Taking the Plunge Into Computer Audio

I've never been a fan of MP3's. Maybe I haven't given them a fair listen. I don't like headphones, so iPods don't do it for me. Listening to MP3's using my computer's speakers didn't do it for me either. While maybe not fair, I've decided I don't really like MP3's and have never been interested in playing music from my computer. Until...

While lurking on the Bottlehead Forum the other day, someone requested Doc B to consider a USB input for his upcoming tube DAC. This was followed up by someone seconding the idea and including a link to the Chime DAC by Hagerman Technology. While looking at the Chime DAC, I noticed the HagUSB.

"The HagUsb connects to your computer via a USB cable and configures as an audio output device. The primary purpose is to create a high quality S/PDIF digital audio output signal that can connect to your existing DAC."

How cool, I have a DAC! While not the best DAC in the world, it was a great buy and sounds really nice using my Sony DVP-7700 as a transport. Connected to my Foreplay III and Paramours... I constantly have people remarking on how good the stereo in my office sounds.

Anyway, I've ordered the HagUSB half kit and parts but one of the parts is back-ordered through April 14. In the mean time, I'm going to research how to copy my CD's to disk while maintaining sound quality. iTunes, Foobar2000, Multi-Plugin, ASIO Plugin and the EAC (with Accuraterip) ripper sound like a good start.

References:

Empirical Audio

Worhip The Glitch

The Complete Guide to Foobar2000

Tools to Build Speakers

I've been trying to decide upon the tools to buy and what I need to start building speakers. I got a Craftsman Plunge Router for Christmas and a set of Jasper Circle Jigs. I never actually used a router before, so before I did anything with it I attended a Basic Router Techniques class at the Woodcraft store in Leesburg.

I recommend taking something like this if, like me, you don't have any woodworking experience. Its an all-day class with hands-on time. Now, I am much more comfortable with the router than I would have been if I just read the manual and started using it. They also offer a Woodworking Fundamentals class that I'm going to sign up for. This covers using table saws, band saws, planers, etc. Essentially, "every tool in the store except routers and wood lathe."

One thing I learned there was the virtues of having a router table. I don't have room in my garage for a full-size table so I'm looking for a benchtop model.

I'm also thinking about getting a table saw. People seem to really like the Ryobi BT3100. It sounds like a really good saw for the money. However, space is still an issue. In addition, I'm not sure exactly how many speakers I will be making. Seems a little silly to spend $1,000 on tools to make a pair of $100 speakers - but half of this is the fun of building right? Anyway, I saw a reference the The Sawboard out there. This might work well enough for me instead of investing in an actual table saw. In addition I found the Panel Cutting Table that may also be useful. Haven't really read up on it yet though. The Taunton Press published an article, A Circular Saw in the Furniture Shop? that covers using the sawboard and panel cutting table.

The other thing I just found out is my local Community Center has a woodshop open on Tuesday and Saturday. For $5 I can use their table saws, belt sanders, etc. I would have to go to the shop 60 times before I spent more than it would cost me to buy a table. I think this is a good way to start.

Hi-Vi B3S Single Driver System

Here is another pair of speakers I'm interested in building. One difference is that I will be using the Hi-Vi B3N speaker instead of the B3S.



Actually, these may end up being the first pair I build because they are even simpler to build than the Fostex FE127E designs below. According to the designer, Zaph Audio, these speakers are good for,

Near field - R2=4ohms. Desk or mixing console mounted, at least a foot away from the wall. Speakers must be elevated to ear level. Do not set the speakers directly on your desk, as that early reflection will mess up the response and cause poor imaging. Leave at least 4-6" space between the speakers and your monitor. In this near field situation, the ratio of direct sound to reflected room response is very large. Other desk mounting options will be discussed below.

One thing about these speakers vs the Fostex designs - these need a Baffle Step Correction (or some type of filter) to sound their best. Since I have such low power amps, I would rather not lose the efficiency. Here is a URL that talks about things you can do for a filter. I'm also going to ask over at the Bottlehead forum to see if I can put the filter in between the pre-amp and amp.

Full Range Reference Project

I like to listen to music while working. While most people are happy running cheap speakers from the audio out of their computer (or iPod), I don't like it. I actually have a pair of Bottlehead Paramour 2a3 mono-blocks and a Foreplay III sitting in my office at work. Pretty silly I know, but it makes me happy.

In addition, I don't really like headphones - my ears get hot and irritated. So, this means I need some speakers that will sound good on my desk with my tube-amps. Also, I don't really need extended bass. Actually, I don't really want it. My office is at work and the bass goes through the walls annoying my co-workers. Mids and highs are the most important for my application. I figure I can always fill in the bass with a sub later if I feel like I need it.

I probably should start with cabinets built by somebody else like these from PartsExpress, but part of what I want to learn is how to build cabinets. However, I'm not ready to leap into designing my own, so I figured would start with somebody else's designs. The following designs are taken from theFull Range Reference Project thread over at diyAudio.com.

An interesting thing about this project... its intended as a reference in order to compare other designs. Reading the thread (which is really long) you will notice that many argue the merits of different designs, drivers, etc trying to make a case for something that will sound better. People tend to mistake the term reference for best (of course there is no best for everyone in audio). This speaker is designed to sound good, be simple to build and fairly inexpensive - exactly what I'm looking for. The added benefit is that as my skill and interest grow I can use these speakers a reference to compare - this new enclosure has better bass than my reference, this new driver's highs are more harsh than my reference - whatever.


Folded Monopole


Folded Voigt Bipole


Folded Bipole



Bipole that can be a Monopole by cutting in half


Bipole With Built-in Stand


Folded Round-top Monopole