and be listened to in near field.

You're size limitations is bigger than most are willing to accept in this application, so you may be able to achieve reasonable bass. But, I wouldn't expect tons of bass. And, sloppy/blurred, boomy bass could be very likely due to placement on a desk - especially in a bigger monitor not specifically designed to for that placement.

[---k---]

Have you checked out the Mission Accomplished threads?

I have. Which one are you recommending?

[1Michael]

I thought the bose buster was listed there. Apparently not.

[jdc0589]

Buggers: I dont think the bass extension on the bose busters is going to cut it.

Ryan: Thanks for the link to JonW's project. But you are correct, it is out of my price range.


I have spent a good bit of time looking around, still no solution. Not many DIYers go for this type of project.
However optimistic/unrealistic it is, I feel like the key to this project is finding a quality low distortion 5-6in driver that can cover the low end at low/moderate output levels in a vented alignment. Ideally it would extend high enough, with good performance, to cross straight to a super tweeter, but that may push the boundary of what is possible. The only reason I feel like this might be attainable (and I could easily be wrong), is because I don't need this system to get very loud.

Thus far, the best thing I can come up with for the driver may be the Tang Band W5-1611SA, but seeing as the only way to get it is to order from the German distributor, it may not be an option.
Here is the driver info: click here

Anyone know about that driver?

[ttan98]

Use full range like Mark Alpair 5 full range and equalizer the bottom end to get your bass, see this thread:

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=143100

It seems to work and cheap too.

[jdc0589]

Use full range like Mark Alpair 5 full range and equalizer the bottom end to get your bass, see this thread:

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=143100

It seems to work and cheap too.

The equalization you are referring to is called convolution. And yes, it is the 'end all' in terms of getting response as close to perfect as possible.

Son of a bitch...finally what looks to be an easy to use program for calculating FIR filters and ITS IN FREAKING JAPANESE! :cry:

[liasom]

Zaph designed near-field (well, at least reduced BSC) crossovers for his Seas L18 / Seas 27TBFCG and SR71 projects. See this thread, Nearfield design considerations.... Never built either one. I went with the ZBM4 due to cost in a 5.1 setup for my office. BTW I have his crossover design for the L18 if you need it.

[1Michael]

That L18 with reduced BSC looks like something I might build for my computer...