Building EXCEPTIONAL speakers using MODERN TECHNIQUES

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Published 2023-06-09
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Want to build these speakers for your own gaming or TV setup? The 3D printable files are available for $29.99 - payhip.com/b/dhJrS

Parts list:

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It's approx $500 to build a pair (so $250 per speaker), which is good value when you think that a Sonos or Bose will set you back at least that much only instead of getting a single unit you get a stereo pair with better audio quality to boot!

Subwoofer: Tang Band W3-1876S
USA: www.parts-express.com/Tang-Band-W3-1876S-3-Mini-Su…
EU: rkn3.net/c/?si=14570&li=1627332&wi=363790&dl=en%2F…

Midtone Driver: Tang Band W3-1364SA
USA: www.parts-express.com/Tang-Band-W3-1364SA-3-Bamboo…
EU: rkn3.net/c/?si=14570&li=1627332&wi=363790&dl=en%2F…

Alternative mid drivers (these performed similarly and fit the enclosure):
www.parts-express.com/Tang-Band-W3-2141-3-Paper-Co…
www.parts-express.com/Tang-Band-W3-1797S-3-Neodymi…

Digital Signal Processor :
ebay.us/i8U1fC

Amplifier:
ebay.us/ZWlpBh

TWEETERS are optional, as the midtone driver + DSP sounds great on its own, but for the best quality a good budget tweeter is the SB Acoustics SB26STCN, which is my favourite overall due to its pricing, but a premium option is a Scanspeak D2608/913000 Tweeter. It has a bit more ‘sparkle’ and refinement, but this will ONLY be appreciated if the final speakers are given a signal from a high-quality output source like a dedicated DAC.

If you want to print the baffles, the recommended magnet size is 10mm diameter round neodymium magnets, with 5mm depth maximum.


Fixtures and fittings:


40pcs M3 threaded inserts (for the speaker drivers)
40pcs 3mm x 8mm countersunk m3 black screws (for the speaker drivers)
200pcs Self-tapping 2mm diameter screws, 10mm length max (build platform screws)
24pcs 3mm diameter self-tapping screws (amplifier screws, DSP chamber, midtone chamber base)
2x step-down voltage regulators, 5v output (for powering the DSP and fan)
2x 1000uf capacitor (add across the output of the regulator to reduce interference)
2x Power Adapters (100w ideally, each. A low cost option is old laptop power adapters)
1x roll of 16awg wire

Recommended glue is CT1 - it sticks to PLA well enough and doesn't set too quickly allowing the whole speaker to be screwed together before it begins to dry. This allows any spill over to be wiped away (use an old brush to get inside the air guide etc). Sets with some amout of flexibility. Readily availabe in the UK but not sure about equivalents for other territories. Visit the Forum or Discord server to see what the community recommends for each region.

SAFETY NOTES ON PLASTER OF PARIS: If you're stupid with it, it can be dangerous. NEVER put your hands/feet/whatever into plaster of paris EVER. It can suddenly set without warning, creating a lot of heat in the center, so you'll get burned or worse. Because of this never leave a batch of wet plaster of paris in reach of children or pets. Wearing a mask is recommended to not breathe in any dust, and goggles to stop it splashing into your eyes. Stay safe people!

All Comments (21)
  • @DIYPerks
    This project required a LOT of research and development but the sound quality is so worth it! 🔊🤩Don't forget that if you want to build a pair yourself you can buy the files for it here: payhip.com/b/dhJrS
  • @HectorAM89
    This guy is on another level... The amount of effort that he puts on every video is just amazing!
  • @aexairkeys
    Dude, this is probably the most advanced "I teach people how to build something useful" video that has ever been uploaded to youtube. Amazing stuff!
  • @UnspokenChicxulub
    The fact that this is a project genuinely meant to be done by the viewer of the video, with just a 3D printer, some plaster, and basic tech savviness is absolutely amazing. Thank you for your hard work 👍
  • @jc-mel
    I am blown away! As a maker, a tinkerer, a DIYer, a music lover, and an audiophile, I am flabbergasted by the level of detail, quality, and professionalism displayed by this speaker build. Outrageous!
  • @b130610
    I laughed out loud when he said "for stereo I've made an identical pair" and pulled out a fully built second unit out of nowhere. So much effort obviously went into making such a beautiful set of speakers!
  • @vladmorosanu
    As a HiFi lover and DYI guy, I am absolutely marking this video as one of the best things I have ever seen on YouTube. It basically explains the design most companies go through to put out a product nowadays, but you can do your own at home if you have the time, skill and patience. Remember, the fact that you can customize your DSP means you can give it a different sound profile if you choose something else than flat. You could also slightly tweak things around to be able to fit other amps (within reason), meaning you could have the perfect speakers to last a really long time. Absolutely incredible.
  • @yesterdays-tech
    I just finished building a pair of these. For someone that is typically very handy and loves a project, yet has zero audio knowledge, I was able to walk away with a very pleasing result. I finished mine with walnut veneer on the sides and rose copper chrome on the front. A bit of feedback that I would have valued would have been to include a more detailed step-by-step in your instructions than what is currently available. I found myself having to figure a lot of things out for myself. Again... I am a total newcomer to audio and its equipment so maybe im in the minority for this Thank you for the extremely fun and rewarding project. Looking forward to tackling something from you in the future :D
  • @Tsardoz
    Wow. I am an engineer and have designed and built speakers using exactly the same tools that you have. I gave up on 3D printed enclosures though - did not think of the plaster of Paris method. So I used stacked plywood layers. Great idea. If I were to do something similar I would probably replace the two subwoofers with a single larger unit. Of course this would increase the footprint but reduce height. Probably no need for separate tweeter either with your choice of midrange (but I am old now and cannot hear high frequencies). Excellent and thorough design though - way more professional than anything else I have seen on youtube.
  • @Impatient_Ape
    This channel consistently toes the line for high quality video/audio editing and polished dialogue. The lower frequency of video releases affirms that excellent content requires extensive time to produce, and they are always worth the wait. Matt's videos show why watching #shorts is a waste of your valuable time.
  • @r.a.f.f.a.
    As a DIY speaker enthusiast, this is nothing short of legendary. The design, the effort, the result are almost unprecedented
  • @TruthIsKey369
    I can just imagine all the hours put into this build, and that shows in the quality of the video. Very well done!
  • Can't even begin to think about how much time was invested in this. Your 3D designs alone are really beautiful.
  • @DevsCircle
    I always like the fact that you never rush into uploading videos but taking your time and give the best results
  • @shedactivist
    Brilliant. When I was 16 (in 1980) I built two high end floor standing Monitors using KEF drive units with Bass transmission tubes. It was a defining project for me and my engineering career. My son is now 16 and I would love to see him make these modern updates. He has already built a custom gaming PC after seeing your other videos. Great project.
  • @kzRaptor
    The fact you're able to do things like this and create such quality speakers (that you'd assume only commerical interests can do) is astounding and amazing! Thanks very much for such an inspirational video! :)
  • @kerrywsmyth
    This is a great video! I used to be one of those "dime-a-dozen" Yankees in the 1990's building my own subwoofer enclosures for car audio from scratch. But unlike all those other guys, I used science and math to perfect enclosure dimensions and materials and construction techniques to maximize sound quality. For instance I built a home theater sub with 4" woofers from Radio Shack way back in the early 90's and it sounded absolutely amazing. It shook the room! So I can really appreciate this video.
  • @purplexans
    It’s a good day when DIY Perks uploads
  • I have been designing speakers for years, and gotta say that this is probably one of the most well executed diy speaker builds on youtube. Yeah, you could do some things to possibly improve on this design, but you would be chasing relatively small performance gains and it would probably cost a lot more money. Two thumbs up.
  • @psyolent.
    your work here is absolutely SUPERB and attention to detail is absolutely NEXT level. your speakers have far better stage and depth than the bookshelf speakers you compared against.