Sounds like a project that will have your neighbors buzzing with envy. A co-worker of mine had built Infinity RSII (RS2) speaker clones. These speakers listed in the 1980 Audio Preview magazine retailed for $30,000 at that time. He had built all the walls of two layers of 3/4 inch plywood, glued and screwed. Each of these two towers had to weigh as much as a 36-inch refrigerator. You can do a Google search to see what these speakers looked like. But according to my ear, the La Scala remain the best loudspeakers that I have ever heard, for my type of music. Just thinking about it, listening to Money by Pink Floyd, School by Supertramp or Cocaine by Eric Clapton, still gives me chills. With La Scalas and a good amplifier, there was no need to add subwoofers.
Thanks for the comments! I agree - I am always blown away by La Scalas in general, and my version I particular. There’s something about them that is simply hard to surpass. The dynamics and live quality is hard to give up once you’ve experienced it. I have never heard any of the IRS line, but certainly am aware of the reputation. I can’t even imagine building them!
Honestly, I would stick with the Klipsch K-33 or the Crites version (see the video description for details). These woofers are designed for this application and changing them out for something else likely not give you the result your looking for. Remember, the woofer in these is effectively a compression driver, not a direct radiator. The horn itself becomes the main determining factor in the bass output, much more so than the driver itself.
For reference, the glue is FAR stronger than the nails. The nails are used in cabinetmaking only to secure the parts while the glue dries. If you have a good jig and clamps and the luxury of time, you can forego the nails altogether.
I have a set of cornerhorn clones my dad built in the 70s. Powered by a dynaco 400 poweramp.Nothing compares. Iwant to build a set of speakers "like" la scales but different. I'm powering them with a harmam kardon that is 8ohm and I am using 10" drivers instead of15s. I have the la scala midrange horns but that is the all. I will be using a different tweeter. So I need to make my own 8ohm crossovers and make the la scala box tuned for a 10" . Any thoughts or suggestions?
Designing what you are thinking about is beyond my skill set, however there is a good site that outlines a build for a smaller La Scala Midbass horn like you describe. Here is a link to the site wp.volvotreter.de
I cover this a little later in the videos. For most of the construction, regular white or yellow wood construction glue - Pro-Bond or whatever equivalent in your area. However, for the top and bottom if the doghouse section (woofer chamber) I used PL Premium construction adhesive. This is a polyurethane adhesive that comes in a tube like caulking. You may or may not have this brand in your area, but if not, there will be a similar alternative I’m sure. I explain the rationale for this choice later in video. Thanks!
Sounds like a project that will have your neighbors buzzing with envy.
A co-worker of mine had built Infinity RSII (RS2) speaker clones.
These speakers listed in the 1980 Audio Preview magazine retailed for $30,000 at that time.
He had built all the walls of two layers of 3/4 inch plywood, glued and screwed.
Each of these two towers had to weigh as much as a 36-inch refrigerator.
You can do a Google search to see what these speakers looked like.
But according to my ear, the La Scala remain the best loudspeakers that I have ever heard, for my type of music.
Just thinking about it, listening to Money by Pink Floyd, School by Supertramp or Cocaine by Eric Clapton, still gives me chills.
With La Scalas and a good amplifier, there was no need to add subwoofers.
Thanks for the comments! I agree - I am always blown away by La Scalas in general, and my version I particular. There’s something about them that is simply hard to surpass. The dynamics and live quality is hard to give up once you’ve experienced it. I have never heard any of the IRS line, but certainly am aware of the reputation. I can’t even imagine building them!
I'm on a build right now but I have to do the LSClones once I finish the current audio folly of the quarter. Your content is appreciated, sir!
I am pulling for you. I've got this on my winter to do list.
Oh yeah! Also on my list... Want to pick amazing woofers and still lack that part.
Honestly, I would stick with the Klipsch K-33 or the Crites version (see the video description for details). These woofers are designed for this application and changing them out for something else likely not give you the result your looking for. Remember, the woofer in these is effectively a compression driver, not a direct radiator. The horn itself becomes the main determining factor in the bass output, much more so than the driver itself.
That assembly fixture is real nice.
you have taken on a daunting task, job well done!!!
Cuts look beautiful!
Yep. Me too... just trying to finish the shed then this.
For reference, the glue is FAR stronger than the nails. The nails are used in cabinetmaking only to secure the parts while the glue dries. If you have a good jig and clamps and the luxury of time, you can forego the nails altogether.
I think you could use one shim beneath the crossbar, moving the triangle down a bit.
Awsome build. I wonder how much does it cost to get your plywood CNC?
I have a set of cornerhorn clones my dad built in the 70s. Powered by a dynaco 400 poweramp.Nothing compares. Iwant to build a set of speakers "like" la scales but different. I'm powering them with a harmam kardon that is 8ohm and I am using 10" drivers instead of15s. I have the la scala midrange horns but that is the all. I will be using a different tweeter. So I need to make my own 8ohm crossovers and make the la scala box tuned for a 10" . Any thoughts or suggestions?
Designing what you are thinking about is beyond my skill set, however there is a good site that outlines a build for a smaller La Scala Midbass horn like you describe. Here is a link to the site wp.volvotreter.de
Pasame los planos jefe para aramr unos
What type of glue are you using?
I cover this a little later in the videos. For most of the construction, regular white or yellow wood construction glue - Pro-Bond or whatever equivalent in your area. However, for the top and bottom if the doghouse section (woofer chamber) I used PL Premium construction adhesive. This is a polyurethane adhesive that comes in a tube like caulking. You may or may not have this brand in your area, but if not, there will be a similar alternative I’m sure. I explain the rationale for this choice later in video. Thanks!
3:18 in and you have said uhh or umm 40 times.
Thanks for counting! All the best!
Painful to watch.