Statements II HT Build

[jwanck11]

Agree Jim. I was worried about the internal network and was ruing opening that can of works back up!

Thanks silvia!! I am very interested to see what the 3 statement II's across the front will sound like together.

I am hoping to also get the Finalists done next week. A lot to accomplish, but things are starting to go together pretty quickly as I learn from mistakes.

As for the mains, the tunnels are glued in and I am waiting on wire at this point. I ordered 14awg for all of the internal runs and use KnuKoinceptz SS 12 gauge for running from the amp.

The biggest question on the horizon is whether to add another amp... and of course, what subs and speakers to build next!

If anyone has a good suggestion for matching subs (front & rear) please speak up!

[jwanck11]

Headed home tomorrow from a couple of days of skiing. Had a blast, but looking forward to getting going again on the L/R channels.

[Srixon]

Approximately how much space should be allowed between Statement II's and the wall behind them?

[Jim Holtz]

Approximately how much space should be allowed between Statement II's and the wall behind them?

All of the Statements (Monitors, Mini's, original's & II's), Anthology's and Finalists are designed to sound best with 18" clearance between the back of the speaker and the wall behind with a minimum distance of 12". They sound great up to 36" away from the wall. The 18" minimum or more applies to side walls and careful about positioning large items or furniture between them. The back wave from the mid tunnels has to be able to reflect forward to blend with the front sound wave of the speaker. Positioned correctly, they all have a large and realistic sound stage.

Honestly, these are standard distances for any audiophile quality speaker. You can't hide them if you want them to sound good.

HTH

Jim

[jwanck11]

Thanks for this info, Jim!

My mains have 3 sides glued and the plan for today is to have all of the holes cut out and the cabinets sanded. Tomorrow is set for the networks to be built... I am hoping to set the speakers on the bases and have them initially sounding on Thursday. I have to get a move on!

[jwanck11]

Am I supposed to round over the back panel mid tunnel cutouts?

[Jim Holtz]

Am I supposed to round over the back panel mid tunnel cutouts?

Nope, that's not necessary. See how much time you just saved. :W

Jim

[jwanck11]

Haha! Well, I have time it seems. Went to build all of my networks and found I am missing a 6.2 Ohm resistor. Meniscus is supposed to be overnighting me one - so hope to be wiring up everything tomorrow. I have taken loads of pictures and will upload them once I take a breather from the build.

After these are done, I might break from starting the Finalists (actually all of the mdf is cut) and build a stand for the center channel.... and maybe I will build them at the same time. lol.

The rest of today is cutting out the holes for the speakers in both baffles, rounding them over in the back and fitting in the foam, flush trimming and sanding. That ought to take me right to midnight!!

[jwanck11]

UGH! Was making good progress until.... the damn router depth gauge moved. One of my mid range countersink recesses is deeper by a good 1/8". My plan is to double up on tape and hope the depth difference is not noticeable. I would really rather not make another baffle, but will have to if I cannot get them somewhat even. I have been contemplating replacing my 20 yr old router and decided it was not worth it - now I wish I had.

O well. 4 more holes to cut tomorrow when I wake up and then its onto wiring everything up. Definitely should be listening to them by Friday evening!

[Jim Holtz]

Wow! You're cabinet building skills are amazing! :T

It takes me several weeks to build cabinets as complex as the Statements II's.

Jim

[Steve Manning]

UGH! Was making good progress until.... the damn router depth gauge moved. One of my mid range countersink recesses is deeper by a good 1/8". My plan is to double up on tape and hope the depth difference is not noticeable. I would really rather not make another baffle, but will have to if I cannot get them somewhat even. I have been contemplating replacing my 20 yr old router and decided it was not worth it - now I wish I had.

O well. 4 more holes to cut tomorrow when I wake up and then its onto wiring everything up. Definitely should be listening to them by Friday evening!

You could make a spacer ring or shims out of hardboard ..... it generally comes in 1/8" thickness?

[jwanck11]

Great suggestion, Steve! I'll see what Home Depot has. I have to pick up connectors anyway...

[jwanck11]

I ended up building another baffle and have all of the holes cut. phew. I also got most of the foam in.

Question on the foam in the mid tunnels. In the back, do you run the foam flush with the outside of the back cabinet or should I stop 3/4" (back of the built tunnel). I can't imagine it matters, but want to ask before getting ready to wire and close these up!

[Jim Holtz]

I ended up building another baffle and have all of the holes cut. phew. I also got most of the foam in.

Question on the foam in the mid tunnels. In the back, do you run the foam flush with the outside of the back cabinet or should I stop 3/4" (back of the built tunnel). I can't imagine it matters, but want to ask before getting ready to wire and close these up!

You are correct, the 3/4" doesn't make much if any difference. Depending on your room you may want to play with how far back from the driver the foam is positioned. Less foam, equals a bit more output from the mids.

You are making phenomenal progress!

Jim

[jwanck11]

Great, Thanks Jim!!

Headed to an arts store to see if they have foam. I did not get enough with the kit. :/ O well.

Tomorrow, wiring and gluing on the front baffles I hope!

[jwanck11]

Had a successful crossover test so I am setting the crossovers into the cabinets tonight. Tomorrow the bases will go on and then the baffles. Very, very excited to be at the goal line!

Man did I learn a lot along the way.

[jwanck11]

They are simply awesome - and they are big!

First songs through were from Pentatonix, Rush and a purposefully selected version of Sexual Healing by Ben Harper that spotlights a beautiful bass rift. I turned around with my back to the speakers and the imaging was unreal - so much fine detail and accurate positioning..

I have to play with my preprocessor as they are overpowering my center in movies, but that will be tomorrow. For now, I just want to go through my mucis library and enjoy the beautiful sound they put out.

Jim & the community, Thank you for all of your help and also tahnks to Curt and Wayne for developing an excellent speaker.

I decided to take a day off before pounding away on the Finalists. I am excited to build and listen to them too! I have a ton of pictures and some hopefully helpful notes to share. Pictures are uploading to photo-bucket as I type this....

[silvia0073]

Ain't that the truth jwanck11, now my problem is everything in my house, all my mobile equipment and my car stereo sound mediocre at best... The detail these things put out is just beyond anything I've ever experienced, that being said though, I haven't experienced much. I didn't understand how much better audio can get with nice speakers and these have blown me away completely. Imaging and vocals... omg! I had a friend comment on how insanely awesome my computer monitor speakers were and wondered why I have these huge speaker towers and not using them.

[Jim Holtz]

Hi Guys,

Excellent! I'm really pleased that you both are enjoying your Statements II's as much as I do! :T

Thank you for the excellent feedback!

Jim

[jwanck11]

I have 58 pictures to go through and figure out what to post up. Here is one shot of them completed - with the center channel too. I have started on the Finalists with gluing the front baffles tonight - and will have more on that as that build progresses throughout the week.

I am waiting on warmer temps to finish them and also to give myself time to decide on just what I want to do.... for now, I am loving listening to them!

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[Jim Holtz]

Very nice! :T

Jim

[Steve Manning]

+1 on what Jim said ..... looking forward to seeing them with a finish.

[kevinm]

If you're like me, you'll build another pair of boxes so you don't have to go without them while finishing

They look great!

[jwanck11]

Thanks guys! Haha Kevin, tempting indeed...

I am vacillating between veneer with a dark/black stain and painting - leaning on the side of the veneer. I am actually glad I have time to decide and perhaps test a few pieces to see what I really like.

Finalists are coming along nicely. I have 1 front baffle completely cut out and all of the pieces marked to make cuts today. The plan is to have all cutouts done by end of day.

[TEK]

Looking very nice - no it will be interesting to see how many years it will take before the finish comes on ;-)

[jwanck11]

Hahaha - Thanks TEK!!! Nah, I am one of those guys that has to get to the end of projects. Its just too cold to do any painting and I want to erect a temp booth outside and let the sun bake them when it's time. I am currently thinking of painting the baffle some flavor of black with a subtle grain wood veneer stained a very dark color.

As for the Finalists... well, they might be "small," but they are proving to be quite the project. I had to adjust the size of the port hole to accommodate what Meniscus sent me that the flare is flush with the back of the cabinet. Also, if done again, I probably would have not have cut the front and back pieces the same... I would have had the entire baffle and back flush with the top and bottom of the cabinet, just like my statements.

I am stuck, sort of, at the moment. There are no measurements for where the PVC supports glue to the inner front and rear panels. I am just too tired to continue tonight so that and remaking one of the rear panels are for tomorrow.

[jwanck11]

Here are a couple of picts of the statements build.

First up is the bi-amp posts I used. I am powering these with an Outlaw 7700 and will be adding another amp just to drive the mains... I am currently deciding on what to power them with.

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I don't have a lot of clamping pictures, but understand I have to post one...

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I left the foam in the mid tunnels 3/4" recessed. Despite Jim telling me I did not have to round over the edges, I almost did anyway - but then wondered if that would disperse the wave prematurely???

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Upstairs and just waiting for drivers. At this point, my arms were so darn tired, screwing in all of the screws was like walking up a 10 mile 8% grade with 200 lb bags of sand on each shoulder.

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I set in the networks with some hot glue and a screw. I can get at them if necessary - but I hope to never have to!!!

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Last one for now... I actually like building the crossovers.

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[jwanck11]

I am stuck on the Finalists!

Specifically on the mid-range crossover, the Meniscus drawing has the near/far switch interrupting the mid and tweeter where as the bass driver has a direct + feed from the source. I thought Curt's drawing has the switch interrupting the source and all 3 driver networks.

Also, they sent me (for the tweeter) both a 3.9ohm resistor as well as a set of 3.9 in pair (parallel for extra wattage.) I do not see where a zister is called for, so I am not sure whether to use the single or the pair in parallel.

Can anyone help, please? I was hoping to be all glued up tonight... but now hoping for tomorrow.

[Jim Holtz]

I am stuck on the Finalists!

Specifically on the mid-range crossover, the Meniscus drawing has the near/far switch interrupting the mid and tweeter where as the bass driver has a direct + feed from the source. I thought Curt's drawing has the switch interrupting the source and all 3 driver networks.

Also, they sent me (for the tweeter) both a 3.9ohm resistor as well as a set of 3.9 in pair (parallel for extra wattage.) I do not see where a zister is called for, so I am not sure whether to use the single or the pair in parallel.

Can anyone help, please? I was hoping to be all glued up tonight... but now hoping for tomorrow.

The switch should be wired so the R0011 2.2 ohm resistor is bypassed for close wall positioning to offset the increased bass from the wall reinforcement of the bass when positioned close to the wall. In other words, the mid and tweeters get louder when the resistor is bypassed.

I'm not sure about the paralleled 3.9 ohm resistors. The only 3.9 resistor used is in the tweeter circuit. Are the actual value of the paralleled resistors 3.9 ohm each or is that the net value after paralleling? Paralleling resistors to reach the correct value double power handling which is good as is using Zisters when ever possible.

HTH

Jim

[jwanck11]

Thanks very much Jim! The 3.9's in pairs are supposed to be a 2.0 - according to Meniscus.

Is the PVC tunnel supposed to get a liner of 1" foam?? If so, I will have to find some!

[Jim Holtz]

Thanks very much Jim! The 3.9's in pairs are supposed to be a 2.0 - according to Meniscus.

Is the PVC tunnel supposed to get a liner of 1" foam?? If so, I will have to find some!

Ok, that makes sense. The 2.0 net pair are R0011 that the switch bypasses. They're doubling the resistors to provide extra power handling since it's handling both the mid and tweeter signal.

Yes, one inch flat foam is used in the mid tunnels. I preferred about 6 1/2" beveled on the driver end and flushed with the back of the cabinet in my room. That's where I'd suggest you start.

Jim

[jwanck11]

great, thanks!

So, I run a wire from the source + binding post to the pair of resistors, then to one side of the switch. Then, run a wire from the other side of the switch to the other side of the pair of resistors and to the mid and tweeter boards?

[Jim Holtz]

great, thanks!

So, I run a wire from the source + binding post to the pair of resistors, then to one side of the switch. Then, run a wire from the other side of the switch to the other side of the pair of resistors and to the mid and tweeter boards?

It's been so long since I built these I can't tell you step by step what to do. I did have a lot of conversation with Curt during the switch install. I've attached a picture I took and a snip of the crossover that may help. The bottom line is, the switch simply bridges past the 2.2 ohm resistor.

Jim

[jwanck11]

Jim, Thanks! The picture helps a lot!

An FYI, the Meniscus network drawing is a bit different - though it seems to accomplish the same thing...

[jwanck11]

I am thinking of picking up 2 Outlaw 2200's to power the LR statement IIs. They are 200w @ 8 ohms and 300w at 4ohms.

I am a fan of Outlaw products given my experience with them, but I am not loyal in complete. If there is a better option anywhere near that price point, I am all ears...

Any alternative suggestions?

[Jim Holtz]

I am thinking of picking up 2 Outlaw 2200's to power the LR statement IIs. They are 200w @ 8 ohms and 300w at 4ohms.

I am a fan of Outlaw products given my experience with them, but I am not loyal in complete. If there is a better option anywhere near that price point, I am all ears...

Any alternative suggestions?

Outlaw or Emotiva would be my 1st choice. I'm an Emotiva fan but they're changing their amp designs so at this point, I'd look for used or refurb if available. The used market is also a good option. The older Hafler and Adcoms are a good choice too. There are also lots of premium priced amps that could also be used if budget allows.

Jim

[jwanck11]

Thanks Jim! I will start the research process....

On another note, I have made it past the switch impasse on the Finalists and essentially am a day away from them producing sound. I have all of the wires cut and terminated. All I have to do is connect the built crossovers to the speakers and wires to test and then set the crossovers, foam and drivers into the cabinets - that and glue on the remaining side and hook em up!! Very excited to have my 5.1 system at this point.

[Jim Holtz]

Excellent! :T

Jim

[jwanck11]

Can't remember who originally built a similar cc stand, but I loved the way it looked so I blatantly copied the design - Thank you to whoever it was!! I matched the routed edge to my mains.

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Still plugging away on the Finalists. Progress was halted as I am waiting for foam to arrive. Everything else is done!

[jwanck11]

Well, the Finalists are done pre-finish and in our family room with the Statements. Their very first duty was a couple of selections from Pentatonix - which was just incredible. The center and mains have opened up nicely and are becoming more musical by the song. I am really looking forward to the Finalists also being at that stage, too!

The next duty was Star Trek - Into the Darkness. I am blown away by the experience. Before, the sub shook the floor and couch a bit while now, the whole space is part of the action! This set of speakers works so well together its like being inside the movie as it unfolds around me. The ribbon is tack sharp and the mids round out voices beautifully. All of the woofers move air with a purpose - so powerful and so tight with no detectable delay. The crossover work is perfect in its simplicity. The blend is spot on... power with ultimate finesse.

I am very, very glad to have built this set and am very thankful Jim for all of your help. Equally, although they will not see it, I am thankful for Curt and Wayne collaborating on the design of these beautiful speakers.

That is probably it for me at least for now. I am sourcing sub suggestions and research from other sites.

I have several build notes that I'll type up one of these days and stick on the internets somewhere with the hope that they might help.

Thanks again!!

[Jim Holtz]

Thank you for the very kind comments. Curt, Wayne and I all appreciate your thoughts. I do want to state again that the sound quality of all these speakers is a direct result of Curt's superb crossover work. He is the master!

I'm extremely pleased that you're enjoying your system as much as I enjoy mine. The Statements II mains, center and Finalists are the foundation of a great music and home theater system that will provide enjoyment for many years to come.

Great job! :T

Enjoy the music!

Jim

[jwanck11]

Here are a couple of pictures of the Finalists... I was not taking as many pictures at this point!

I have some measurements I will share one day soon.

Part way through:

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Flush mounted port:

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My trusty 7529 bought it during this project so it is relegated to the table from here forward!

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The stands I build for them:

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Running and sounding magnificent!

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Again, Can't thank the folks involved in the design as well as all of the help I got from the community enough. I still owe notes and measurements, but I am building another center (I already have 2) to use as SR,SL, 4 atmos speakers and 2 subs - so it might take a bit.

[Jim Holtz]

looks great! :T

Jim

[jwanck11]

Time to revisit the thread and provide a couple of Finalists measurements:

I am guessing the port that Meniscus shipped to me was different than the original. I used the plans to make the back pieces and found the port would not fit. The new port is a very tight squeeze, but everything will fit with careful measuring.

Back Panel:
The port hole center from the top edge of the back piece (not including the top) is 2"
The port cutout is 3 1/2" using a 1/2" bit.


Back and Front Panel:
The PVC support brace is 3 3/4" from the top of the back and front pieces (not including the top piece)

Hope that helps!