SMJ Audio Calliope MT Build

[Steve Manning]

I think the color combo with the bamboo is going to look pretty sweet Sven.

[JonMarsh]

I was able to get all the painting done yesterday, and now I have to count the days till I can start assembling.



Luckily we only use this table when we have company so social distancing has helped me leverage space in the house for drying.



Card table with larger boards on top for the ribs. Some stand pieces below.



My other make shift shelf from the garage got moved inside for the bamboo pieces and the bottom of the stand. The bamboo got 2 coats of the clear, and the Emtech sprayed on the easiest out of the primer and the black. But to be fair it was also a lot thinner and I should have had a 2mm spray gun for the primer and black.

Meticulous work, Sven, and I think these will look and sound great when you finish getting them put together!

[Dave Bullet]

A most enjoyable post and read. Great photos. Thanks for sharing! That cabinet looks completely inert / dead. A labour of love.

[theSven]

Cutting the Sonic Barrier & Installing

Over the weekend I got the sonic barrier cut for the ribs and base.



Cut it out in the garage, and it helped to use a new blade to cut the material.



All the strips cut and ready to install





A look at how the cabinet will look. The excitement is building!

I started installing the barrier this week, and it went in great. It was very sticky, but I stapled per the assb









I used the spacer to cut the size of the barrier to fit for the second layer



The second layer of barrier installed

Next up is to start assembling the cabinets.

[theSven]

Time to Assemble

Over the week I have assembled the stands and cabinets.



I installed the crossovers and used crimp connections. I wasn't comfortable with solder since I haven't done that in many years and didn't want to risk any issues.



Crossover installed to the top plate and wired.



Building the cabinets begins. I used three rods, and then installed the other three after the rest of the ribs and spacers were in place.





Installing the binding posts, front and back view.



Got the nut installed to secure the connection. The socket did not fit, and I used pliers to get it tight.



All the ribs and spacers are in place and need to get tightened down.



Installed the seal on the back of the baffle. I had to order another role of this since i used three rolls for the the spacers.



Installed the baffle.







Stand assembled!



The cabinets and stands assembled, but now they need to get moved to the basement.

[theSven]

Moved the Calliope MT to their new home

The calliope's are now in their new home. I did order new feet for the stand. I forgot to get the right ones, but they should be here in a month I hope.







Listening experience has been nothing short of amazing! It's like sitting in front of performance live. I consider this a massive upgrade for the room, and I'm happy to send the Wharfdales back to my friend who was kind enough to loan them to me for the last 6 years.

Thank you Steve & Jon! I look forward to working with SMJ audio for future projects.

P.S. I really need a new center channel now!

[ergo]

Very very nice outcome!

Steve & Jon have done good work of thinking it though and designing it.

Also very cool process where one can have a ready crossover on the base of the cabinet and then kind of "build the box around it"

[Evil Twin]

Over the weekend I got the sonic barrier cut for the ribs and base.



Cut it out in the garage, and it helped to use a new blade to cut the material.



All the strips cut and ready to install





A look at how the cabinet will look. The excitement is building!

I started installing the barrier this week, and it went in great. It was very sticky, but I stapled per the assb









I used the spacer to cut the size of the barrier to fit for the second layer



The second layer of barrier installed

Next up is to start assembling the cabinets.

Impressive... most impressive! The esthetic choices in particular seem to be paying off, and your attention to detail in fabrication and assembly is to be commended...

[theSven]

Very very nice outcome!

Steve & Jon have done good work of thinking it though and designing it.

Also very cool process where one can have a ready crossover on the base of the cabinet and then kind of "build the box around it"

Thank you Ergo

I met my goal to have this kit assembled before 31 May 2020. I set a 8 week window after picking up the kit from Steve. I'm lucky to live relatively close to Steve to get a listening session and then pick the kit up.

I thought the whole kit was really cool, it had curves, a unique look, and most impressive sound.

[theSven]

Impressive... most impressive! The esthetic choices in particular seem to be paying off, and your attention to detail in fabrication and assembly is to be commended...

Thank you ET! The Emtech primer/paint/clear all sprayed amazingly well with the HVLP. Looking forward to more builds!