Custom
Speakerbox Checklist
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I've made a lot of mistakes when building my custom speakerbox cabinet. There's no need to repeat them so I want you to do it right from the beginning. I will do my best to keep this list updated. Here's my current loudspeaker cabinet building checklist: |
Loudspeaker Cabinet Construction
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Follow kit instructions carefully, re-read if necessary. |
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Don't use exotic lumbers if instructions recommend MDF. |
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Don't use thicker/thinner wood panels or change the size of the cabinet dimensions because you believe it'll make your speaker look cooler or more solid. This would change the internal volume of the cabinet and possbibly make your loudspeaker underperform. |
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Want to devy from original construction plan? Ask the manufacturer or developer whether it's OK to build. |
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If drivers/woofers don't smoothly fit into their holes at first attempt, don't worry but never apply brute force. Try to smoothen cabinet holes carefully with sandpaper. Peal off wood layer by layer. |
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Assess your personal DIY skills and don't be shy to ask for help. When I built my first pair of speakers, I tried to be smarter than everyone else by trying to cut my own sheets of wood. Needless to say I failed badly and ended up getting professionally CNC'd woodpanels. I could have saved time, money and avoided frustration. I also learned that complete cabinets can be inexpensively built to your orders. So if you're serious about good quality but don't have all the skills, get professional help. At least find someone who is more experienced and willing to help. |
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Check out similar DIY projects to learn how they did it. |
Damping Materials & Accessories
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Make sure your kit comes with complete accessories including damping materials, speaker terminals, wires, spikes and crossovers. Try to buy missing pieces from the same source. You save money on shipping and avoid headaches. |
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Experiment with exotic damping materials or wires only after you've tried stock ones. |
Final Assembly
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If you're unskilled in soldering, practice with spare braids. |
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Always double check wiring (connection between crossovers and drivers). |
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Don't listen at loud volumes after first setup and make sure all drivers and woofers are moving. Turn off amp immediately if you notice irregularities. |
