We often get asked which DIY kit a customer should choose and often also which component version (level) to choose.
These are not simple questions to answer, but perhaps the information in this article will help to shed some light on these subjects.
Choosing kit model:
In general we cannot tell you what you should build, as there are a wide range of personal factors and preferences that only you as the builder can decide upon.
Please note that:
- We cannot describe how the different speakers in the DIY kits we offer will sound compared to each other, as that will vary greatly depending on which set of ears are listening
- We cannot tell you how the different speakers in the DIY kits we offer will sound or perform compared to commercial speakers. Again for the same reasons as mentioned above and because we have likely never heard the commercial speakers that you already own
Before choosing what to build, it is a good idea to go through the check list below:
- Have I read Mr. Gravesen’s article on the subject? (Click HERE to read it)
- What is my overall budget?
- What type / size of speakers will fit in the room I want to place them?
- Do I have specific driver manufacturer preference?
- Do I have overall design preferences / requirements?
- Do I have the amplifier / equipment that matches what I want to build?
- Have I read the full kit article(s) for the DIY kit model(s) I am interested in?
Choosing component version (level):
For some DIY kits there is only one component version and for others there are two levels to choose from, where the level 1 option comes with some component upgrades for essential crossover positions, compared to the level 2 option.
It is important to emphasize that when Mr. Gravesen works on a new speaker construction, he always chooses a base level of components that he is satisfied with in terms of overall sound and performance. This will be the level 2 version for kit models that have two component level options.
For the level 1 component option it can be quite design dependent just how significant the improvement will be compared to the level 2 component option.
It also varies from listener to listener how significant the level 1 improvements will feel compared to the level 2 option.
There will of always be noticeable improvements in areas like transparency and detail richness, when going for the higher-grade components, but they can be subtle in their nature and for some the difference will be more profound than for others.
As most audiophiles will know, we are working with diminishing returns when it comes to the cost of better components versus the improvement / upgrade we get for that investment.
It will always be relatively costly to get those last bits of performance squeezed out of a speaker system, but for many audiophiles those subtle improvements are the pinnacle of the passion that is high-end audio and makes it worth the extra cost.
At the end of the day all of the kit versions / levels we offer have suitable components and it simply comes down to something as subjective as budget and what you are willing to invest to get even smaller improvements.
Read some of the feedback we received from builders regarding the differences experienced between standard type capacitors and higher grade capacitors via the link-button below: