Kit speakers

tonky

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Jan 2, 2008
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Has anyone made kit speakers from Wilmslow audio in Leics? The company reckon they are equivalent to ready made speakers costing twice as much (mainly due to the higher quality drive units they use in the kits).

If anybody has heard these kit speakers please let me know of the "Sound per pound" rating.

Thanks TK
 

peanutfrenzy

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Hi Tonky.

I have made a Wilmslow kit in the past (actually my father's purchase) - about five years ago, or thereabouts. I can't remember the specific model, but it was quite a large two-way stand-mount with an 8" Volt bass driver (BM220 I believe). The kit is reasonably good - the machine-cut MDF panels are easy to assemble and, with a bit of effort, could be finished to a high standard. However I did find the baffle to be a bit of a let-down with over-sized routs for both drive units - especially for the tweeter, which was cut far too deep. It's only cosmetic so isn't the end of the world, but could have been a lot better. Sonically I have mixed feelings. It's not a bad loudspeaker but the bass is slow witted and not particularly deep, considering the big woofer and huge box. Now this is a five year old product, and I don't think Wilmslow even sell it any more, so I'm not sure how much use my opinion is. As it stands I can only comment on this model in particular, and you might find the current range much better.

I guess I must ask why you're considering a loudspeaker kit. If you're just trying to get the best sound-per-pound then I'd really recommend looking at eBay or one of the main hi-fi specialists and tracking down a good used pair of speakers - one that you can actually audition, or have read good reviews of - it's much less of a gamble. As long as you follow good used purchase practice of course. However, if you really fancy getting your hands dirty and making something special then I don't want to put you off. My current stereo loudspeakers are a Dynaudio Focus kit (a lucky eBay find). Admittedly Dynaudio haven't made kits for quite a few years now so they have probably been superseded by more recent factory-made products, but I really love them. And they beat the Wilmslow kit in every way. I've also been able to include some neat features: real exotic wood veneer on all sides, and hidden magnets for attaching front grilles (which I haven't actually made, but still could). It can be a very rewarding endeavour, and if you want some more advice I'd be happy to share my experience.
 

gregory

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hello,i need to refoam my surrounds on my gale gs301's.i have taken off as much as the old foam but the gasket is a problem as it is rotting away.for some reason i am unable to to link into either of wilmslow audio or wembley loudspeakers sites.any help from you peanutfrenzy would be greatly appreciated.thank's,gregory.
 

peanutfrenzy

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I must admit I have never re-foamed a speaker before. I know it's possible but I really can't help. As for Wilmslow's website, I've been trying to look at it all weekend but can't seem to get it. Sounds like they're having technical difficulties at their end. Fingers crossed it'll be up again in the week. Sorry I couldn't be of any more help.
 

tonky

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Thanks for the detailed reply Peanut. Wilmslow still sell the home studio monitor with that Volt BM 220 bass mid and a scanspeak treble uni. Cost (without the cabs is 500GBP). Value for money?

TK
 

peanutfrenzy

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Hmmm. Well first I'd like to point out (again) that I can only comment on the Home Studio Monitor and would hate to unfairly prejudice against other models in the range. And my opinion is based entirely on MY ears, and you might not share my opinion if you had a chance to listen yourself. However, in all honesty, I have to say that £500 (plus VAT) would probably be better spent elsewhere - there are tighter, more exciting, and prettier speakers to be had.

But before you go away dejected, I have a few (more) thoughts. Volt and Scanspeak are highly respected and I'm surprised the 'Monitors don't sound better. There might be an issue with cabinet tuning - the supplied port was too small for the hole and had to be bodged to fit - and a tweak of port length/diameter might help. As might changing the cabinet damping (my recollection is five years old now and I can't remember exactly what's inside). Wilmslow might be using a generic crossover - a purpose made design would be much better. And, finally, looking at Volt's website they recommend two cabinet sizes - a 30 litre, like the Wilmslows, and an 18 litre. Obviously the smaller box looses out on bass reach (-3dB at 50Hz, as opposed to 39Hz), but might sound much tighter.

In fact I've just put the BM220 into WinISD (a free loudspeaker box design program) and it suggests 20 litres for a -3dB cutoff at 46Hz, so I can't help but think the large box is a compromise - loosing bass grip for pure depth.

I'm waffling again and this probably isn't helping you, so I'll defer to my first answer - that unless you're a DIY nut or compulsive hi-fi tweaker, you're probably better off spending your money elsewhere. Of course, if you're anywhere near Leicester you might be able to arrange a demo at Wilmslow Audio, or if you're anywhere near Cambridge/Peterborough you could come and hear ours.
 

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