Here are some projects that I've worked on. My projects are all relatively low cost (all things considered) and I try to learn and experience something new from each one. I've build sealed and vented boxes, 2-way and 3-way speakers, subwoofers, sub with a passive radiator, and omnidirectional speakers. I failed at building a transmission line speaker.

Some day I'd like to build a line array. I also want to build a 3-way with a soft dome mid and soft dome tweeter, with an active crossover and multiple amps. And if I really have spare time, I'd like to try building my own ribbon driver; maybe one large enough to be a line source.

Disclaimer : I don't claim to be an expert nor do I claim to have so-called "golden ears". I do this for the fun, the challenge and the reward associated with DIY work. I do however enjoy music and woodworking, thus the construction and appearance of the design is as important to me as the sound.

My thanks go out to all those on the internet whose unselfish contributions have helped me enjoy this hobby.

My first speaker building project dates back to 1985, when I ripped apart an old pair of 3-way "Canal Street specials" and replaced them with Radio Shack drivers. A book by Weems provided what little knowledge I had to work with, yet the resulting improvement in sound made the project quite enjoyable. Little did I realize then how bad the speakers really sounded; which in itself is a testament to how bad the original speakers were. Then again, those original no-name speakers served me well through 4 years of college and we all know how important that is !

The formation of the Bass and DIY Loudspeaker list in the 1990s (later renamed the DIY Loudspeaker list) brought me back into this rewarding hobby; this time with the intent on building speakers that really sound good. So I discarded the 1985 speakers at a garage sale (some guy wanted them for this garage shop) and off I went, armed this time with Dickason's Loudspeaker Design Cookbook, and lots of internet advice.

Like so many hobbies and niche markets, speaker building and amateur audio in general is a world in its own; with its own magazines, clubs, suppliers and customers. And like all hobbies, the return on the time and effort spent makes the experience well worth the resources spent. In fact, this is one hobby where one can easily surpass commercial goods in overall quality at a fraction of the cost if one neglects the cost of sweat equity. With a little care, it's even possible to get one's spouse involved (if applicable). Now if I just had more rooms and stereos to drive more speakers...

01-May-2004, updated 10-May-2020

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