DIY Speaker Upgrade for Nearfield (S2000 Upgrade)

[0static]

Hey all! - I built a set of Carmody's S2000 kit from DIYSG like 5 or 6 years ago, and I've loved them. They're pretty insane what they can do for the size, and they fit super nice on my desk. However the drivers are starting to have some intermittent issues, and I've really got the itch to build something again.

I've been looking around for higher tier kits that seem to have similar presentation:
- Helix MT from Cinergy (Unfortunately probably a bit big for desktop)
- CSS Criton 1TD (More reasonable size, and response has a nice downward slope similar to the S2000, but might have a bit too much treble energy)
- Classix (more of a sidegrade probably, no kit available)

Frankly I do really like the response of the S2000 (warmer downward tilt, a little bumped mids, bass bump around 110). I find it forgiving and leans these little speakers towards sounding more "big" than they really are. I'm fairly treble-sensitive so don't miss the energy there.

I'm in an apartment so can't fill in the bottom with a sub (hence why I'm eyeing 7" kits) and no shop access so will need flatpacks. Hoping someone who's heard the S2000s and others could chime in with ideas of similar sounding speakers, if there's a clear upgrade. Any advice appreciated, thanks!

 

[RickS]

Have you looked at the Mechano23 project here? There are 2 challenges for DIY speakers today. One is the challenge of competing with inexpensive commercial offerings. The other is that DIY kits suppliers have not caught up. If you are not prepared to do woodworking, your best bet currently may be the Swan 2-way kit on Amazon.

Amazon.com: HiVi-Swans 2 Way Passive Bookshelf Speakers Pair - DIY Speaker Kit-Peak Power 120 Watt Bookshelf Speakers for Surrounds or Front : Electronics

Amazon.com: HiVi-Swans 2 Way Passive Bookshelf Speakers Pair - DIY Speaker Kit-Peak Power 120 Watt Bookshelf Speakers for Surrounds or Front : Electronics

www.amazon.com

This is a legacy offering and HiVi has a number of commercial offerings that are newer for the same money.

 

[RickS]

If you are into woodworking, some of Bagby’s designs are here: https://caritasaudio.com/

 

[RickS]

Was contemplating buying the Swans and having Amir review. After researching a bit more, found the woofer has a resonance around 1 kHz. Is not in a great spot for a 2-way speaker and so questioned whether it was worth the time and effort.

 

[0static]

Thanks, I was getting a feeling while looking that the DIY space for speakers had dwindled. Sad to see the value prop change but can understand. Even some of the DIYSG kits are up like 40-50% from what I used to see them for.

The HiVi kits seem cool (2.2a and the 3.1), although most seem to measure on the brighter end, the opposite direction I'm looking. Still hesitant on the 1TD for the same reason.

Honestly, with the current component pricing in the states, I might just hang on with my S2000s for a bit longer and wait for a better market.