The BEST Audiophile DIY kit for BEGINNERS!?

Today we spend some time taking care of some FAQ's and chat about impressive X-LS Encore! To order the X-LS Encore click here: www.gr-research.com/store/p52...
Todays Music Pick: • Paranoid - Liliac (Off...
Peters channel for X-LS flat packs: / @carbidetooth
NRD Review of the X-LS: • X-LS Encore Review! En...
NRD Whats inside video: • End Game DIY Audio? Wh...
NRD Soundclips with commentary: • X-LS Review | Sound Cl...

[@stevenshaffer7793]

Just finished my first DIY X-LS Encores! Unbelievable! Far surpassed my expectations. I WILL without a doubt be building more of Danny's designs in the future. Thank you, Danny, for all the videos and your contributions to truth in everything audio.

[@WigandKleine]

Hi Steven, do you think the X-LS go fine without a Sub for a 2.0 Stereo?

[@stevenshaffer7793]

@@WigandKleine I suppose it would depend on the type of music you listen to and the room you have them in. I have them in a room that's about 10ft x 12ft. They're in the corners so there is some room gain that adds to the bass. I've listened to classic rock, pop, jazz acoustic/folk and all are great to me. I tried it in a 2.1 configuration with a ported sub just for fun and I felt it wasn't necessary. However, in the future I plan on adding some of Danny's OB subs when they move to a bigger room.

[@WigandKleine]

Steven Shaffer Lol my room is pretty close to 10x12 as well Thanks for the Reply

[@simplyns953]

Hi Steven, did you opt for the upgrade of the caps/resistors/tube connectors or is it the base version?

[@stevenshaffer7793]

@@simplyns953 Not this time, just the base model. But probably the next pair I build, I will! They sound amazing in my opinion without the upgrade. I did opt for the no-rez for the first pair and felt it was well worth it.

[@brettbecker7979]

I went and listened to Danny's speakers and I can truthfully say, they are the best value in audio.

[@byrnemcneill]

Great work, Danny! I loved the “... whatever, marketing campaign.” bit. Speaks volumes for the wank that seems so entrenched in advertising.

[@drgrundoon333]

Placing my order tomorrow. Thanks Danny.

[@wiebl5266]

This is one of the best DIY speaker, it is my reference speaker. It's tremendous value. Since I don't have the equipment and skills to build it, I had to spend a bomb to get someone to assemble and veneer finish for me. It cost me altogether US$1800 (including shipping to Singapore). Very expensive... Despite that, it is an awesome speaker. Danny really knows what he is talking about. Don't think, don't pause, just order it. (I think the way it is assembled and the cabinet material being used makes a big difference)

[@grumpyginger7475]

One of my best friends has those Ushers. If these are in that realm...they have to be fantastic. I think this will be my first DIY speaker.

[@MissPalorte]

You’re The Man!! Danny, Sir!

[@hugeshows]

Oh man, I want to see inside that Dodd audio device now.

[@bartvanransbeeck1341]

Looks very interesting

[@matthewsallman1700]

While I have not heard the X-LS Encore from this video, I purchased one of the pairs of Carnegie CST-1s from a few weeks ago. Underestimate Danny's designs at your own peril. I had high hopes, but I was ultimately thinking second system. I did the full upgrade and am totally blown away. I am now considering keeping them in my main system - at least until I can possibly buy the NX-Otica. They were sounding great, but buying a better amp really brought their performance up several notches. I feel very lucky that I got a pair of the CST-1s before they sold out.

[@gregorycollins3096]

What was your original amp, and what did you upgrade to?

[@matthewsallman1700]

@@gregorycollins3096 I had a Rogue Audio Medusa. I now have an Audio Research Reference 75. The new speakers don't need as much power as my old Apogee speakers.

[@drewschlegel738]

I also nabbed a pair of the CST-1s, which I viewed as a gamble at the time but was intrigued by the premium-parts aspect of the DIY business model (and these came without the need to DIY, which was nice, because I'm extremely busy). Well, they're absolutely fantastic and completely enjoyable! I'm powering them with a Bryston 3B-ST. I've got a pair of active PMC AML-2 monitors in the same room (which are also Bryston-powered). It's interesting to compare the two transmission line designs, which come at wildly different price points.

[@outboardfun3353]

Great video Danny. I'm the guy con pairing them to your Criterion, I will be calling you to get some copper caps to upgrade my Criterion's

[@porkchopspapi5757]

Criterion? I don't see that on his website.

[@stevegyetvai5349]

If you ship with UPS to Canada be prepared for a 20% additional cost based on the value of the product. UPS will add brokerage and duties. USPS does not.

[@davedunn7759]

UPS sucks for sure.

[@tehuhti2]

Tell me more about the Dodd Audio balanced power supply!!!

[@pandstar]

Everyone has to remember, the price equivalent of a commercially available speaker, compared to a kit is about 5-10 times. In other words, the sound quality of a kit from Danny, or other DIY suppliers/designers, would be comparable to a commercially available speaker that would cost about 5 times, minimum, more money. You might get more bass with a Klipsch, but with regards to refinement and accuracy, there is no comparison. In other words, this kit is $249, so you'd have to spend at least $1000 to get comparable sound. If you get all the upgraded parts, that would be comparable to a speaker at about $2500 +. I've been DIY'inig for years. My current DIY system cost me about $1500 parts, and it easily rivals high end speakers at $8000, without exaggeration.

[@shean-koklim4197]

Beauty is at the eye of the beholder but in this case Sound quality is at the ear of the beholder I guess. I purchased GR-Research X-Statik kit not only because its real value for money But more importantly (for me) the knowledge Danny shares with everyone, Priceless! Ecstatic!

[@Freedom89984]

For interested people in Europe, there are multiple kits with great Scan Speak and Vifa speakers for sale in Europe. Could be a cheaper and better choice than the Indian Peerless speaker kits from the US. The shipping costs and taxes are high!

[@matthiasmartin1975]

I like your fleet of vehicles, especially that there are no FWD cars in there, very tasteful.

[@ujean56]

You could add an FAQ to the front page of your website and then the answer to those questions will always be, "see the FAQ on the website".

[@simplyns953]

Any suggestions on which amplifier would be a good match for these to listen at low to moderate volume levels?

[@robh9079]

If Liliac is 'not quite your taste', I would recommend 'The Petersens' as a top notch family band.

[@dannyrichie9743]

Nice recommendation.

[@1957CRAZYDJ]

Hello Danny, One of those days, can you talk about the speaker connectors. I'm kind of suspicious about the effect of regular metal versus copper connectors. The signal is crossing just around 1 inch and how can it destroy the signal we get to our ears.

[@ronaldfernandes5697]

Hi. I would appreciate. If you could show how to make crossover for cube speakers

[@jgbelmont]

What is the size comparison between the X-LS Encore and the Davanti? Mostly the height?

[@daysofnoah1748]

Any estimate as to when the x kits will be available again? New tweeter ?

[@chuckmaddison2924]

Shipping out doesn't seem to be a problem. Here in Australia at the moment, it's more of a problem getting it. We ordered a shirt from the UK in January and got it last week. About 6 months : (

[@dannyrichie9743]

We use UPS Expedited service to Australia and you should get it within about a week.

[@brodelicious]

Can anyone tell me about how much a finished XLS Encore in it’s highest configuration with the pre-cut cabinet pieces will weigh? I have a weight limitation based on the way my current bookshelf’s are mounted.

[@carbidetooth]

Just shy of 15 lbs. per cabinet.

[@porkchopspapi5757]

Why is it taking so long for the studio & the no baffle small planar to make it to the web site? I'm really interested in those.

[@dannyrichie9743]

We are working on a new site. Here is the design and build thread: www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=160647.0 A review: www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=167137.0 And recent customer build: www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=168181.0

[@eliseoquiroz8321]

Can you make an in depth video of the M-165X? Talk about xbl^2 and why you chose to make the driver with this technology? Why don't we see more drivers with xbl^2 with its advantages. Would be nice to have a video on KZbin of the sorts.

[@dannyrichie9743]

They have their advantages below 200Hz but disadvantages above the range. That motor design is really better suited for woofer duty only.

[@eliseoquiroz8321]

So they are best suited for a 3-way set up?

[@dannyrichie9743]

@@eliseoquiroz8321 Ideally.

[@eliseoquiroz8321]

@@dannyrichie9743 would it work well in a 3 way in a car?

[@dannyrichie9743]

@@eliseoquiroz8321 They have been used in those applications. They're fine so long as you can keep them dry.

[@BramStolk]

I cannot find any 3 way kits on your site. Do you intentionally stay away from 3ways? Thx.

[@dannyrichie9743]

We have four three way kits on our site.

[@gregorycollins3096]

What do you recommend for speaker stands? Any ideas?

[@dannyrichie9743]

Anything good and solid.

[@Edwinvangent]

I own a 2.5 speaker system build by friend of mine, so the mid and tweeter are in a closed cabinet on the top. can i use this set to upgrade this system. speakers are h 100cm w 20 cm and d 40 cm. i love these and I rather keep them but this would be a perfect middle way? thank you very much. the bass is filtered at 100 hz and the mid and tweeter are filtered by the closed cabinet.

[@dannyrichie9743]

Are you wanting to replace the mid and tweeter section of that speaker with these? If that is what you are asking then I would say now. You need to stick with the designed box size.

[@WigandKleine]

Hey Danny; is a 25w tube integrated enough to drive them?

[@dannyrichie9743]

Yes.

[@inmyopinion6836]

Somehow I'm finding this as convoluted as an ATT bill . WHERE do I send my money , to get this kit ! I am a renowned cabinet maker , ish . I have tools , material and experience , but YOU know the heart of what I want to go in my ears . I want THAT ! I need parts ... and some help too please . Love your videos , just don't know how to start , getting MY GR speakers . 0h yea , is a NAD 3020 amp worthy of your speakers ???

[@TheEchelon]

Go to their website...

[@mmetmalachite2653]

any plans for upgraded drivers like : Seas or Scanspeak drivers ?

[@dannyrichie9743]

Those companies do not make drivers any better than these that are used. They are among the very best of the best. And in this video I cover upgrading or swapping out drivers at the beginning of the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raCXqIJnl6hoo6s

[@Koru-Health]

The BE-718 used a really nice beryllium tweeter. This kit uses a tweeter of the same quality / level?

[@dannyrichie9743]

Yes.

[@bartvanransbeeck1341]

In france was a compare test between tad berylium driver and other 1" drivers , and an old vintage driver with cone in paper!!!! Was prefered above the tad....!!!, Also i gave some yamaha ns1000m with berylium mids and highs...to a friend top musician with no ideas about brands but just golden ears and he told me the best in this yamaha is the bass speaker ( paper cone) , but the mids and highs 'colored' no realistic reproduction of the cymbals and high tones ...he prefered the atc mid papercone ..it sounds like the instrument...without adding blingbling.....

[@veroman007]

Are there detailed instructions for installing the new x over parts onto the original board? That is the one thing I am worried about. I would buy these but I want the upgrade and am not a genius with soldering parts etc.

[@StewartMarkley]

See Danny's recent video about soldering, it's not difficult at all. And if you don't have a soldering iron or gun, get the Weller TB100PK from Parts Express for only $30.

[@veroman007]

@@StewartMarkley is not the soldering its the way to connect them all.

[@StewartMarkley]

@@veroman007 isn't a schematic or wiring diagram good enough?

[@techguy3373]

Can I save money building my own high end towers? Something equivalent to the Klipsch RF7 III’s?

[@dannyrichie9743]

Sure, if you build out one of our kits you can. But they won't be equivalent to the Klipsch models. They are in a difference class (above) all together.

[@granddwizard8689]

What upgrades to Boston Acoustics T-930 Speakers would be appropriate ?

[@dannyrichie9743]

I don't know. Someone will have to send one in.

[@RahzAlGhul]

I want to order the kit for $249.99 on your website does it include the cabinet I’m confused or do we have to order the flat pack seperately from Peter

[@dannyrichie9743]

The kit does not include wood. You can order a CNC cut flat pack from Peter.

[@johnsouthall2827]

Is it possible to buy the cabinet kit also ?

[@jeffhayes4845]

Yes, email Peter: [e-mail]

[@almanning9776]

Do these kits really sound equal or better than my klipsch rp-150's mids are my problem.

[@dannyrichie9743]

Oh good grief. The Klipsch models aren't even close.

[@rumerssorc799]

Have you been upgrading the crossover for the Usher BE-718 Berrylium? can you order ready-made crossovers for Usher? I am from Europe (Poland)

[@dannyrichie9743]

I can send you a crossover for them. You will have to assemble them and install them.

[@rumerssorc799]

@@dannyrichie9743 How can I reach you?

[@stevieg2755]

Danny I really want to these but I'm not a monitor type of person,I've had proacs and they left in a hurry.However I do remember hearing sub,sat system a long time ago that blew me away.How would I employ a sub with these without active crossover and stuff.Im not real good with this concept,but I have a svs pb2000 sub ,do you have to put caps somewhere in path to keep the xls from trying to dip that low.I had a set of PSB synchrony Ones that sounded great till you pushed them and the laws of physics took over on six inch drivers trying to reproduce very low signals, Please Help

[@dannyrichie9743]

There is an easy way to filter the lows without adding a big cap bundle to the signal path.

[@stevieg2755]

@@dannyrichie9743 I know about active crossovers like the Bryston 10b and such ,it this what you are referring to?

[@dannyrichie9743]

@@stevieg2755 No, just an inline filter consisting of a single cap that you put on the input of your amp.

[@greenbeginner9221]

@@dannyrichie9743 Is that on your website? And how do you use it again? I have an integrated amplifier. How would this filter connect?

[@rikardekvall3433]

Hi. If I want to order a set of X-LS Encore (one pair), complete with everything and the upgrade of the crossover. What size and weight will it be on the box? Just so that I can count on UPS, VAT and customs costs to the nearest UPS service center in Gothenburg, Sweden, Europe.

[@dannyrichie9743]

The weight of that kit is 12 pounds. The box is 13" by 10" by 13". And I get good rates with UPS.

[@rikardekvall3433]

@@dannyrichie9743 Cabinet/MDF included? Very low weight. 12 pounds??

[@carbidetooth]

@@rikardekvall3433 I believe Danny is quoting the components in his kit...everything but the cabinet. The cabinet flat pack from me comes in at 16"x16"x 12" box and weighs 31 lbs.

[@dannyrichie9743]

@@rikardekvall3433 That does not include the cabinet. We do not sell cabinets.

[@rikardekvall3433]

Danny Richie Hi. Sorry, I didn’t read the text correctly. Read to fast....😕

[@guylepage416]

have you heard of the CSS Audio 1TDX diy kit could you review this ?

[@dannyrichie9743]

I am not a reviewer, but I have had one in here and I did design a new crossover for it.

[@clydeblair9622]

There are lots of good kits from PE, Madisound, Meniscus others too, just sayin.

[@cdl0]

The link to order the X-LS Encore does not work: 404 not found.

[@tsarbomba1]

It's still on the website. Look around.

[@shughy1]

Your link to the XLS encore page is not working 👍

[@dannyrichie9743]

Yeah, I will see if I can get my guy to fix that. www.gr-research.com/store/p52/X-LS_Encore_Kit.html

[@BicycleJoeTomasello]

AUDIOFOOL FAQ check short between headset

[@Christian_Tango_Christ]

How long should I expect it to take me to assemble the speakers if i have costruction experience but not soddering.

[@rango_unchained]

Watch a few YT vids on basic soldering of electronic components and you'll be buying the right tools and using them correctly in no time. Good luck!

[@greenbeginner9221]

@@rango_unchained I've been looking for such a video for months and can't find anything that doesn't confuse more than help. Even Danny's videos are so poorly filmed that it just frustrates.

[@ronbutler2322]

@@greenbeginner9221 This is a little late, but still may be good for you and others. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6HWaqqliqyerKs kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKPQdqWtipp4Y80

[@markphilpot4981]

This has to do with a recommendation for those who may not know, Tina S is a phenomenal guitar player. If you haven’t heard her, please give her a listen! She has very high skills and technical expertise. If you do not agree, you are just hopelessly deaf or questionably mental. Why she hasn’t been signed to a label is beyond me. Her skills are comparable to the likes of Steve Howe and Alex Lifeson. She’s got real skill!

[@porkchopspapi5757]

Way to hijack guy

[@markphilpot4981]

Porkchop's Papi, Danny asked for recommendations a while back. I don’t see the reason not to. Have you heard her play. She plays classical pieces with conviction and a high technical skill. May not be everyone’s cup of tea, but well worth a listen.

[@danshapiro1195]

Don't you mean zip code ? Love your channel !

[@dannyrichie9743]

Here in the states we call it a zip, but I think we might be one of just a few countries that call it that.

[@danshapiro1195]

I miss understood.....you said, area code ( when talking about how much shipping would be ), which is why I commented.

[@geoffreydebrito2653]

I'm sold on the Encores but not on the music, specifically the lyrics. Way too much angst for that young.

[@NickP333]

Can you ship to the other side of the flat earth?

[@dannyrichie9743]

So long as the plane doesn't fly off the edge.

[@NickP333]

Danny Richie Nice! Haha! Perfect answer, Mr. Richie.

[@jameswarren1831]

A good website will allow the customer to check shipping so the business doesn’t waste time checking

[@dannyrichie9743]

We are working on a new website.

[@joshgross8741]

Makes a video about being too busy to make a video. Master!

[@arthurwatts1680]

Most Germans seem to have more money than the World Bank - I guess they didnt accrue that kind of wealth spending money on silly things like shipping :O Seriously, I really appreciate the amount of work you are putting into these vids. I've thrown myself in at the deep end - buying my own drivers then trying to get software to calculate box and port size etc - and I seriously question whether I should have just bought one of the kits before embarking on this madness.

[@davidburg558]

Why don't you just you give out your address and the Weight and let them look it up themselves?

[@PaulTardino]

That covid hair....

[@markflavin4961]

Dodd audio was the worst sounding preamp I ever had in my system. Proof that parts don’t make great engineering. The forum crowd searching for diamonds they will never find

[@mphilipsen3077]

You talk too much (about yourself).

[@luisrodriguez8639]

You didn't expose the woofer and tweeter caracteristics so this 13 min video is worthless

[@dannyrichie9743]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX61nKx_hLl0lbc

[@cafe80s]

How about being a little more polite?