| Want
to build 'audiophile speakers' that outperform the most expensive
commercial loudspeakers out there?
Is
this really possible? Can I really do this? In one word
- Yes!
I
was doubtful, too when I was looking for this type of
kit because we usually tend to believe the hype in magazines
and media so much. It took me a while to grasp why especially
DIY audiophile speakers can potentially sound better than
commercial ones and cost less, too.
First
of all, audiophile retail loudspeakers are not produced
in large quantities because the demand is generally lower.
This requires higher markups on the premium parts used
to make these loudspeakers. To justify higher prices,
manufacturers wrap the drivers in expensive, stylish cabinets.
And we haven't yet considered cost of labour which doesn't
come cheap either.
So
this explains why most reference loudspeakers have 5-digit
price-tags...Ouch!
Being
hobbyists, we don't need to care about markets, trends
or cover manufacturing costs. What made me hooked on DIY
audiophile speakers is the fact that you can buy the exactly
same drivers and parts used in high-end loudspeakers directly
from the manufacturer! And the kits I mention here were
engineered by renowned specialist such as Sigfried Linkwitz,
Joe D'appolito or Manfred Zoller. It's not just like buying
factory-direct but rather like buying directly from
the developer.
In
other words, you could contact the guy who developed your
loudspeakers and ask for help should you ever run into
problems.
I have yet to see a commercial loudspeaker with this level
of support.
So
if your budget can stretch, say $1200 to $4000 a pair
for an audiophile speaker kit, you can definitely build
that no-compromise true reference speaker you've always
been dreaming about. I assume you already have clear sonic
preferences (e.g. fast, deep bass or high resolution)
hence I recommend you carefully audition several speaker
kits before spending that kind of money. Take your time,
bring your favorite music and please resist that frantic
urge to spend!
I
have experienced that it can be quite challenging to sell
expensive DIY speakers second hand for a good price just
because you weren't satisfied with their sonics. And you
shouldn't skimp on the cabinet build quality and finish
of your speakers either. After all you're building reference
speakers, aren't you?
Ask
your kit dealer about return-policies, warranties and
get in touch with others who have built the same speaker
kit. You want to be sure your loudspeaker investment is
going to last at least a couple of years.
Ok,
let's find your dream audiophile speaker kit now! Before
we continue, I want to summarize our requirements...
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