After kicking around with Amir on how I can help make palatable to him, we want to get your thoughts on how ASR might support DIY speaker reviews.
Here is the initial proposal:
As an example, I have build several Zaph ZA5 designs. They are available as kits from Madisound without cabinets. A kit for pair of ZA5.2 MTs is about $292 (with binding posts) and pair of cabinets would be about $50 (from PE). So, assuming free shipping to me, the total cost is about $342. For ASR testing, we would only build one, so would be $171 and then my cost to ship to Amir would add another $50. So total cost for supplying one ZA5.2 speaker to ASR would be roughly $271. Updated to reflect actual shipping cost
Finally, while there are major contributors to DIY speakers outside the US, I must admit I have limited experience with them. So I welcome help from the membership to ensure valuable global representation in this effort.
Please forgive the longish post and please share your thoughts on this proposal.
I look forward to help making it a reality!
Thanks,
Ww
Here is the initial proposal:
- Create a prioritized list of candidate DIY speakers based on forum input. Speakers must be commercially-available designs. Initially, to keep costs reasonable, will only be accepting nominations for bookshelf speakers (15 liters or half a cubic foot) or smaller. Also the cost per pair would be limited to about $300 (revised to $800 or less). Cabinet costs would be included but labor would not. If design kit does not include cabinet, its cost would be based on comparably-sized knock-down cabinets available from Parts Express (PE).
- Based on the list, purchase kit (for whenever possible) a single speaker and I will build and test it in REW to ensure parts are good and no major build issues. I plan to donate my time to build the test speakers, but will need membership to help offset cost of parts, materials and shipping (to Amir). When cabinet is not supplied as part of kit, I will build one from designer's spec using MDF. Completed unit is then shipped to Amir to be tested. Please note that I originally intended to paint the speaker with Duratec, but as it adds time and cost, I no longer plan to do so.
- If a member has already built a known DIY design, we would accept it for testing if you can supply proof that is was built to the design spec and is operating properly. Proper operation details are TBD but would likely be the same as the REW verification test I would perform on a brand new build. Shipping arrangements would follow the same arrangement as a vendor COTS speaker loaned to ASR currently does.
As an example, I have build several Zaph ZA5 designs. They are available as kits from Madisound without cabinets. A kit for pair of ZA5.2 MTs is about $292 (with binding posts) and pair of cabinets would be about $50 (from PE). So, assuming free shipping to me, the total cost is about $342. For ASR testing, we would only build one, so would be $171 and then my cost to ship to Amir would add another $50. So total cost for supplying one ZA5.2 speaker to ASR would be roughly $271. Updated to reflect actual shipping cost
Finally, while there are major contributors to DIY speakers outside the US, I must admit I have limited experience with them. So I welcome help from the membership to ensure valuable global representation in this effort.
Please forgive the longish post and please share your thoughts on this proposal.
I look forward to help making it a reality!
Thanks,
Ww
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