Opinion - Every audiophile should build at least 1 pair of speakers

Kosst---I can’t speak for all DIY loudspeaker kits, but in the GR Research products you are getting an advanced speaker designed by one of the best in the business. Danny Richie does outside work for non-DIY speaker companies, who pay him to design their crossovers and driver-compensation networks and filters, a particularly strong talent of his. The drivers that are included in his kits are designed by him, and are built to his specs. All you have to do is build the enclosure, or get one of appropriate internal volume from Parts Express or one of the cabinet makers who contribute to the AudioCircle GR Research Forum. Danny also offers economically-priced modification kits for built-to-a-price-point commercial loudspeakers, replacing their junk parts with audiophile-quality parts chosen for ultimate sound quality, and while he’s at it correcting the engineering "mistakes" (or bad choices/compromises) the designers of many mass-produced speakers often make.

Rather than being not as good as the same amount of money spent on a ready-made speaker, the GR products perform way above their price points. That’s why they have won awards at several of the RMAF Shows, and from professional reviewers. Richie has just received the first examples of the new ribbon tweeter he has designed and is having manufactured for him---an improved version of the great NEO 3 that was discontinued several years ago. This tweeter embarrasses those found in much more expensive loudspeakers, including some of the biggest names in hi-fi. Danny is a perfectionist with very high standards, and his speaker designs reflect that fact. Okay, I’m a DR fanboy; I’m far from alone!