The latest in great DIY loudspeaker systems

Nov 30, 2007 07:47 GMT  ·  By

If you happen to run into someone who tells you that your sound system at home sucks, it's possible that this guy is right... Don't hurry to argue with him because in his living room you might see a Spericles sound system, and in this case, he's totally right.[admark=1]

So what's the fuss with Spericles? First of all, we're talking DIY loudspeaker systems, and by any means, not the ordinary gear you meet every day. The name should say pretty much all about this gear: it relies on spherical enclosures grouped in a certain way and forming loudspeaker array that are in fact LCR speakers, center units and surround ones. And in case you plan to ask why the omni-present sphere, the answer is simpler than you might guess.

Primo: this spherical shape is the best way to deal with the undesired side-effects of drivers pumped hard - resonance and standing waves. As you should know, stationary waves are parasite sound waves that thrive inside loudspeaker cabinets with parallel walls. Well, the spherical enclosure, aided by the internal damping materials will efficiently destroy these waves and thus ensure a dramatically enhanced acoustic performance.

Secondo, these spherical shapes looks damn good and will effortlessly integrate in pretty much any home d?cor, no matter whether you live in a most modern-look flat or in a Scottish mansion. Add in the metallic silver finish and things start looking almost like alien-noble.

This Parts Express DIY project has been entirely designed and manufactured by sound enthusiast Darren Kuzma and you'll probably laugh to find out that frying pans, metal tubing, modeling plaster and other interesting things have been put "en oeuvre" for the Spericles. Nevertheless, we're dealing with Tang band drivers, 1" titanium dome tweeters and 3" bamboo cone woofers, that can give you quite a blast with your music-listening and home cinema habits.

No detailed specs are out yet but "each surround will cost about $90 for the drivers and crossover parts, and the the fronts/center will cost about $127 for the same parts". Now, get your hands on as many frying pans and woks as possible and start making speakers. Way to go, Darren!

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Photo Gallery (4 Images)

All is spherical: looks cool, sounds cool.
Titanium dome tweeters will provide serious HF responseTang Band bamboo cone woofers
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