I Star Wars'd My 23 Year Old Speakers

I upgraded my 23 year old speakers . . . did I go to far? Did I ruin or improve them. I assure you all the aspects that provide great audio are still there, they have just had a visual improvement!
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[@ChalkanCheese]

I wanted these back in the early 00's. Finally got them in 2012 and I've never regretted it. I have the 3i and 8i speakers in oak with the10i centre in black. Amazing speakers.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Outstanding! I've loved all of their products, amazing sound!

[@blackmarketoutpost]

I am going to keep it simple the video inspires and is well filmed and edited amazing All around production from both you and Carrisa Merry Christmas to you both !!!!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

You are the best my friend. Thank you for the constant encouragement.

[@TheOuterRim_]

This just proves you can Star Wars just about anything! This turned out so cool, but I don't know if I could have gotten myself to sand the finish off of those beautiful Monitor Audio speakers. But... fortune favors the bold! Super cool idea. I also liked the "less is more" approach to the video. Sometimes telling a story visually, without a voice over, has greater impact. This was soothing to watch. Great job!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you sir! I will admit, sanding these guys down was painful; both the physical aspect, and the mental one. I really struggled with the decision. In the end I'm glad i did it though . . . I think . . . LOL

[@WhiteysWickedWorkshop]

Did I just see you use wood to practice and then final cut is acrylic? That's a great idea! Such a soothing and relaxing video after a long hard day. See ya next year!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks man. No, that wasn’t wood. It was Kraft paper. I wanted to use something simple to test the fits of all my designs before I used the expensive acrylic

[@TheMandoDave]

Typically, I love the well scripted narrative with your builds along with the delightful music and editing. This was a pleasant treat of a quiet journey through the build process. Well done sir.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you very much!

[@pedullastudio]

Dude! This video was amazing! You make me wanna go back to no voiceovers! Great stuff

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you very much sir! I absolutely love your work. I enjoy both your voice over work and the no voice over. Just roll with whatever keeps you creative!

[@unfated1]

They look gorgeous. With all the panels and greeblies was there any rattling??

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you sir. Nope, not a single rattle. These speakers are pretty well made from the start, so even before there wasn’t much shake to them. Plus the way I attached them there are rubber washers that will absorb any shake as well.

[@DoktorHalloween]

That, was inspired. Everything came together for this video. The footage, the editing, music selection, lighting, the sign off. That was the sauce.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you so much!

[@MonkeyBox123]

Sharp👍nice music video too, subtle,but classy😄

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you kindly

[@mikenphx]

You kill me man! Amazing work... thank you for the inspiration.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!

[@propsandvillainy]

Beautifully done . Love all the layers and creativity. Makes me wanna starwarsy up every in my shop or living room! Maybr I’ll start with tv cabinet. My wife will really love that 😂 also loved the video with just music . Cool change

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you my friend! So glad you liked it

[@Craftlngo]

what a transformation! That's an Epic build Brian. I wish you Merry Christmas, I'll watch your videos also next year

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you so much! Merry Christmas!

[@blizatrex]

A wonderful in universe upgrade.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!

[@R4-98]

This is an amazing video as always Brian! Merry Christmas to you and Carrisa! And May the force be with you both!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks so much! Merry Christmas!

[@mikehardy7060]

Lovely job, merry Christmas and a happy new year. Looking forward to seeing next years projects

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you. Merry Christmas

[@cerisekappes580]

Awesome conversion!!!! Happy Holidays!!! ❤😊❤

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Happy holidays!

[@Wh33ls]

Incredible!! Happy Holidays Brian!!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Happy holidays!

[@theoneleggedraven1940]

Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year, Brian and fam!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@dustinbuckner3585]

Those are AWESOME Brian. Great Work. Have a good holiday

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks, you too!

[@NorMandalArms]

I really want a laser cutter. You bring so many ideas to the table. Love it Brian!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! Yeah, that dang laser cutter is such a game changer.

[@NorMandalArms]

@@TheSmugglersRoom I do have a 3d printer so I can mimic some of the stuff you make or other makers are putting out but it's not the same lol. I finally re-joined the Smugglers Guild. Can't wait to see more projects and start showing my own off.

[@garagemonkeysan]

Great video. Super dope hack. Master of layers. Mahalo for sharing! : )

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@ChrisPage68]

May The Force continue to surround and protect you and your good lady! I hope you played The Imperial March through them to "baptise" them... 😉

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! Happy Holidays!

[@maikvogel6632]

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Best wishes from Germany! 🙂

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Merry Christmas to you! Thank you!

[@metajock]

Wow. These turned out beautiful. Well done.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks so much 😊

[@lqqkout8214]

I love this idea! Layering on some swarzy additons to a bland original finish worked great :) Thank you for sharing!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!!

[@JerryGreer1965]

Another great video, I missed you talking though it but still enjoyed it. Hope the smugglers room's family has a very merry Christmas and new year 😊

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! Yeah, just a little something different this week. Thanks for watching!

[@kelleyplumer8723]

❤ very cool. More episodes of "starwarsifying" everyday objects!!!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Absolutely!

[@paulfuryes203]

Awesome video you give me a great idea for an old Pair of speakers I have keep the videos coming and have a Merry Christmas.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Wonderful! Merry Christmas

[@hyperfocused3D]

These turned out beautiful. Really brought new life to an awesome speaker set.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you so much!

[@ivangonzales5667]

Your creativity always amaze me, Happy Holidays for you and your family and MTFBWY

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Same to you! Merry Christmas Iván!

[@MrJayhathaway]

Good choice in speakers. Makes me rethink a couple of choices for my star wars room build coming up. 😊

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Awesome!!!

[@StockYardsTrustCo]

Thanks Brian... the video without commentary is really nice. But just once in a while... OK? I miss your story-telling and explanation of creative process. You have a gift! We love you and Carrisa and look forward to 2024! May the force be with you, always!!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you much! Don't worry, there will be plenty of me rambling on in the future. This one just felt . . . different. Thanks for watching!

[@StockYardsTrustCo]

Forgot to mention this... Beautiful job as always! Your channel brings so much joy in the darkness :)@@TheSmugglersRoom

[@asilevinson1479]

amazing video . . . I love it ! . . . Happy Holidays to you and your family

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Happy Holidays!

[@CGRTist]

Pure Art!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you sir!

[@frankenmonkey87]

those look incredible Brian.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank You!

[@scottc8463]

Super sharp Brian! My only problem if it was me is, after I was done with the speakers I probably would glance at the sound system. Then greeblies and sugar plums would start dancing in my head and I would have to shake it off and walk away :) Great work and a fun video to watch.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL!!!! Love it. Thank you!

[@darrinfraser]

So freaking cool! Inspiring.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!

[@FabWorks80]

WOW!!!! Absolutely beautiful!! See you in 2024!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you bro! Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@mlubecke]

Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and happy new year…. 🎆

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@gyorgybalassy]

Beautiful artwork with an awesome video that is really enjoying to watch. Thanks for sharing it! And all respect to whoever will clean the dust off from those beautiful speakers ;-) (sorry, I could not help ;-) Merry Christmas!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! . . . and yep, it is going to require constant dusting! LOL. Merry Christmas!

[@spindash2023]

not gonna lie, I read 23 year old speakers and my first thought was "These are from the 70s?? oh wait. crap."

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

🤣🤣🤣

[@williamwilmes]

Cant wait to see what designs and ideas you come up with next year. Maybe another amazing Star Trek video? Maybe you add lots of greeblies to the TV? Time will tell.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! Next Year will be EPIC!!!

[@SargeWolf010]

😮 I don't have any speakers myself but this still neat tho 😅

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Sweet! Thank you!

[@durandanne-john6621]

I wish you and your family healthy and joy full ! I send you from France best wishes of merry Xmas and happy new year 2024 in peace and happyness ! Thanks you Brian and Carrissa for all the show all among the year ! See you next year !

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

A very Merry Christmas to you and your family! Thank you for all the well wishes and support.

[@handicappedhammered9037]

Happy holidays to you and your family also my best to the junk yard jedi. All your hard work and love in your home shows through in your projects and videos thank you for everything

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! Happy Holidays!!

[@jenkane8070]

Merry Christmas x

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

To you as well!

[@BradDilleshaw]

Those are sick!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you much!

[@AreYouNotEntertained420]

Hey Brian, first time commenting, but I've seen almost all your videos. You my friend are awesome! Keep up the good work and creativity. Truly inspiring. So entertaining and your video editing has come along way (but I do enjoy you just talking and the humor as well). Merry Christmas 🎄 !

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you so much! We very much appreciate it. Thank you for watching all this time! Merry Christmas!

[@alfgundersen1058]

hey you two fantastic people, it's so cool to see what you're doing, you're a super good team, I'm so happy when I see there's a film from you, it's fun and I'm looking forward to something from you. thank you for doing this. I wish you and your family and friends a merry Christmas greetings from Alf Gundersen from Denmark ps. I'm looking forward to the new year❤❤❤🎉🎉

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! Merry Christmas

[@mrwoodandmrtin]

Very cool aesthetic.!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@navigatingthedestination]

Very well done. The speakers look amazing. Some flashing leds and led strip lights would really add to the speakers. Just a thought. They are awsome

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Great idea!

[@GCubedProductions]

Happy Holidays!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Happy holidays!

[@mariemeyer2885]

Another amazing build by Brian, where does he get this fabulous ideas??? (Shh, Carrisa in the house) Happy Holidays

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL!!! Thank you

[@chetleonard169]

You may be onto something there!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Right? LOL

[@rkcross6809]

Love all your work. I haven't tried anything with gribblies...greeblies... however thats spelled😂...yet but, your techniques and creative approach to projects, has given me a ton of inspiration for my projects. Thanks again for all your videos.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you so much!

[@DHGamerMR]

Happy Holidays! These look great! Thanks for sharing another awesome project and video as we head into the holiday. Only question I have -- are there any vibration buzz issues from the HDD bits?

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you so much! Happy Holidays to you as well. No, there are absolutely no vibrations that I have experienced thus far. The speakers themselves never had much vibration due to the excellent construction. I also mounted everything with rubber washers so that it would absorb as much shake as possible. So far so good!

[@DHGamerMR]

@@TheSmugglersRoomGood deal! I thought maybe the free spinning nature of those HDD motors could be an issue for vibration. Love how it turned out. Clean and sleek. Definitely gave me some more ideas for how I want to build out my home office in our soon-to-be new home.

[@whitebison2005]

Fantastic! Where do you get your acrylic from? What's the mm?

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! I get it from Delvie’s Plastic. These are 1/8” sheets.

[@regularguyjedi9154]

These look awesome brother. Thank you for sharing. Keep making something out of nothing. Happy Holidays and happy New Year

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you! Happy Holidays!

[@jeanmalo7173]

I knew there were going to be hard drive motors somewhere 😆 😆 😆

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

absolutely!

[@Obi_Wan]

Can you make a video of how you would make a large panel built out of some of the panel kits from your website? Would love to see how you take panel kit c, for example and build it into a larger panel. Thanks Brian!!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you for this suggestion. I don’t know why we’ve never done that for you all. Consider it done! We’ll make that happen!

[@xanderdixon3688]

They look cool

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!

[@Calumetto]

Sweet. Did they sound any different? ••• Yule! TIDE!!!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you. No, not one bit of difference. I made sure when drilling and mounting everything not to drill all the way through the cabinet material. I didn't want to make any change that would distort the sound quality. By all accounts I succeeded. LOL

[@lennartb]

See you next year

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

You bet!

[@goatelope7539]

Merry Christmas and happy life day

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@twistydogcreations683]

What? No lights??? LMAO Just kidding. They look amazing. As always, Great job!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL! I know right??

[@joshuatrujillo1888]

Galactic Audiogasm

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL!! Love it!

[@robertvalade2400]

Veri cool

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!

[@crackin2000]

Neat.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks!

[@torsloke]

Doctor: “Brian, your tests show that you have a lot of acid in your system.” You: “I drink four gallons of grapefruit juice a week.” Doctor: “For the vitamin C?” You: “No, for the greeblies.” Doctor: [Writes a psych referral to go with his Zantac prescription.]

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL!!! YES!!!!

[@cernstormrunner7263]

dang it i really want a Glowforge...

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

The laser is such an amazing tool. If you do start looking, I would recommend the XTool P2. I have found that to a better experience all around compared to the Glowforge.

[@cernstormrunner7263]

@@TheSmugglersRoom i was just looking at that, thank you!!!

[@PrimalEdge]

groovy

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you!

[@quixoticjedi942]

They look cool, but all I can think about is how big a pain they will be to dust.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Oh you bet! It’s going to be a nightmare! 😜

[@bascodelagamma]

👍

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

👍

[@lancebourke4024]

That's cool as F#*K!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks!

[@issinho]

I dunno, Brian, seems a little too clean!!!!

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

LOL!! fair enough!

[@alrives]

Just in case you were wondering I don't like this new format. I like to hear you explaining what you ware doing. I didn't dislike it I just didn't like it. Great results.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Well, it’s not something we are changing permanently. However we do like to be creative with both our builds and how we share them. Maybe you’ll like the next one better. Appreciate the feedback.

[@ryansemplexyz]

How to spend dozens of hours ruining a speakers sound 101: diffraction and distortion generator edition

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Nope. Didn’t ruin anything. Thanks though!

[@ryansemplexyz]

As a speaker designer and builder, I guarantee you did.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

@@ryansemplexyz not knowing you, the manufacturer you work for, nor the speakers you’ve designed, I’ll go out on a limb and say, I’m sure you’ve built some amazing speakers in your time. You no doubt have vast knowledge of your craft, and sound engineering is your bread and butter. Having said that, in my 25 year career in custom audio video I will say that what I have done here has not provided any deflection or distortion of the sound of these speakers in the environment I have placed them in. I’ve not experienced a shake, nor shimmer, not even a rattle. I’ve always enjoyed the quality of these Monitor Audio Silver 5’s. I can say with full confidence that the sound is as good now in there current condition as it was before a single alteration was made. I rather like the look too. At the end of the day I will say that changes I have made here is an expression of creativity for a craft I enjoy. It also appears that many others today have enjoyed the project as well. Obviously by uploading this to the internet I will inevitably invite criticism from keyboard warriors such as yourself. Your desire to knock another creator down, and make sure others know you are smarter than the creator of this video . . . So good on ya. Hope you have a better day, that you find something to praise someone for tomorrow instead of criticizing. Happy Holidays.

[@Adam.NavyVet]

In the process you probably created all sorts of bad refraction reflection waves. Essentially destroying the sound. But hey they look cool. I guess.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thanks. I actually have not noticed any distortion or reflection to impact the sound. I may have the openings around the woofers a tad too tight, not giving enough room for the dispersion, but honestly they sound as amazing as they did before I made the adjustments. So overall, I don’t think I did any damage. 🤷‍♂️

[@Adam.NavyVet]

I’m not trying to be rude but without before and after Frequency Response Measurements there is no way to tell. But putting this plastic barrier in front of the drivers is a guarantee that the edge refraction and even dispersion is going to be negatively impacted. But you did fine work and if they sound the same to you then great. You might want to do a little research about speaker design.@@TheSmugglersRoom

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Oh I totally agree that the acrylic in front of the woofers as I have them can negatively impact the sound. The opening is certainly too small. I also agree without a before test we wouldn’t know by how much. I’ve actually been interested to pop of the acrylic and measure, then re-attach and measure again just out of curiosity. I didn’t think you were being rude at all. It’s a fair question, and I thought about it before the project even started. I’ve been in the custom audio video industry for over 23 years, so it initially went against everything I know to do this. I’m terrified of the audio engineers in my company finding out 🤣. But I was shocked that they still sound amazing. 🤷‍♂️ All said though, it’s more than a fair point. I appreciate the way you approached the subject, some others have not been so kind about my choice to alter them in this way. Happy Holidays!

[@sabertoothanimations2912]

Man those look awesome, i do wonder though, does it rattle as all with all those suspended eyesores? also i won't lie, would be really cool to have some lights eliminating the designs on the plexiglass, but i guess that would be another thing to worry about adding, as they stand they are really cool

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Thank you. Nope, no rattle whatsoever. The speakers themselves are made really well, so even before there was very little vibration. However, to prevent that further I used rubber washers on all the stand-offs. That should help absorb any shake, and after playing them nearly all weekend I don't feel any lose pieces and I never heard any rattle or other distortion.

[@sabertoothanimations2912]

@@TheSmugglersRoom Oh true, i have no idea why rubber washers didn't come to mind lol They turned out awesome though and although i don't use speakers all that much, its given me some ideas on how i can spice up some of my other stuff.

[@crypts-sm9ob8dj5w]

I have been a prop builder and specialty Set Deck fabricator for over 44 years. I have built a dedicated career and craftsmanship without the use of laser and 3-D printers.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

I think thats amazing. What a great career. Congratulations, truly. I have nothing against that. I just don't understand why that makes me any less creative or my builds any less for using the tools i prefer? I don't consider myself to be less a craftsman because I use a laser cutter or a 3D printer on projects. I don't think anyone should make someone feel they are a lesser maker for using a tool you don't use or you don't have. I prefer to encourage as many people out there to enjoy what they do in any way they can do it. You should too.

[@crypts-sm9ob8dj5w]

I liked it better when you didn’t have your laser cutter, resin, printer, etc. Making things by hand is so much more creative. Just my opinion of course.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Sorry to hear you aren't enjoying the project. I personally don't think advanced tools lessen the creative aspect of building. I sort of approach each tool in the shop for what they can help me achieve. For some, a table saw is an extravagant tool and a person might want to see all the wood for a cabinet cut with a hand saw. Some folks like 3D printing, others look at it as cheating. That all of the things 3D printed should be carved by hand out of clay in order for it to be creative. For me, all of these tools allow me to bring a vision to life. With this speaker project I felt like it took an immense level of creativity to design all the shapes and how they would fit together. On this project I spent more time behind the computer screen creating these designs than in the shop with a pile of scrap. Just a different approach. The laser just happened to be the tool that allowed the precision I needed to achieve that look. That said, we still try to balance all the builds we do with a mix of material and processes. it's not all laser. A few weeks ago we shared our Alien Egg project. All of that was done by hand with simple tools and materials. A short time before that we built a lightsaber display using both scrap building parts and pieces with just a minor use of the laser. I guess my point is, we love using all types of tools and materials, and the method shouldn't be viewed as less creative when one is used over another. Each project we approach all starts with the creative juices flowing, we just vary the method of execution from one to the next. Just my opinion as well, but thought I would share where we are coming from. Happy Holidays!

[@astrophysicistguy]

Creativity is a mental process that really doesn’t have any connection to what tools are used to bring the creative vision into the physical world. For your thesis to be correct it would mean that the only creative people from civilization are those that were around prior to the Industrial Revolution which is clearly not the case. Don’t fall into the trap that equates “different” with “bad” or “wrong”, it’s just different. I belong to a small group of individuals from around the world who have & are building full size, operator -on-the-inside Daleks. The first one built in 2003 was done without 3D printers, laser cutters, etc while mine used some of that tech. Put them side by side & you literally can’t tell the difference on how they were made. So who’s the more creative?

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

I would totally agree. Both those that scratch built all the aspects of your Dalek project and those that used advanced tools would have to be creative in the process. The problem solving that would go into a project like that would certainly take creativity no matter what tools were used. Also . . . I really want to see that Dalek project!!! Sounds amazing!

[@tunkenstein]

My opinion is that the use of these machines makes everything look more REAL. It is hard to make things not appear a little sloppy when done by hand. Using a machine to make something that would have been produced by a machine, is a professional look. Nothing ruins a project like evidence of hand tools where there shouldn't be. Brian is doing good work and applying tools where appropriate.

[@astrophysicistguy]

@@tunkenstein I have too disagreement with this statement … I can show you some things that were made without the use of a “machine” and you would be hard pressed to tell how it was made. As I said earlier … “different” not “better” or “worse”