Picking out speakers and crossover for cabinets

[DonLawson84]

I have a set (2) of DCM KX12, they each have 1 - 12" sub, 1 - 6.5" mid and 1 - 2.5" tweeter. I am going to remove all drivers, crossovers and wiring and rebuild with new only re-using the ported cabinets.

The part I am having trouble with is using the online tools to match speakers to a crossover, I have read multiple threads and it is a little overwhelming. Is there anyone on this site that is familiar with this? I don't mind paying to have someone work with me to engineer a good setup, would like to use 8ohm speakers at 100watt RMS and not picky on brands, just want it tuned in good. This setup is for my pole barn / garage

 

[Hodges]

I have recently fitted new drivers to my BC1's which are 52 years old. The chance of replacing them is virtually non existent. So wanting to protect them from low frequency excursions, I thought I would build a couple of sub-woofer speakers.

There are a lot of crossover networks to be had on eBay, particularly B&Ws with rear connection panels and ports. Then I saw the work done by one individual to improve the crossover response of one of B&W much rated speakers and I realised, I was unlikely to do justice to my Spendors - it is just too complex without proper test equipment and lab facilities.

Then I though, why not go for a full blown design and subsequently bought some more crossover components. I was thinking of keeping the Spendors for low level ambient music and building a pair for when I wanted more Oomph. I considered a ribbon speaker for high frequencies, coupled with conventional cones for lower down.

But I am never going to compete with the offerings of the likes of B&W or Quad. Loudspeakers are so subjective; "one man's meat"so to speak and it is all too easy to fall into a trap, believing the product of one's efforts can compare with the multitudinous offerings on the market.

And this without considering the complexity of the loudspeaker enclosures. So I shall save the pennies and buy, possibly a pair of Quads or something of their quality, to handle my 405/909 amplifiers.

I doubt my words are going to deter you. However, for me, given the BC1's were considered reference speakers decades ago, I just cannot see how I would ever achieve a quality level anywhere approaching them or many others currently on the market with a home - spun product.

Sadly, my Spectrum analyser and Network analyser are long gone and these are the least tools I could have got away with in trying to emulate what B&W produce.