How to Build $14,000 speakers for $1,300! JTR 212 Inspired - The Audience 212

#HomeTheater #HowTo #Klipsch
I love Home Theater! And one name known for that in Home Theater is JTR. They have been making Home Theater speakers for years. One they are arguably most known for is the JTR 212. These are quickly becoming a favorite among Home Theater Enthusiasts. But they came with a nice price tag as well...around $7000...EACH. That's an MSRP of $14,000 a pair! Today I plan to make some speakers inspired by the JTR 212 for around $1,300 a pair or $650 EACH, using high end drivers by SB Audience
📄Build Plans: bit.ly/audience212
More about SB Audience: bit.ly/sbaudience
Speaker Design Tools I use:
Calibrated mic and Dats: bit.ly/3wRPMZB
🛠️Parts Used for this Build:
SB Audience 12" Woofer: bit.ly/3iLGkPb
SB Audience Compression Driver: bit.ly/3uvehJm
Horn: bit.ly/36yz0Ei
Circle Jig: amzn.to/3uBBQ3g
Wood Glue: amzn.to/36xP49l
Glue Spreader: amzn.to/3Lto3CJ
Exohyde Paint: parts-express.sjv.io/AoOJ5x
Paint Rollers: parts-express.sjv.io/x9eMA3 Handle: parts-express.sjv.io/doQ6Jj
Router: amzn.to/3wKKezY
Template Bit: amzn.to/3qMtWCV
📄Speaker Plans: toidsdiyaudio.com/shop
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Car Speakers/ Home Audio and electronics: howl.me/cg5oP9UKd1Z
🏠Get Whole House Audio:
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🍿Theater Seating
Valencia Theater Seating: bit.ly/3Jbagjm
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Disclosure: This channel is viewer-supported. When you buy through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. . These SB Audience Drivers were given to me by SB Audience. The thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

[@Toid]

📄Build Plans: bit.ly/audience212

[@TexasCorgiGun]

Are these good just for 2 channel listening? Or specifically for home theater?

[@Toid]

@@TexasCorgiGun they are designed with home theater in mind. I would still use a subwoofer with these

[@TexasCorgiGun]

@@Toid Thank you for your response.

[@russellgilmer1897]

Do these use a passive crossover or are you running active?

[@Toid]

@@russellgilmer1897 passive

[@shawnbrennan7075]

All hail Toid, hero of the DIY working man. Somebody get this man a beer!

[@Toid]

Thanks Shawn! I might need a Mt. Dew right now. I'm working on very little sleep 😂🤣😂

[@lio1234234]

@@Toid You get that sleep Nick! You deserve it!

[@themikegarrett]

When I finished my floorstanding speakers, I felt the same lol I didn't realize how "big" they were until I stood them up. And after all the gluing and bracing with 3/4" MDF, they were heavy as hell. But they sound amazing and I loved the project.

[@HifiVega]

Killer build Nick! The EQ’d response looks very good.

[@CandBLawnCare]

This is amazing. Your making endgame speakers for people that only wish they could have real Jtr’s. Every time I see these in a theater I’m like omg these must sound insane but at that price they better. Your changing the game in an awesome way. Im definitely going to build these one day.

[@crazycuz100]

Ahahahahhaha

[@lok777]

I mean, they will look similar.....

[@crazycuz100]

@@lok777 that's about it lol

[@jimthvac100]

@@crazycuz100 I bet they would sound better. I am sure his custom crossover is going to be better than a production JBL design. and You know the cabinet is going to be build stronger with better bracing.

[@sup2320]

First time I’m seeing this channel… Instant subscribe… pure gold!

[@domwenaubain8983]

You seriously impress me with every video you put out. I'm gonna build all my speakers in my next house and really go all out

[@aaron0089]

Awesome stuff bro 😍😍 Thoroughly enjoying your content… Keep it up👍🏻👍🏻

[@EEAMD-co6nw]

finally a diy that is a big speaker. almost every diy video on youtube is small bookshelf

[@lio1234234]

Awesome build as always Nick! I've been waiting for this! Not going to be building them any time soon, amazing either way!

[@Toid]

THank Elliot. If you ever find yourself in the neighborhood...You can always audition them :)

[@PaulTardino]

@@Toid I might need to stop by and audition them. Seriously.

[@sweetandsour6521]

LOVE HOW you had your hand in the way when you were drilling the screws on the woofers

[@LifeofBliss]

Those speakers are sick... great build and video man!

[@RubenAders]

Sh*t man. Only built two. Let me build a third. That's the spirit!! You are a legend Toid

[@richardciliberti2001]

Fantastic video. Excellent workmanship. Unreal speakers. You da man.

[@audfrknaveen2256]

Lovely build 😀😀😀❤️❤️ awesome job as always !!!!!

[@ajstruhar2048]

Heck yessss been hoping for this

[@Miketheconservative]

Building now! Can’t wait to hear them

[@marcusmcmurray77]

I'm not a DIY guy but I have watched a number of your videos; they're very good and very intriguing

[@Toid]

Thank you Marcus

[@paulchristiansen7014]

as a old school car audio guy myself, I do this same way of building sub boxes myself and been doing car audio for 35 years now...yes I have build some home audio in that time too..

[@stephenyoud6125]

Excellently done, again!!

[@Pete.across.the.street]

I might just buy a table saw and router once I finish my other projects. Awesome speakers my friend

[@mrrexy4151]

Wow they sound amazing!!! 😄

[@jkimgt]

tip , to fix the issue you have on min 6:42 , remember that MDF is basically sawdust and glue compressed, so you could've add sawdust to that glue too to fill any hole or imperfection in MDF, the only thing with that is that you would've to wait a little bit longer to allow it dry cure.

[@kennyjfarquhar954]

Another great video Toids!!!!

[@AudioTekAdventures-ph9ke]

Nice! Great and well done these were cool to look at :)

[@Molanding]

Dude insane! I love it. I’m looking to build my new theater and need 3 built as well. I’d even pay to have these built, great job!

[@Toid]

You can do it!

[@martin0r92]

Just found out about your KZbin video. Love it keep doing your stuff

[@mfkhometheater7742]

Very nice build! Good job!

[@imlurkn5291]

Very nice detailed build

[@mikeday62]

I like stereo, but speakers are good for that too...win win. Your work is awesome!

[@Toid]

Thank you! Much appreciated

[@dickydoesaudio3466]

Are triad gold monitors next? That would be sweet. I'm interested in these as well, I just might give these a shot, I've been looking for a diy speaker project for behind my screen, but I'm wanting something without a horn waveguide. I'll be checking your channel frequently. Good stuff man.

[@reyniermartinez8652]

I seriously might build these, I almost bought the JTR 212 HTR but when I saw them they were $2999 a piece then they bumped up the price to $3299 and now $3499. At 3 grand they were expensive but obtainable but now just way out of reach. Beautiful build btw and can't wait to see the 3 in your home theater.

[@lok777]

If you have 6K for a pair of speakers, you have 7k for a pair of speakers.........

[@Canadian_Eh_I]

I'll bet these image very very good. nice job !

[@kwokleunglam2998]

great job, inside support frame is good

[@nintariplays5654]

Can't wait to see what you'll do after the center and focus on the surrounds / atmos speakers ;) I have a set of paradigm studio 60 v3's and a paradigm cc 570 v3 I picked up for a steal ($125 at a pawn shop lol) and am always tempted ever since I did my custom sub, to build bigger and "better" HT speakers. So, I have been laying in wait trying to plan and slowly build up to a final layout of the HT and equipment before I finish off the basement and have it all set in stone. In the mean time I enjoy the hell out of it all but I always have that nagging urge to DIY

[@ethnic_on_a_technic]

Literally hit the sub when he said the bad thing was he needed a centre speaker .. what a dude !!!! Bro can u make monitors for sound studio ????

[@davidkoslek9372]

Awesome video.

[@keithiegee1]

Now that’s an exciting design! The first thing you said was you needed a 3rd for your LCR. Could you do a horizontal plan? Maybe have it rear ported and the arrangement veneered for a nice clean centre speaker look?

[@blakebrockhaus347]

Horizontal mtm designs are inherently flawed. And it's going to be behind the screen hidden from view anyways

[@benjithx]

Come on, Toid. Matching high-end surround/atmos speakers next please! Thanks for all that you do

[@jeremygray8078]

That is the dopest Piggly Wiggly hat I've ever seen. Your speaker build is also nice.

[@spiroszaharakis2648]

Great build. I am a big fan of having the same, L/C/R speakers at least for the main 3 front channels so I would be building these with the SB Audience Rosso-65CD-T-8 and H280 horn instead so that I can cross them over at 600-700Hz which will make them suitable for horizontal use as well. Yes, I know, the manufacturer suggests a minimum crossover frequency at 1K but that's for PA use. For home hifi you can probably cross them as low as 500Hz with a 4th order crossover. They will never use more than a few watts of power.

[@GoalieNurse]

Looks much better in the theater than the living room 😄🤣😁

[@Seabass901]

Nice man! I wish I had the tools and time to do this. I bet they sound awesome. I'd love to hear some classical/orchestral music that has a lot of dynamic range on these.

[@Toid]

You sound amazing. At $650 each speaker, they come in at quite a bargain. I can't think of any speakers I'd rather have it this price point

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Sweet!

[@ericwilliams538]

Small tip for ya, save some of your sanding dust in a zip lock bag, for when you have cracks or your seems don't match up perfectly. Then when you need the sanding dust for the seems, sprinkle some into some wood glue, mix it together and use a puddy knife to push it into the seems. Let it dry, then lightly sand it again. You'll sand your sand paper doing it this way versus sanding while glue is wet.

[@DustinHaning]

These are incredible! I may actually build a pair of these! Do you have build plans for center and surround speakers to pair with these or do you plan to make some? Also what about upfiring atmos speakers?

[@NoodlesNJ1]

Spraying armorall onto that matress pad, will prevent them from dry rotting. You should also always use pure clear silicone divers grease on all the rubber surrounds.

[@drgrindxl]

Ooooh Not bad man... i wish i could do that too. normally iam not fan of DIY Speakers but that looks good.

[@gino3286]

Hi great creations indeed Congratulations They also look like the old JBL SVA series that i love Speaking of cabinet bracing i have thought a little about cabinet panels vibration. A very telling test of how much the cabinet design and construction can impact the sound i had once in a shop. They were showing two PA speakers from the same brand, same drivers and same amps inside One had a wood cabinet the other a plastiC cabinet to be used outdoor. The bass of the plastic cabinet was a disaster ... weak and confused. The bass from the speaker with a wooden cabinet was amazing for power, control and clarity. I think that the only really critical side by far is the FRONT BAFFLE I have seen some graphs in the Stereophile reviews of loudspeakers of the vibrations measured with accelerometers fixed to the various cabinet panels Strangely enough they measure side and back panels but not the most important one ... the front baffle. The front baffle vibration levels i am sure are orders of magnitude above the vibration levels of all other panels. I am sure that the level of side and back panels vibrations is so low that when they reach the listener reflected by the listening room walls they will have no impact at all. The secret is all in the design and construction of the front baffle that must stay completely still even during the room shaking bass passages. I read a very telling explanation. They were comparing the front baffle to a newspaper kept in the front of a reader. If the paper moves back and forth the reading results very difficult because the eyes has to focus a moving object. Of course the more extended the front baffle and thinner is the more the vibrations will be. For this reason i would try to separate mechanically (i.e. put in a separate box) the lower woofer from the other mid and high drivers. When the range from let's say 100-150Hz down is done right to reproduce the rest of the audio range is much less critical. Going up with frequency the energetic content of vibrations will be much lower in level and so much easier to suppress. The woofer is a like a beast ... it needs a proper cage to keep it under control. Put it in the same box/cabinet of mid and high drivers and the problems begin. Kind regards, gino

[@nitrozeus6403]

Just found your channel, it's great. Try using some general purpose bondo, not automotive. Stuff is awesome, very sandable, somewhat drillable and definitely causes cancer. Its great for overhangs and gaps. Especially when painting.

[@jeffclark5024]

Very cool, they look great and I bet they sound even better. You think there are any pre built boxes out there that would be similar in size and design? For the guys that don’t have the time or patience to build a box.

[@leif8436]

I really want to build some speakers. I've ordered parts months ago but didnt have time due to uni. Now i really have to do it though.

[@XudenGroupLLC]

Now we need matching surrounds!!

[@NikoAbston]

Amazing video.

[@tulz43]

I’ve been dreaming about jtr speakers ever since I learned about them. Save money and diy. Love it. Using these as LCR, which of your other builds would you pair with these for rear surrounds?

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

jhs arent picky of dacs, but i suggest the most neutral since they are good as it is

[@jimbendtsen8841]

Damn. Beautiful.

[@automatewithrpa]

Awesome build video! Do you have the build plans for JTR NOESIS 212HTR? I'm looking to build LCR for my home theater and wanted these speakers to be off the floor at about ear level. Thank you!

[@jdrissel]

Just in case anybody is thinking of using mattress pads or packing foam for acoustical treatment in a room DON'T. Look up the station fire for why not. It is fine inside a sealed enclosure, and probably fine in a ported enclosure. (I do worry that a ported enclosure could become a chimney once the cone burns through. Just don't put it on walls or ceilings.

[@jaycoviello9409]

Mineral wool is better inside anyway and not that expensive.

[@timothymartin2137]

They did NOT use matress pads at the Station, those were special bought acoustic panels (the owner did not bother with fire codes at all, so he never even checked for fire rating)....just fyi, matresss pads are fire retardent BY LAW (these laws were enacted in the 60's and 70's when idiots smoked in bed)

[@mikeday3306]

Super impressed! I might give this a shot. Did you end up building the center speaker? What are your thoughts on mounting this speaker horizontally for the center? As I don't have a transparent screen. What other build would pair well as a center with these speakers?

[@miguelmolina5564]

Love your channel, Any thoughts on a diy klipsch klf 20?

[@coreymarotta]

Epic!

[@edub8803]

This is so dope! JTR also has a 215, but I wonder if a 218 inspired design like this is possible. 😲

[@Toid]

I'm thinking the same thing. That would definitely need a compression coaxial. But that would be epic!

[@TylerStout]

Biggest issue with bigger drivers is the larger the driver the lower the beaming point is. That's why you'll see higher midrange to tweeter crossovers on smaller drivers. An 18" driver would start to beam at around 700hz.

[@Toid]

@@TylerStout you would end up having to use a compression coaxial for a speaker like that. They can typically cross over as low as 300-500hz.

[@naturalverities]

Reminiscent of the famous Klipsch Epic CF-4! Given the great tools you have, I think it's time to consider compression midbass folded horns such as Klipsch La Scala. They are magical!---even with modest drivers. And they perform well up to 700hz, so don't really require a gigantic mid horn.

[@tweedpenguin712]

Youthman had the La Scala’s and traded them up for JTR lol

[@martyjr540]

Nice build Toid.

[@TexasCorgiGun]

They looks awesome Are they good for 2 channel listening?

[@MrMichaelEsser]

Duuuude! Really really good work! How many hours do you spend on building them? I could never do it

[@LD-bv1pm]

They look to be very light. I have a pair of floor standing Dali's and I certainly couldn't move them around the way you are.

[@castro619a]

Please do more big towers like this!! This is awesome

[@Toid]

I'm glad to hear that you like it! Maybe we should do a 218? 2 28's! 😲

[@Toid]

I'm really excited to see who ends up building these

[@castro619a]

@@Toid have you tried any of the old horns in this? I’d love to see those responses! This channel is like ASMR lol

[@jimdawson1886]

@@Toid 215 would be perfect!

[@TheoneDragon51]

Very nice. I would love to hear something like that. I have just never been a fan of compression drivers. I'm a silk dome. Then again, maybe I haven't heard them setup right. After all I do like my titanium dome tweeters in my Paradigm monitor 11s.

[@jantjepietje5806]

Paradigm drivers/units are made by Audax,France.So does Revel,JBL f.y.i Fyi SB is top,hifi-range ànd P.A. S of SB stands for Sinar,Indonesia. SB-domestic hifi use is founded by former Scanspeak designers. Same with Wavecor. Im in that biss. Grtz,high-end manufacturer.

[@mattm3091]

Awesome build. Curious what cnc you have and if you have thought about doing 215 or 218 build as a 3 way

[@KarthikSktk]

Nice build.. Is there anything in DIY that looks and rivals the Arendal 1723 monitors for LCR?

[@chaseleim4773]

add in some 6.5" mids in the center and watch these really come to life

[@radishmcadish1]

Those are awesome 👌. I wish you would let me finish the exterior. They really deserve a top notch finish. Not saying it's bad, but I just don't like the roller finish.

[@wolfie7303]

Need more sites retailing flat pack options for those of us without some of the tools that might only ever be used on 1 or 2 projects.

[@JSchurter]

I have found a local cnc shop, there prices are not bad, might add 150$ to the over all cost

[@gufiaito69able]

We need a follow-up on these great build. And demo!

[@michaelslocumbsr.2286]

Outstanding! When does the shop open up for orders???

[@truthseeker6649]

joseph crowe did some measurements on this woofer. the impedance profile is almost like a tweeter. very low inductance which translate to very snappy bass and clean midrange.

[@C-man553]

Just wanted to add-I've had great success using steel threaded rod for bracing. Easier for possibly better result. Interesting Monster build Toids.

[@jessecollier3941]

Great vid. Great job. Would you be willing to build Krix MX40 Wall of Sound front stage?

[@halfbelieving]

Good stuff as always! Man I need a cnc haha!

[@Toid]

They definitely are nice to have. You could always check out something like a bulkman workbee for cheap. I am not saying they are great, but they can get you started in CNC for pretty cheap.

[@halfbelieving]

@@Toid Interesting, thanks for the recommendation. One of these days...

[@valenciaonthebeat]

Hey man!! Thanks for this video. I planning to build my home music studio to mix and sometime master my work. High end speakers are ridiculously pricy. How would you compare your speakers to a studio monitors Or if you can, please build one for music studio. thank you and blessings!!

[@QAT4969]

great build. what amp u use for this 212 audience?

[@95Sn95]

Nice towers, I noticed you holding your hand to avoid the dreaded screw bit through the surround, I'm always nervous. I've told people I would easily rather drive a bit in my hand over the driver my hand will heal... Inserts are nice but they can be problematic installing. I've seen quite a few people have problems with hurricane nuts coming loose and spinning but all you need to do is few dabs of a good glue on them during installation... seems to be an easily resolvable issue.soundman Doug benards uses hurricane nuts in reverse when he installs bolt style terminals on an enclosure so there's a nice clean flat steel contact for speaker wire ring terminals vs a big nut and washer on outside plus the stick out is probably at least 3/8" less.

[@ElCidPhysics90]

Honestly, use the cnc every opportunity. I’m def going to use it.

[@MushmouthJoe]

Always making it look easy. Probably sound better than the $14,000 speakers anyway. They come off an assembly line. Your speakers are way more desirable.

[@woldemortxyz7996]

How much did the crossover parts cost for this? Could it be worth it to go active for a setup like this?

[@robertlee1145]

Now that it's a year later ,would you use the same speakers or would you use a different set?

[@sainath8710]

Hi, reason for adding foam inside the cabin?

[@firecloud77]

I also use egg crate foam pads. But I prefer 3M 90. Unlike 3M 77, it isn't a mist that drifts everywhere.

[@Toid]

I'll have to try that out sometime. I've never tried 3M 90.

[@owengriffiths7437]

Hey mate, would these speakers be suited for music listening?

[@djfirestormx]

i find 3rd order to sound better anyways, just takes more work to balance, especially a 3 way

[@RULINGCHAOS666]

Here's the question I have.. These or DIYSG Elusive 1099's? I will build either one but am undecided between 12 and 10 inch drivers and midrange on the 1099's.

[@jjjames6876]

how do you model such a large port? I haven't been able to use box calculators to model a large slot port, only tube type ports.

[@aaronfarley4577]

Any recommendations on a substitute tweeter? As the one you used is out of stock in the us, and is about 200 a piece from the UK

[@loudogg310]

Nice.

[@mmgerecke]

Impressive! Do any PSA builds?

[@NVMDSTEvil]

Nice build, makes me want to build a set using the Dayton woofers I have (8x 10") going MM T MM. I have been trying to decide between something like this or a "mini" Jericho. The Jericho setup would be better in a large environment or outdoors, but given the sheer cone area and motor force available with a "mini" it might be scary in a house.. lol :)

[@TimpBizkit]

Like a synergy horn thing?

[@NVMDSTEvil]

@@TimpBizkit Synergy is the small version of the Jericho, but yes

[@rexbk09]

Love

[@gustav3443]

What cnc do you use? I've been looking for a cnc for some time and i'm not quite sure what I need to cut in mdf, could you possibly help me?

[@NickJansen87]

Love the Piggly Wiggly hat!