I've been doing the DIY speaker thing for a good while. I built the Speakerpage tower kit referenced here when it was a bit cheaper, as an X-mas present for my mom.
Disclaimer: I built the tower when it was supplied with the vifa tg-45, a well regarded silk dome. My observations likely still apply, as most of the midrange work depends on the 8 inch woofer.
While I don't disagree with the positive comments here, I found the midrange of this speaker to be somewhat recessed and lacking in detail. The bass response does reach quite low, however, and the speaker sounded quite good with a range of material.
The Vandersteens have a similar voicing-- fairly laid back, with prodigious (though tubbier) bass.
I prefer designs that start with good to great midrange and go from there. Your mileage may vary.
For simple but relatively full-range speakers, my recommendations would be to check out the following (easily available info on the web for each):
The Borealis from George Short/North Creek Music Systems
The Metaphor from Geoffrey Dillon/Dillon Acoustics
The Ellis 1801s from Dave Ellis/Ellis Audio
The SE-1s from Mike McCall/Shamrock Audio
DIY and kit offerings from Selah Audio, GR Research, and Dennis Murphy
Some of these are more expensive, others less.
Most of these are 6.5" woofer 2-way designs; it's a bit easier to get great midrange from this driver size, and advances in cone materials and (especially) motor technology have permitted impressive bass from these designs as well.
There is one 2-way 8" design I'd recommend investigating-- designed by Dennis Murphy, using the old ACI Opal cabinet dimensions. It uses a Vifa 8" woofer and a scanspeak tweet, although the vifa chambered aluminum dome can be substituted. I don't think it's on his site any longer, but I'm sure he would be happy to send it via email.
The boards at Parts Express are a good destination for kit discussions, but I find the folks at the Madisound board to be a little more knowledgeable overall. The BASS list is the best place for in-depth discussion of the topic.
BTW, PE has recently come out with some VERY nice pre-built cabinets at an attractive price for those who don't want to build their own.
Have fun and good luck!
dr_s
