[Kibble Fat]

Hello fellow head-fiers,
 
I've thought a lot about it recently and I don't see myself going too much further into portable audio.  Currently I have the following:
 
120G 6G iPod --> Mini3 --> DIY Canare Int. --> Nuforce NE-7Ms
 
Before my last semester of school this fall I will be getting a pair of RE0s and possibly a better amp.  Also before school I want to build a Gamma2 DAC (with Gamma1 Full++) just so I never have to buy another DAC.  **cough**.  This would be for my desk speakers and home listening. 
 
What I want to do after that is upgrade my speakers.  Right now I've got a pretty flexible setup of two systems.  The first is a 2.1 Creative setup ($35-$40 retail maybe?).  It has recessed mids and adjustable subwoofer volume.  The second system is a 2.0 Sony bookshelf stereo set ($130 retail maybe).  It has hearty mids.
 
Cost of 2.1 Creatives: $12  (thank you slickdeals.net)
Cost of 2.0 Sonys: FREE  (thank you high school class grad party)
 
I really like how adjustable this setup is.  I have a Y-splitter leading from my laptop to these systems.  I can essentially EQ my music manually by  adjusting bass, mids, and treble individually.  A well-balanced sound is easy to achieve.  Is this type of setup common?  I really like DIY electronics and my dad has a full woodwork shop in his basement (which he knows how to use) so I figure speakers should be my next project.  I just need advise as to which plans to go with.  Size doesn't really matter, power should be under 100W (I think).
 
I enjoy detail, neutral frequency response, transparency, and some adjustability (whether it be changing out resistors and capacitors, or turning a dial).  To give you an idea of what sound signature I like, I really enjoyed listening to the HD 1400s (very airy and lively), the K702s (similar qualities, needs a teeny tiny bit more bass), and the HD 650s (a bit too muffled). 
 
My budget is roughly $300.  Any ideas?

 
Eric
 
PS: I will probably make a similar post at diyaudio.  I just figured since I know headphones better that speakers, someone who can understand what kind of sound I like might be better able to point me in the right direction.

 

[Zigis]

Look  in Diyaudio full range section.
Maybe Fonkens, or some horn speakers, or if size doesn't matter, open baffle.
All with active bass support, with separate bass amp, maybe bass driver on open air too.
This configuration ( separate amps for fullrange and for bass) give you easy adjusting option.

 

[cyberspyder]

I wouldn't go Fonkens, they require a good amp. In short, they sounded underwhelming compared to Zaph ZBM4's (http://www.zaphaudio.com/ZBM4.html). That's what I'd choose BTW, or if you want to go really cheap, look at undefinition's speaker plans here: http://sites.google.com/site/undefinition/diy

 

[Zigis]

Quote:

I wouldn't go Fonkens, they require a good amp.

If you need good and cheap amp, go for T-amp. Best price/quality I now, is Arjen's old bord:
http://cgi.ebay.com/MKll-Tripath-TA2024-fully-finished-tested-pcb-2x15watt-/260634870971?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3caf0c84bb
with small upgrade it is excellent amp.
Thanks for link, need to read carefully.

 

[cyberspyder]

Sorry, did I say overwhelming, I meant underwhelming LOL.

 

[11amaberry]

I bough a kit off ebay that turned out nice... I'll try an find the seller and link it.
EDIT: Here's the info http://www.mavin.com/index.php/products/dual-10-shake-the-walls-3-way-kit 
 
This is the kit, it didn't include the enclosures. I added some vibration dampening material an ports to the back... in all it was about $200 usd in all(both included). Here's some pics of my build

 

[11amaberry]

Anyone tried similar kits?

 

[cyberspyder]

Nope, I'd recommend something from Madisound or Parts Express. Also, give this link a look:
 
http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=28655
 

 

[Uncle Erik]

Try the Melhuish Singledriver site. Lots of plans and information there and you can find a nice selection of Fostex drivers at Madisound. I think a pair of fullrange speakers would suit your tastes.