DIY Speaker Kits, a good idea?

@bdp24 

"@nogaps: I myself almost bought the GR Research Super V to build. Before that could happen I was introduced to the Eminent Technology LFT-8b, an open baffle/dipole planar-magnetic hybrid loudspeaker (p-m for 180Hz and up, an 8" dynamic woofer in a sealed enclosure for 180Hz down). I’ll provide a link to the review of the LFT-8b by Steve Guttenberg below."

DANG YOU!

I've been listening to a pair of LFT-8b's for a couple hours now. I picked them up this morning.  On a lark, after you mentioned them, I did a quick a search and I'll be darned if a pair of 2017 vintage LFT-8b's weren't for sale in my hometown, just 45 minutes from me.  Price (asking) was very reasonable. He had already sold off his power so I couldn't hear them, but..I took a flyer based on your comments and lots of research I did afterwards.  That's what happens when I have time on my hands.  Humping the Super V assemblies on and off the floor to the bench a few too many times (while building other parts) resulted in a rather sore back for a few days.  So, while resting,  I did some research and one thing lead to another. 

Anyway, I'm still finishing the Super Vs, but in the mean time I'm digging the LFTs, a lot. They have sand-filled Sound Anchor stands too.  I have been listening to a pair of Snell Type As for a number of years. They actually sound surprisingly close to the LFTs in a number of ways. Though the LFTs take things a few steps farther. Very nice speakers.  I'm driving them with a McCormack DNA-1, tube pre, Titan ACI sub, and a streamer. For the cost..these speakers are one of the best deals on the planet. They're lovely. Thx! 

I'll be darned if a pair of 2017 vintage LFT-8b's weren't for sale in my hometown, just 45 minutes

It’s a sign

I'm digging the LFTs, a lot

Congratulations 

@simonmoon, Hi Simon I read with mounting interest that you owned Bagby's Kairos speakers. I design and build speakers and have a friend who asked me to help with assembling the XOs for his pair of Kairos. The components were reasonable quality budget units and the resulting sound I thought excellent and feel they would respond to better quality.  After owning them for 4 years he wanted to upgrade. It' a long story with me now living in a different country and unable to help so he's looking at another kit.

Have you heard the "Bordeaux" speakers that you are building? If I may ask, what would these cost, what lead you to these and in what way are they better? I suggested my friend upgrade the XOs, seal the ports and augment with subs but the nagging suspicion there's something better out there raises it's ugly head.

It's a disease 

Wow @nogaps, a $3500 pair of speakers (with the Sound Anchor stands) for $1450! And no shipping!!

I'm relieved you really like the LFT-8b, I'd feel guilty if you didn't. It's a shame so few people get to hear the speaker, what with Eminent Technology's limited dealer network and zero advertising. Even with all the great reviews the speaker has gotten in print mags, potential LFT-8b owners remain unaware of the speaker, and buy Magnepans instead. For the price of the MG1.7i you can get a pair of the significantly better (imo) ET LFT-8b. Bruce Thigpen really should participate in some hi-fi shows.

I filled my Sound Anchor stands with lead shot, to create a heavy low center-of-gravity for the 5' tall LFT-8. Mye Sound has made his stand design (very popular with Maggie owners) for a couple of LFT-8 owners, and I'm still intent on getting a pair myself.

@bdp24 

I think the retail now is $3900.  I paid $1300 and, given how they sound, that seems nearly free.  I figured at that price I could move them along if they didn't work for me, but, they're not going anywhere, anytime soon. The previous owner drove them with a CJ pre and amp around 70 watts, so they haven't been pushed hard. 

I sent an email to Bruce to ask a couple questions and he got back to me in a few hours.  

After looking at the wood trim on the panels, I think I'm going to make a new set and make them a little wider so the wood stands wider than the grill edge(sort of a visual accent).  Should be very easy, they're just straight sticks of wood. I asked Bruce about the potential width(increased from stock by 1/2 to 3/4 inch) and whether they would negatively impact the sonics.  He said the width would be fine as long as I round the outside edges with a 1/2 round over bit.  I'm considering designs and wood species now.

I had an audio friend over today to hear them and he thought they were amazing.

..and the beat goes on..