Making Open Baffle Speakers - Full Build Video

These are the best sounding speakers I've ever made. They are 4-way open baffle with a 15" woofer that plays from 80Hz to 300Hz. an 8" mid-woofer that covers 300Hz to 900Hz, a 5" midrange from 900Hz to 2800Hz and a horn loaded 1" dome tweeter that takes the response from 2800Hz to 20KHz .
Four 12" infinite baffle subwoofers fill in the bass from 20Hz to 80Hz
They are fully active with digital crossovers for the ultimate in fine tuning capability and sonic purity.
If audio and speaker building a subject that you are interested in, check out my audio channel:
/ ibuildit
The music at the end is an actual recording in my listening room of these speakers. The recording very closely matches the original music if you play that directly, demonstrating the fidelity and accuracy of the speakers.
These speakers are fairly big, but completely disappear when playing and project the most realistic soundstage I've ever experienced. A big part of that is the room treatment that reduces reverb time in the low frequencies and eliminates destructive reflections.
While big speakers don't have a high Wife Acceptance Factor, in my opinion they are the only way to get realistic sound reproduction in a room at any listening level.
I made them from cherry that has an even heartwood / sapwood mix and oriented the layers so that the edge grain of the board (rather than the face grain) faces out. The corners overlap to add strength, but also for because I think it looks cool.
They are finished with a total of 5 sprayed on layers of oil based polyurethane to bring out the rich colour and grain of the wood.
▶️ Project plans for sale: ibuildit.ca/plans/
▶️Support the work I do on Locals:
ibuildit.locals.com/
▶️ Patreon:
www.patreon.com/user?u=865843...
▶️ Join my Makers Mob for detailed build tutorials:
go.themakersmob.com/john-heis...
My "Scrap bin" channel:
/ ibuilditscrapbin
#ibuildit
#woodworking
Website: ibuildit.ca/
Facebook: / i-build-it-25804801424...
Instagram: / i_build_it.ca

[@JohnHeisz]

These are the best sounding speakers I've ever made. They are 4-way open baffle with a 15" woofer that plays from 80Hz to 300Hz. an 8" mid-woofer that covers 300Hz to 900Hz, a 5" midrange from 900Hz to 2800Hz and a horn loaded 1" dome tweeter that takes the response from 2800Hz to 20KHz . Four 12" infinite baffle subwoofers fill in the bass from 20Hz to 80Hz They are fully active with digital crossovers for the ultimate in fine tuning capability and sonic purity. If audio and speaker building a subject that you are interested in, check out my audio channel: kzbin.info The music at the end is an actual recording in my listening room of these speakers. The recording very closely matches the original music if you play that directly, demonstrating the fidelity and accuracy of the speakers. These speakers are fairly big, but completely disappear when playing and project the most realistic soundstage I've ever experienced. A big part of that is the room treatment that reduces reverb time in the low frequencies and eliminates destructive reflections. While big speakers don't have a high Wife Acceptance Factor, in my opinion they are the only way to get realistic sound reproduction in a room at any listening level. I made them from cherry that has an even heartwood / sapwood mix and oriented the layers so that the edge grain of the board (rather than the face grain) faces out. The corners overlap to add strength, but also for because I think it looks cool. They are finished with a total of 5 sprayed on layers of oil based polyurethane to bring out the rich colour and grain of the wood.

[@peggyt1243]

"Wife Acceptance Factor" ??? I did not think you concerned yourself with such matters. They are definitely manly speakers with that clear coat to show the grain. You should have manly speakers.

[@disklamer]

The problem is of course that there is no horizontal top surface to put decorative tidbits on.

[@gingersteelman8126]

THIS is the first time I wished there was a love button on KZbin. Brother you are an artist. Great and beautiful job!

[@gingersteelman8126]

@@disklamer you are probably right!

[@philippeterson9512]

John, have you ever built those speakers that use the pink insulation foam with a transducer glued onto the back of it? Just curious if they are worth the effort, because they are so cheap. I was thinking of making a pair for my workshop.

[@paulelliott5244]

As a full time audiophile and a part time woodworker I love them.

[@crushvapor1147]

Been watching you work on those speakers, this is the first time I've seen them done and WOW! Nothing less than a gorgeous unique work of art. Thx.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Wow. Stunning. Can't imagine how many hours went in to making those!

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks Keith :)

[@RAM_845]

KZbin recommendations, sent me here. NOW, that's ART.

[@thomastieffenbacherdocsava1549]

David Spade said the highest compliment a woodworker can give another is "WOW!" These are "WOW!" Hard to come up with design for contemporary speaker cabinet. Have thought about it over the years. Maybe too long. LOL! You did great!

[@nazoe83]

*This is what I've been waiting for, the episode of making a sound cabinet from a Jhon.. This channel has been in the wood art world for quite a long time, this is the first time that this project is showing. Every woodworker is supposed to make such a master.*

[@athomist]

Looks great. You can really tell that it's been a project with passion. Thanks John.

[@francoisathome5979]

Over here, your speakers sound exactly as good as my Audioengine computer speakers ;>)

[@murphymmc]

Stunning results, John. What an incredible amount of work.

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks!

[@domenicomonteleone3055]

@@JohnHeisz i really like following you so I could gain a much better understanding about the drivers and box 📦 building, I follow you 💯 from # YSW 🇨🇦 Happy Holidays and Happy New Year's to you 😀 😊.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Wow, I would love to listen to "kind of blue" record through these! Awesome work!

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks :)

[@kennethfarquhar8518]

That's the definition of a "labour's of love". These are truly beautiful speakers and out standing g craftsmanship. You always know when the recording comes through my head phones cleaner then commercials that they are a force to be recond with in the sound reproduction category. AMAZING!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@bigburlymikesmswoodworking]

Those speakers look absolutely awesome!!

[@KyleMerl]

Amazing! Favorite part of the video was seeing that horn flare slide in there being a PERFECT fit.

[@katherinecarroll3706]

Wow! Those are beautiful. And they sound great!

[@russellmather3]

John your so in tune with your creations. This piece is incredible. Thank you !

[@OrangeismyNewGreen]

Absolutely beautiful, a work of art. Great work as usual John 👍🏻🙂🙋🏼‍♂️

[@thomask4836]

John, those cabinets are stunning! I used to make speaker cabinets as a hobby and still have a pair of solid oak cabinets I made back in 1973. I loved designing cabinets that were anything but square boxes. I also loved 4 way crossovers. I know a lot of people don't care for them because of the dropouts but when you get it just right, they are awesome!

[@lundebc]

Man, these are gorgeous! Well done!

[@singleshot2218]

All I can say..is WOW! Beautiful!

[@MrRonnmaui]

Really impressive! Love your choice of materials and drivers. They must sound sweet!

[@kellysands792]

Wow John, they're beautiful. The idea and execution is awesome as always with your projects. Thank you for sharing.

[@jimatyeo]

Really amazing job. They are uniquely beautiful and creative. Hope they sound as good as they look. You can tell you spent a lot of time and they are certainly a labor of love. Bravo!!!

[@suearmstrong3404]

Those are amazing and the video shows some amazing woodworking techniques as well as showing your passion for designing and creating something that is truly beautiful!

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

"Wife acceptance factor," or WAF for short. Stereophile magazine used to use that expression back in the early 1990's! Hah! I've used variations of it ever since - family acceptance factor, spouse acceptance factor, etc. Great build. Thanks for posting, and thumbs up! (Edited for spelling.)

[@bonniebarber6114]

Wow, just Wow!! Most beautiful speakers I’ve ever seen. 😍

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks!

[@alexandre3388]

That is absolutely insane !

[@calvinnash5527]

Genius, John.. Absolute work of art....keep the videos coming, so inspiring.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Outstanding !! Wow those look amazing ! Great job thanks for the video !

[@pipodorologio1648]

just amazing how much work and expertise you put into this...ART in your livingrooom/listeningroom.

[@robertlewisvideo]

Most Awesome Looking Speakers I Have Ever Seen !!!!

[@phantif4621]

Absolutely gorgeous, your dedication and joy for this project is clear. I am in the planning process to build my first set of speakers, and this offers great food for thought. Cheers!

[@czs1mc]

They look absolutely gorgeous. Well done.

[@carpo719]

those are unique for sure, and beautiful. The listening test never does much over the internet, but I marvel at the woodworking more anyway. :) Well done, from one carpenter to another.

[@massimobianchi4262]

Massimo from Italy . Exceptional ! I am literally speechless! A true work of art! Compliments !

[@johnfisher4910]

Looks amazing! Great work, as always.

[@markhedquist9597]

Wow. Just wow. Incredible build, man.

[@Troy_Campbell]

Those are gorgeous, I am sure they sound as good if not better than they look!

[@Troy_Campbell]

I do not trust the reply that says contact you for a prize, I don't recall you giving prizes in the past and the reply does not have your signature like other replies by you.

[@Roseau1]

Absolutely outstanding!!! Well done!

[@terristroh3965]

Absolutely beautiful in sight and sound!

[@freshcoatpaintingmore9951]

The alternating corners are a great touch and that walnut horn gives great contrast. Nice work!

[@markweber8532]

from start to finish on all the channels I enjoyed this project.

[@Austeration]

They look great👍 a lot of work involved to get perfection. Fantastic work.

[@edjackson4389]

Im late seeing this, but being a huge open baffle fan Im excited to see you tackling this build. They look great!

[@tomdavis6371]

Beautiful. Just beautiful!

[@MrTrollHunter]

Amazing result

[@AudiophileToday]

Fantastic work! Love the skill and dedication.

[@neoanderson7697]

This is super crazy! Lots of work and super amazing result! So creative.. superb

[@kalebmagnusson981]

That was one of the coolest builds I’ve seen in a while. Thanks for that

[@helifynoe9930]

Wow, that's a lot of work. I'm still happy with my home made 1978 speakers. They are 32" tall, 20.75" wide, and 15" deep. Each has a 12" woofer (15" outer rim dia.), 2 mid-range drivers, and 4 tweeters. I had to replace the outer foam rings on the woofers at one point, but that only cost me $27, plus an hour or so to remove repair and reinstall each woofer.

[@tjkrueger2655]

Everything about that was satisfying to watch. Beautiful work as always

[@thecreator1455]

your work never gets old or boring.👍👍

[@crztrn1]

you're my new hero. been watching you for years. OMG this is talent i didn't know you really had. WOW

[@DIYBuilds]

Beautiful.

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks Brad :)

[@ChuckBronson100]

John, these are absolutely beautiful very well done fellow woodworker

[@nobuckle40]

Audio seems like a true passion for you. Very beautiful speakers.

[@joetoner8848]

Stunning, John! Sound & looks.

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

Works of art, John. Fine craftsmanship.

[@dangoras9152]

That looks too awesome it never fails with u and wood .... Keep it up brother

[@AlphaGeek64]

Absolutely beautiful work John.

[@patrickb3376]

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing this video!

[@roberttexas3618]

Wow they sound amazing

[@jesusmendoza3477]

Amazing and beautiful job. Congratulations!!!

[@GregsGarage]

Great looking design John. And amazing execution on the build.

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks Greg!

[@brookesmith8223]

Those are gorgeous!!!

[@Audfile]

Those are incredibly beautiful.

[@jeffforbes3772]

Great work as expected.

[@robk5865]

They look beautiful. Like something from a retro future art gallery while at the same time looking like something a minstrel could play in a medievel courtyard.

[@tomhale5956]

I really like them! Great job 👍

[@JMaahs23]

The speakers look amazing. But what is even more interesting to me is the thought process of the design. Your follow up video reveals you spent months finalizing a design. That answers that question. Even more interesting were your building techniques especially with the angles and slope. I liked how you pre-shaped some parts but then used a circular saw and plane to do others. This was very much worth waiting to see.

[@keitongrace6744]

That was awesome John!

[@abiraffawoodwork]

Very inspiring, i love the way you work👍👍

[@andyboxish4436]

awesome work!

[@WarriorKidd06]

Outstanding!!! Now I wish I could hear them myself.

[@billffromnh]

I'm no audio expert, but these speakers sound as good as they look. They're a piece of art that actually serves a purpose. If it's any consolation, my wife would not like them either. I'm not planning to build any speakers soon, but that means they'll be in rectangular cases, if I ever do.

[@Chemist1076]

Great work. So much work... hope they sound good

[@Rk99104]

You are truly a master of your work. Hats off to you . Love from India 🇮🇳

[@markkilpatrick7951]

You have incredible woodworking skills and an awesome shop!

[@ColinMacIver]

Beautiful!

[@etienne2026]

Amazing work!

[@erikhemmingsson1188]

Amazing, simply amazing.

[@johnsonadekunle7675]

I admire those that have this skill. It's something I want to learn.

[@normanbott]

They are awesome John, not a word I use often but it's appropriate for these. I don't have the listening space for OBs , but I consider them the most capable design for fidelity and realism. And the look is wonderful.

[@dogsbodyish8403]

It's true - OBs need space , particularly behind (3 feet absolute minimum!). Worth it if you can do it, and much easier to build (unless you want to make works of art like those here!).

[@VORONM]

It's fantastic!

[@barney6888]

It is very humbling watching a master at their craft.

[@toniserenvert7919]

Looking at this masterpiece makes ma think that B&O sound system from 2010 A8 would really play nice at home.

[@PessachRubin]

stunning piece of art, leave along the music, congrats and my jealocity goes together

[@daveiacov8858]

Nice shop, what a combination audio and woodworking love it.

[@shaunbarrickman6339]

Nicely done sir!

[@jeromestsauver]

Works of art! You should be very proud of those...

[@MCsCreations]

Beautiful work, John! Fantastic looking speakers! 😃 I've been thinking about making a pair of speakers for my PC... But I didn't decided yet how to make them. 😬 Either way, I really liked some of your ideas! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@TheBowdy666]

Just beautiful

[@rakitakhan]

Ooutstanding work !

[@richh650]

Nice. You must have $25,000+ worth of woodworking equipment and a good room to work. Very nice setup and job.

[@ricksalt6860]

Very cool . Nicely done

[@davidausher5594]

Impressive build, you have inspired me to try and build my own pair of speakers. Thanks for the videos, I have learnt a lot from you. Thx 😎🙌

[@C-man553]

It's amazing. The drivers used are critical and should be discussed at the beginning of the video. Most just dive into sawing wood. Get it together guys. PLEASE! Or Did I miss it? Apologies if have erred but I'm not buying plans for speakers whose drivers are unknown.

[@fredparsons5134]

Very nice John. Definitely an involved build.

[@zweg1321]

Looks and sound great

[@arrondo7804]

Awesome works and workshop!👍😍💗