Got sent here from r/budgetaudiophiles after looking to replace my Klipsh bookshelf speakers. I love music but know very little about good speakers currently. Im looking for sources that have all the parts i need for a good bookshelf build and possibly a sub. Basically a kit or something to help me decide on parts. I am an engineer in the electrical field (granted i work on data centers) so I’m not a total noob with electronics.
Also does the enclosure material make a big difference? I see a lot of mdf and wood that look like .5-.75” thick. I have a laser cutter that can cut up to .25” wood that i would love to use if the material thickness is less important.
Kits are a good way to start, I would recommend the Hitmaker MT, it is more neutral than most and gives you a good reference point for future builds.
https://www.parts-express.com/Hitmaker-MT-Bookshelf-Speaker-Kit-with-Knock-Down-Cabinet-300-7116?quantity=1
The kit comes with a cabinet so you just need to glue it together.
.25" is too thin, you would need substantial bracing to avoid audible resonance. If you do laser cut a speaker cabinet you will want to bond several layers together.
I would also recommend purchasing a measurement mic. Being able to apply EQ based on your actual in-room frequency response is invaluable.
https://www.minidsp.com/products/acoustic-measurement/umik-1
If you don’t already have a pair of good subwoofers, that would be a strong addition to your setup. Bookshelf speakers cannot really play the bottom two octaves of music properly, and even if they could it isn’t ideal. Room modes limit bass performance, optimal placement for bass quality usually conflicts with optimal positioning for stereo imaging.
For DIY subs, an Ultimax 15" in a 4ft sealed enclosure with a Crown XLS2002 is good value.
https://www.parts-express.com/Knock-Down-MDF-4-cu.-ft.-Subwoofer-Cabinet-with-Blank-Baffle-300-7088?quantity=1
https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-UM12-22-12-Ultimax-DVC-Subwoofer-2-ohms-Per-Co-295-512?quantity=1
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-iOpiNYr307W/p_859XLS2002/Crown-XLS-2002.html
The XLS2002 may seem expensive, but it has enough power to drive a pair of subs. If you own a table saw then you can make the cabinets cheaper. Either way you will need a jigsaw or router to cut the driver hole.