My first DIY speaker...... Project: Jaguar (1 Viewer)

[Phil M]

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Well I just recently got my ACI Jaguars up and playing, even though they are only primered at this time. Just thought I would share the building process for those considering a speaker project as it was a lot of fun.
I tried to make the site friendly for people with dial-up connections. High speed people can click the images to bring up a larger, higher resolution image.
I'd love to hear some input, especially on finish options.
This is also my first web site like this, so be gentle and please let me know if it doesn't work for you, or is very slow.
Phil

 

[Dustin B]

Excellent page. And nice work.

For a finish, I have no idea. Since you've rounded the edges over I don't think you can do what I want to try when I get a chance to build some more stuff.

Nice laminate (maybe with a several tone stone look) with wood trim on the edges.

 

[Jed M]

Phil, as someone who is seriously considering building my own DIY speakers I can say your website gave me the boost of confidence I think I needed. I am average with tools. I mean I understand the concept and I enjoy making things its just I rarely use these type of tools. Your description of using a router is probably what pushed me over the edge. I have been soaking up a lot of information lately on DIY speakers and subs and I just wasn't sure if I could handle the woodworking but by reading your description in very layman's terms, no offense of course, it just gave me hope. I am actually on the tour list for Dave Ellis's 1801s so I may try to build a subwoofer first so I can audition the 1801's before I purchase a kit.

 

[warrick]

Well done,
I am impressed both with the speakers and the site detailing its making.
would love to see them when finished.

Warrick

 

[Brian Fellmeth]

Phil,
That brought back memories. Some time ago, I attmepted the same thing for the same reason.
Another Jag project
That took some brass making that cabinet as a first project. I never could have done it without the experience from doing a simpler rectangular box first.

 

[Phil M]

Thanks for the very kind words.

Jed M: I know exactly where you are coming from. Actually Patrick Sun's homepage detailing his builing project(s) actually encouraged me to do this. Glad to hear that I could do the same for someone else!

Phil

 

[Patrick Sun]

Phil, thanks for sharing, it's what it's all about around these parts.

 

[GarryW]

Phil:
Very nice work! I'm sure it took a lot of time and effort as you seem very detail oriented about the project. My current setup is M7's, CC-350, ADP 350's and a PW-2200. I was thinking about upgrading the M7's to Studio 40's or Studio 60's but the wife is encourgaing me to go the DIY route.
I have a source for great quality woodworking, (he built me a Salamander Synergy 40 type rack) and would be very capable in making the cabinets for me.
But being that we "think alike" as we stared out with the same equipment, I'm still VERY curious if the results of your project will meet or exceed your expectations, that being, sounding better than the Studio 40's.
I look forward to reading more about these new family additions after they're broken in!

 

[Dave Poehlman]

Great job, Phil...

I am impressed with your "first project" prowess.

I can't wait to see the finish.

 

[Cam S]

Wow, nice looking speakers, glad they turned out good. Do they sound any different with both drivers being angled like that? Kind of an odd design.

 

[Phil M]

GaryW: To me, the 40's are a great speaker since they do so many things well. Yes, I've found speakers that image better, or that maybe have more "air", or more bass, but few (well only the Sapphire so far) that can beat them overall, in my opinion, in my room, with my equipment & music... of course your results may vary...
CamS:

Do they sound any different with both drivers being angled like that?

I'm not sure how to answer. I have read several articles on angled front baffles and their benefits, and it convinced me that it was more than just cosmetic, but I can't find the articles, nor can I remember (or probably even understand) the reasoning. I'm again assuming, that Wilson, Theil, and Sonus Faber use those designs for some reason other than a signature..?
Has anyone ever taken some speakers to a fabric/upholstrey shop and had them finished? I'm wondering about soft smooth/grained leather with a small amount of polyfil under it, with cherry side panels??? Just thinking out loud.
Phil

 

[Phil M]

Jed M:

I forgot earlier, but I too have contacted Dave about the 1801's and doing a home demo. Nothing is set in stone yet but I'd love to listen to them against the Jags/40's. He thought the wait would be a couple months.

I've also been informed by GR Research that they will put some AV1+'s "on tour" and that I would be on the short list to get a pair to compare to the Jag's & 40's.

I'm hoping to do some serious listening/comparing this week-end with the 40's and Jag's, as they will have well over 100 hours on them by then.

Phil

 

[Phil M]

Has anyone ever taken some speakers to a fabric/upholstrey shop and had them finished? I'm wondering about soft smooth/grained leather with a small amount of polyfil under it, with cherry side panels???

There has to be someone who has tried this?
I'm thinking kind of like the Nautilis 800's front baffle.
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[Brian Bunge]

I helped a friend build the Jaguars. He wrapped them in leather with hardwood oak sides, a la the Sonus Faber speakers.

Brian

 

[Brian Fellmeth]

Brian- any chance of snagging a jpg or 2 of those ?

 

[Brian Bunge]

Brian,
He still lives in my home town, which is about an hour's drive from me. It seems every time I go down there he's never at home. Maybe I'll just have to break in to his apartment and snap a few with my digital camera next time I'm in town!
I'll see if he can grab a digital camera from our other friend that lives about 1/4 mile away from him and take a couple of pictures of them, his 3 Emeralds and his Titan II sub that we built together.
Brian

 

[Hank Frankenberg]

Phil, those are nice loooking! Congratulations on having the courage to plunge right into the project and carry it to completion. You must feel very gratified. Let us know your final finish choice. I like your web site. How did you do it? I'm clueless on the subject.

 

[Brian Bunge]

Phil,
I forgot to mention earlier, great looking speakers and website! I hope I was able to answer most of your questions that you asked a while back.
Hank,

I like your web site. How did you do it? I'm clueless on the subject.

Don't you have a smart son that knows this stuff? Must have gotten that intelligence from his mother, huh?
Brian

 

[Hank Frankenberg]

Brian, go back to work, boy

 

[Brian Bunge]

You mean while I still have a job?