Building a Transmission Line 2.5-Way Tower Speaker - by SoundBlab

[@SoundBlab]

The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/soundblab06221
Find the BUILD PLAN for this speaker here: bit.ly/3x6gsEp

[@Atheistic007]

I have used those little B4N drivers in a build. Every time I listen to them, I wonder how can a sub $30 driver can sound so good!!

[@keatonjones6115]

cool project man, i find the sound demos do justice still, even though the quality on TH-cam can never be conveyed, i find it useful to hear the difference between highs and lows, the ratio stays the same even though quality isnt!

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks, appreciate the feedback.

[@mndlessdrwer]

Super warm with copious amounts of bass. Seems like a great set for general pop music or just to have something playing in the background without losing the versatility to handle other genres. Very nice.

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks/ Yeah, these will do well for that, but they also have great imaging and soundstage, making them also very good all-rounders for various genres.

[@gordiefrench5342]

Hi there
I love transmission line design . They seem to be the real output in the bass region.
Not boosted like ports just right
Great job on these

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@Grommet2007]

Nice to see a constant-CSA TL design done the right way, with offset drivers to reduce or eliminate the first harmonic resonance, and lining / stuffing to deal with the others.
Filling that little section at the start of the line with sand would reduce the center of gravity of the speaker (making it a bit more stable) and perhaps would add some panel damping of its own, just a thought.
As for bass measurements in-room, I can understand the challenge. I've achieved decent results using the transfer function method, but usually I just compare the measured impedance curve to the simulation and assume that they closer they are, the closer the actual bass response is to the simulated response curve.

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks for sharing! Yes, the bass measurements are a challenge. I was pretty happy with the in-room measurements of the bass, so I did not confirm it otherwise. Normally I wil do a near-field and port measurement that gets combined, a baffle step applied and then spliced with the far-field in software. I find this to be quite accurate. But I don't always have time, and have learned how my measurement room behaves and can predict more or less if the bass response will be OK.
Sand is certainly the better option to fill the void.

[@abhi211-T]

CSA is probably cross sectional area, if anyone from the future is trying to break their head over lol

[@tracyblair3064]

I immediately thought of loading that cavity with sand. These speakers look amazing. I've added them to my list of possible builds for when I have a hifi space available in the future.

[@HomeTheatre101]

Currently trying to find someone to help bring my TL design to life, Great build!

[@owenwagner9017]

Just purchased these build plans to go with my Fiancé's record player setup I am building. Very excited to see how they turn out! You really do a great job with the build plans, they are very detailed but not complicated.

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks for the support and kind words Owen! Enjoy the build and send me some pics when you are done.

[@surround1969]

Need to see more projects .... SoundBlab thanks in advance .... we love this channel

[@fubartotale3389]

Similar to the Tri Trix TL from Parts Express which is an MTM.
I built a pair for my BR TV expecting to have to add a sub even for regular TV watching, based on the small drivers, but I have been surprised by the depth and quality of the bass.
My next project is a compact TL sub using an 8" high excursion driver.

[@SoundBlab]

Very cool!

[@bent540]

i would have put the bass reflex port in the back in the middle to make room for a seperate room for sand in the bottom! filling the cabinet with sand is underrated.

[@SoundBlab]

This is a transmission line, and not a bass reflex enclosure. Therefore the 'port' opening is at the end of the transmission line, and thus limits where it can go. I agree that sand is good for filling voids.

[@Yyz7364]

Hi vi swans drivers is a big choice , very nice job! The silver Marantz avr on the rack is very nice too

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks 👍

[@mauserkk98]

Every build is a winner but I do prefer wood vernier cases ,it's worth the extra effort but your speakers your choice.

[@khoi83]

I had a pair of vintage Elipson Orphée which are also white, small and similar to yours. Very nice sounding. Well done

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@D.Feenstra]

looks good, i can imagine these are potent speakers, i know what a single B4N can do. I have the same tweeters in mij front speakers (Paul Carmody's Classix II) and they really outperform their price.

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks. Yeah these are really great for their price. Thanks for sharing!

[@richh650]

BRAVO!!! Very well done sir!

[@SoundBlab]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jimmya4217]

I hope I can follow the instructions and achieve a good result. My challenge will be finding the drivers. Not sure there is anything on Skill share for cross over design. Love the content, please keep it coming.

[@SoundBlab]

I will help where I can during the process, if you need any advise. Thanks!

[@waterkoud1]

I like the idea of selling speaker plans like you do, but I would like to know, before I buy the plans, what the cost will be to actually build the speakers. I can buy a plan, but when the cost of the parts are above my budget it makes no sense to buy the plans.

[@Thode-R]

Nice difraction crate

[@lio1234234]

Neat design! Gotta love TLs, they tune below resonance frequency of the driver, and tune wide too (the peaks have a low Q compared to vented designs when tuned lower)

[@juststuff5216]

"they tune below resonance frequency of the driver,"
The decision to have an enclosure that has an F3 lower than the FS, is down to the choice of the individual and the correct enclosure. It's not a natural consequence of having a transmission line!

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@joe08867]

Very nice design. I do love TL builds.

[@SoundBlab]

Thank you very much!

[@ukaszklinkowski8027]

Great build as always. Pleasure to watch and learn

[@SoundBlab]

Awesome, thank you!

[@altops4490]

nice, rounded corners would be cool.

[@davebutler1264]

Well done! Really nice design and construction.
I'd like to see how you work out the dimensions.

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145]

Where can I get the plan? This one looks beautiful. Love the slim design.
Found the link.

[@alainduquenois3812]

Très belle réalisation

[@sezgincetin9916]

😊🤩👍speakers definitely have a nice sound👏👏👏

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@Double-Exposure]

Elegant and perfectly sized for NYC shoebox living! I checked your website and love several of your builds. Never thought of making my own bluetooth speaker until now. Thanks to you your nephews and niece to inspire you to inspire me... One question: I looked quite thoroughly but was NOT able to find the plans to this speaker build on your site. Can you post a direct link to the actual plans (or add the plan to your Build Plans/Shop section)? 🙏👍

[@SoundBlab]

Glad you like it! The link is in the description, but here you go for the direct link: soundblab.net/product/2-5-way-transmission-line-stereo-floor-standing-speaker-build-plan/

[@vincentcorpuz1622]

Looks nice!

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks!

[@stevenkamala7238]

great job sir , thanks for the video

[@SoundBlab]

You are welcome

[@TheSilentWonder]

Just wondering what the purpose of the closed off section above the TL opening is? Was it jyst to maintain correct internal volume while keeping the the correct length of the TL?

[@SoundBlab]

Yes

[@janinapalmer8368]

The sound demo at the end doesn't do them justice ...
I'd love to see the frequency response below 300 Hz ...

[@CesarGarcia-ii2zv]

What a talent doing the job. If you won't mind, what is the size of the job?

[@Frambhueee]

Amazing work!, But, you can build any kind of shapes for a box (woofer)? I have an idea for a subwoofer with a box that it has a shape of a turbine jet

[@danielberta6538]

Just purchased the build plan and all the components from soundimports, looking forward to getting to building these. Do you have any budget type amplifier recommendation for this particular set of speakers? Do you think a D class amp is worthy enough?

[@SoundBlab]

Awesome, thanks for the support! Yes, a class-d amp will pair well with this speaker. Maybe one of the recent Fosi Audio amps people have been raving about.

[@vincentcorpuz1622]

Very nice!!

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks!

[@sumitgenzyme]

Excellent

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@arturrodriguez8297]

Exelente calidad de sonido 🔊 👌 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@user-fd1505]

Вы очень крут

[@gRosh08]

Thanks for sharing. ¡Fantasico!

[@SoundBlab]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@makecreativeprojects]

Love it.

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@sashalag4555]

What would be the estimate total cost to buy every component needed for this project (more or less)?

[@SoundBlab]

Approximately $275 for drivers and crossover parts, excluding wood and finishing.

[@joshcelestenelson4431]

​@@SoundBlab is this your higher cost with the expensive shipping or just part cost?I tried to add it up but without knowing the crossover components it's hard to ballpark it. These would be perfect for my daughters setup we are going to build them together.

[@thethirdman225]

I've always been fascinated by transmission line speakers, since I first heard a pair of PMCs.
These look like an interesting project and not very complicated to build.
One question though: I would have thought that the induction coils needed to be placed out of phase. I realise they are some way apart but I'm used to seeing them at 90 degrees to each other and kind of diagonally opposed, so that you can't se one through the aperture of the other. Was there a particular reason you did it this way?

[@SoundBlab]

Easier to mount, but you can get away with it if they are far enough apart on the board.

[@kengrimme420]

It appears there's a void in the speaker. Would it help to fill it with sand? Thanks in advance?

[@SoundBlab]

Yes, you can fill it with sand.

[@briansallee4262]

I love your builds! Do your plans include plans for building the crossovers?

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks! Yes, the plans are comprehensive and includes full instructions.

[@asmrty982]

great !

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@richardbmw320]

Hi Hanri, looks great. What is the purpose of the small sealed section?

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks Richard! It's just how the transmission line length fit into the height and depth of the speaker resulted in that space that is left over. So just sealed it off and stuffed to prevent any standing waves or resonances.

[@lio1234234]

@@SoundBlab have you ever used spicyTL? I find it's a great source for transmission line design, you can do more with it than with hornresp. In fact my first video was on the program on my channel Elliott Designs if you're interested. It was my first video, and so pretty much one take and should have been much shorter, but either way, I definitely recommend checking out the program!

[@bigmac9712]

short question: You can connect any speakers to any Amplifier right?

[@SoundBlab]

Most speakers have either a nominal 4 or 8 Ohm impedance, and most amplifiers can handle this load. However, impedance changes over the frequency range of the speaker, but a 4 to 8 Ohm rated amplifier can handle these changes, unless it is a very sensitive tube amp. Some of these do not like major impedance fluctuations. There are other factors, but this will require a much longer and technical explanation.

[@alheeley]

Rookie question probably, but what does the additional full range driver add in terms of sound that you cant get with a single full range + tweeter in this design?

[@SoundBlab]

We get baffle step loss in the bass region. This means the bass response, as a result of the narrow baffle has a 3 to 6dB drop from a certain frequency depending on the baffle size. So, we get an overall drop in SPL due to this and have to also drop the tweeter level to get a flat response. By adding the second woofer, we can boost the level of the bass in this baffle step loss region again, and gain a higher overall SPL, making the speaker easier to drive with a smaller amplifier. Two woofers also have to do half the work of one, so we reduce the distortion potential of the drivers and they play cleaner. This is best I can describe it in basic terms. Hope it makes sense.

[@alheeley]

@@SoundBlab Thank you for the explanation - really interesting, im learning a lot fro your youtube channel!

[@tubespring]

These are slim and elegant speakers and also sound great. Fine work! Could you tell me the height of these speakers? Thank you.

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks. +- 900mm high. More details on my website here under the description tab: soundblab.net/product/2-5-way-transmission-line-stereo-floor-standing-speaker-build-plan/

[@xTinBenderX]

Nice builds as always!
You have any build plans for the Tectonic 3.5 BMR?

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks. Not currently.

[@qlewer670]

What function of empty box inside of first t-line half?

[@SoundBlab]

No function, other than to take up space. To get the tweeter at ear level the speaker has to be a certain height to achieve this. The space was added since the transmission line is not long enough to fill the entire enclosure volume. The space can be filled with damping material or, even better with sand.

[@qlewer670]

Good)@@SoundBlab

[@DodgyBrothersEngineering]

That wasn't a mistake... It was just a post construction design change.

[@rkfreese]

That's a definite South African accent there. Where can we find stuff like this in SA? Awesome build!

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks. Unfortunately, nowhere locally. Everything is imported directly from online shops.

[@rkfreese]

@@SoundBlab Thanks, bru. Maybe one day we won't have to pay such insane import duties.

[@janinapalmer8368]

Transmission lines should have a tapered line ... I don't think this one does ... so it will behave like a highly resonant damped pipe

[@SoundBlab]

The line does have a taper to it.

[@crossoverchef]

resistors on top of caps is not good............they get hot and damage the caps.

[@SoundBlab]

Perhaps a video testing this, since I can't say that I have ever experienced that problem, but it would be interesting to explore.

[@joelcapones9955]

Give me all the size

[@thomasschafer7268]

Bei dem crossover sollten die spulen immer 90° gedreht und hochkannt zu einer liegenden spule verbaut werden!

[@SoundBlab]

That is true when the coils are close to each other or within certain limits. But here they are far apart enough not to influence each other.

[@theshootindutchman]

Nice😊👍

[@SoundBlab]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@JOEYZ-nq2gn]

Would these be good for use while watching movies or strictly just for music ?

[@SoundBlab]

It can handle movies. Not just for music.

[@JOEYZ-nq2gn]

@@SoundBlabnoted. thank you for your response

[@Abelectronics.2003]

Make 5.1

[@glengatt3941]

They came nice,I'm new to the channel do you have builts for large scale subwoofers 18inch or 15inch?

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks man! Unfortunately not yet.

[@glengatt3941]

@@SoundBlab look forward to it your videos are good I can learn from them thanks

[@leo11877]

Does the satin enamel pain need primer?

[@SoundBlab]

I used a few coats of sanding sealer on the MDF first. This seals the quite porous MDF and allows you to apply the enamel without a primer. However, this might vary according to the specific enamel used. A primer is always a good idea though, and I would generally suggest it.

[@chakireladraoui9331]

Good

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@jonathancarvalho7863]

Muito bom parabéns

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@JordanKL1]

Do you import from parts express? If so, do you use their suggested shipping options? Looking at getting parts, but their shipping is very expensive.

[@SoundBlab]

Yes I do. The shipping and import fees can easily double the cost. I have not found a better alternative though.

[@AngusCPU]

Hi there. I'm debating building these speakers or your slimline tower speakers. Which is a higher quality speaker?

[@SoundBlab]

Personally I prefer the Slimlines V2.0. The bass goes slightly deeper and the soundstage projects larger and deeper. Setup might be a bit tricky with the rear firing tweeter, since they need to be away from the wall at least 1.5 foot or so or more.

[@sadidk9330]

Please make a dolby 5.1 home theater wearless Please 😊😊😊
I weat for it 🤩🤩🤩🤔

[@SoundBlab]

No speaker setup is really wireless. You are always going to have to power them somehow, and routing power to them is as challenging as routing a speaker cable. I don't think it is worth it or practical.

[@sadidk9330]

Thanks

[@sadidk9330]

Please make a 5.1 home theater bar
Please
Please

[@user-gr6vg5oo1y]

Ну круто конечно. Лайк 👍

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@robertotarletti900]

bello, ma se non posti il progetto e le modalità di misura e di calcolo che hanno portato alla costruzione, sia del contenitore che del crossover, è solo esercizio.......comunque bello

[@afprojektcz]

👍

[@SoundBlab]

👍

[@scottwaldman7941]

Did I miss where the crossover components are purchased from?

[@SoundBlab]

No, the details for XO are in the build plans, but they all came from Parts Express.

[@jeffreyabercrombie]

Looks like a wife approved speaker 😂

[@viktornedelin9671]

😍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@SoundBlab]

😉👍

[@90210sky]

no measurements in the bass region bah

[@thomasschafer7268]

sorry.das wollen erst noch TML werden. 12" sollte der Tieftöner haben! siehe Quadral Titan!!😂😂😂

[@Luke-qs2cg]

Super sexy build here

[@SoundBlab]

Thanks

[@visionetik]

Собирать колонки на гвоздях - удел дилетантов, не имеющих понятия, как делаются корпуса ас.

[@SoundBlab]

I don't think you know what you are talking about, but you are entitled to your own opinion. Just because I use nails for a cabinet assembly, does not mean I don't know how to build a cabinet without. You should be more respectful towards those around you.

[@Sailor426]

Hi do your build plans show how to do the crossovers as I have minimal electrical skills .

[@vitorvasconcelos2611]

Hi, another good project.
Can you send your e,mail please. I want to talk witht you to purchaise a pair of speakers, maybe two. Best regards