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What building my own speakers has taught me...

Hi Everyone,

After 8 years or so I have finally finished my "reference" speaker system.  I say eight years because what started as a small, high end 2-way has morphed into a 3-way active system.  Really happy with the results for myself... but I wanted to step back a little and reflect on the audio industry right now. 

First, I’m not here to convince you to DIY your next pair unless you NEED to build something.  And I’m not here to rail against the high price of gear, which does have some merit.   Mostly what I think about is how difficult it really is to make a business selling audio gear, and that I’m actually SHOCKED at how many companies attempt to do so, and even more when they thrive. 

Pricing out all the components in my speakers I come to a total parts cost.  Lets say it’s $1,000.  It could be $10, the actual amount doesn’t matter, but pretend it’s $1k. If I try to imagine "How would I take this product to market?"  I simply can’t get to a selling price under 15 to 20 times manufacturing cost. 

At the same time, the cost of the average "reference" speaker over the last 20 years has really skyrocketed, while the audio enthusiast market has dwindled.   Then along came HDMI whose ridiculous licensing and technical requirements seems to at least have been partially responsible for Meridian and Theta Digital dwindling from the market. 

I can’t imagine how hard it is for anyone besides say Sony or Harman or Samsung to be in the market for audio gear.  Increased costs, high competition, dwindling consumers.....  are we in a bubble or does every generation think "this is it, this is the end of high end audio?" 

erik_squires
erik_squires OP
17,584 posts
 

Thinking about this now, I think part of what sent me down this path was a 2-way Mundorf kit that I heard ages ago.  The theme was to do an all Germany build, so the crossover and Tweeter were Mundorf but the mid-bass was a white ceramic Accuton.  Small unit with stepped baffle.  

I was not then and am still not a fan of the Accutons.  They technically turn me on so much but just never get into their sound, on anything.  The tweeter however was absolutely exceptional.  Very transparent without actually sounding like Be's at the time would, which is, noticeable. 

Over time I’ve also come to realize how much I love composite cones.  Focal’s W sandwich, resin/fiber glass, etc. all sounded very good to me, even when in inexpensive Peerless 5" models.  The ScanSpeak sliced paper cones were an excellent example.  Two paper layers with resin in between and slices to prevent radial resonances.   I’m not sure if I had heard them in Wilsons or not, but they were reasonably affordable and went deep in the right cabinet. 

parkergetdean
1,120 posts
 

you sure are a perfectionist Erik and a master of this field.

I do not like the Vandersteen sound. I think it's flat, lifeless to my ears. But maybe it wasn't setup properly (3 different homes)

erik_squires OP
17,584 posts
 

@parkergetdean - I like the very large one’s driven by their very expensive amps a lot more than I like the small floor standers. 

I should point out that some Be tweeters are MUCH better than back then.  The Magico Be tweeters are absolutely stunning, but tuned a little cool for me. Still, absolutely glass smooth.  That was in large part why I chose to use the same ScanSpeak motor, but with a textile dome, for my center. 

I appreciate the positive comments a great deal!! I wan to emphasize that I don''t personally want you to agree with my tastes.  Convincing others that they should listen to music or movies like I do is never my intention.  The joy of building and learning and getting what I personally want however has been priceless.  I'm just really glad if I get to share that with others who appreciate it.

erik_squires OP
17,584 posts
 

In case anyone is interested here's a beauty shot of the 10" woofers. 

 

parkergetdean
1,120 posts
 

that is a beauty!

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