Posted by Manualblock [ 24.191.167.32 ] on April 22, 2004 at 02:28:54:

In Reply to: A few questions from a non DIY guy. posted by edta on April 21, 2004 at 20:54:28:

Speaking as one who has disassembled both Altec and Pi crossovers the Pi's are much better constructed and the frequency response graphs prove much more linear response. Should you choose Altec you will have to replace the xover with more modern and accurate components anyway. The cabinets on Altec require extensive bracing to bring them up to specs which is almost as much work as building them new. Apair of cabinets custom built for Pro 4Pi's in my neck of the woods would run 500$. Sears sells inserts for the driver mounting bolts that are easily placed in the drivers cutout and allows easy access to the woofers and tweeter horn. The crossover which by the way is a really heavy duty well thought out unit is already assembled and just bolts to the floor of the cabinet. The wire routes are clearly marked and require push on leads which Wayne supplies. They are heavy but no heavier that any other large format pro speaker, just nicer looking. I run mine with several amps both single ended tubes and push-pull and both work well. I built my cabinets along the JBL concept of framing a box from 2x4's then screwing and gluing a skin of 3/4" birch ply over the frame. If you can operate a cicular saw and a ruler you can build nice cabs in a few days to rival pro stuff, then finish them according to info provided by some of the expert woodworkers , Martinelli and Epstein who post on this forumn and are very generous with their comments and help. Please check out the Woodhorn site as he makes beautiful wood style custom horns for Pi speakers that will knock your eyes out. They can mount on top of the bass cab and require, then, that you only need to build a simple box or have it built. You need only cut four holes total to mount all parts, line the two sides with r13 home insulation using a common staple gun and wire her up. The only thing you buy is wood, insulation, glue and screws and whatever wood finish you love and you are good to go. And it is all brand new. Or you can get a custom carpenter and design somthing that would rival good furniture. Above all this level of sound quality is unobtainable at any where near this price beleive me, even if you have them custom built. Consider this, the new JBL k2 is 12000.00 dollars a pair. for a very similar design both in parts and quality of sound. If you peruse the photo site on this forumn you will see these speakers in some very upscale homes and they look good. And some really beautiful finishes. Good Luck.

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