Modula MT project under way

[Garyf52]

I guess it's speaker building season. My latest project is a pair of Modula MT's, with the Dayton RS28a tweeters. I had the drivers in another set of speakers and decided to use them for a set of Modulas. Hopefully this will be an upgrade. Currently, one cabinet is assembled, one is in clamps to attach the baffle. I'm using Hickory plywood that was left over from my previous build, and Sapele trim. Still a long way to go before they'll be finished.

Here are photos of the project so far.


A pair of box beams make a really versatile work bench.


One assembled box wiped down with mineral spirits for a preview.

Rear panel will be removable.


Crossovers are all assembled. I copied the layout published by Dan B. Thanks Dan.
More to come..

[JonMarsh]

Nice looking work on the enclosures!

What are you planning for your final finish?

[Carl V]

The finish is just Minwax Tung Oil Finish, no stain.

is what he has used in the past...with Walnut trim.
How'd you like the tributes?

have you ever considered using some transtint Dye.
it might 'warm' up the hickory & it's broad sapwood.


Do you use any damping material?

regardless...nice work.

I'll be in SJC this weekend, I'll look up that supplier.

[5th element]

Wow that Hickory plywood is nice looking stuff!

[Garyf52]

is what he has used in the past...with Walnut trim.
How'd you like the tributes?

have you ever considered using some transtint Dye.
it might 'warm' up the hickory & it's broad sapwood.


Do you use any damping material?

regardless...nice work.

I'll be in SJC this weekend, I'll look up that supplier.

Thanks for the comments. I was planning on the same finish as the Tributes, but I may try a few coats of shellac to add some warmth. Shellac on sapele looks fantastic. I'll be making some tests before I decide on the final finish.

The Tributes are great speakers. I'm very pleased with the way they sound. I followed the recommendations in the kit for damping. There are a couple of pieces of dacron batting placed behind the woofer and nothing more.

I've never tried transtint dyes, but I've used the Aniline water based dyes from Lee Valley on some maple, with good results. I don't want to darken the hickory too much. I like the contrast between the tones of the hickory and the sapele.

[wkhanna]

beautiful woodworking!

i have never seen hickory ply previously.

[Steve Manning]

Nice combination on the wood, great looking cabinets. :T

[sdl2112]

Very nice...I look forward to how you finish those as well.

[kevinm]

beautiful woodworking!

i have never seen hickory ply previously.

Agreed! Did you use the tape method when gluing up the mitered joints?

[Garyf52]

Agreed! Did you use the tape method when gluing up the mitered joints?

Yes, same method as was used for my tributes build. I'm doing some tests of finishes on some scraps today. It's looking like I'll be going with shellac base coats, then varnish.

[Sahren7]

Where did you source the hickory ply? I also live in the Cal Central Valley - was is someplace local?

Cabinets look great. I also have a pair of Modula's but they do not look anything like that - nice work!

[Garyf52]

Where did you source the hickory ply? I also live in the Cal Central Valley - was is someplace local?

Cabinets look great. I also have a pair of Modula's but they do not look anything like that - nice work!

The wood came from Aura Hardwoods in Modesto. I believe they have stores in Sacramento and San Jose also.

[---k---]

Very pretty.
I've used some Maple plywood before, but it didn't have as beautiful grain as that walnut.
Can you provide a link to your tributes build. Would enjoy seeing how you did the corners.

I'm too hoping these are an upgrade for you. Looking forward to reading your thoughts and comparisons between your different speakers.

[Garyf52]

Here is a link to my Tributes build.

http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php?42815-My-new-build-The-Tributes

[Sahren7]

The wood came from Aura Hardwoods in Modesto. I believe they have stores in Sacramento and San Jose also.

Very good - I live in Modesto - I have not been in Aura in years but I think I will pay them a visit this week. Thanks

[Garyf52]

Trying out my Modula MT's.

They still need a little more work but I'm finally listening to them and I really like what I hear.

This finish did not turn out quite like I had hoped. The contrast is a bit more subdued by the shellac base coat.

Right now the port is just press fit, in case I want to make any adjustments. After the finish has had a few more days to cure I'll buff with some steel wool to reduce the gloss a little.

Here are some quick and dirty photos.







I'm very impressed with how they sound. They sound clear and detailed throughout the range, with excellent bass and crisp clear high frequencies as well. Definitely a significant upgrade from my Core 2way with the same drivers.

[JonMarsh]

Good to hear you're happy with them and you're getting the results you hoped for- :T

They use the same special quasi LR3 crossover concept as the Ardent and Isiris, (and the NatlieP, too) but in a special series parallel arrangement adapted to take care of the RS180's quirks as well as possible while delivering a very easy to drive impedance curve to the amplifier.

Enjoy your tunes!