Designer:

Dave Starks

Project Category:

Freestyle Speakers

Project Level:

Beginner

Project Time:

1-8 Hours

Project Cost:

Under $100

Project Description:

A table top miniature music center with a beachside flair. The Conch Shell on top of the box acts as a wave guide and an equalizer. One speaker fires up into the shell while the other faces down at the table.

Design Goals:

To make a music system that sounds more than the sum of it parts. A Design that makes people smile.

Driver Selection:

Tectonic 2″ full range speakers

Enclosure Design:

The Box was purchased from Michael’s Item # 10358118 for $8.99. I added wood feet to facilitate the down firing speaker. The box measures 395 cubic inches and has been port tuned to 110hz for max bass response.

Crossover Design:

The speakers are direct wired, with no crossover. The Conch Shell acts a bit like a equalizer.

Tips & Tricks:

In choosing a shell I have auditioned quite a few. As pictured there are Melon Volutes, Triton’s Horn and Conch Shells of different sizes. The Shell that I chose for this project gives the best tone for the Tectonics. I use a Dremel tool for grinding the hole into the bottom of the shell.

Conclusion:

The Conch Shell amplifies and contours the sound of the Tectonic drivers. It gives a low range boost and makes it sound much bigger than it is. The look is very beach casual and the sound is very pleasant.

About the Designer:

Retired Red Wing Shoe store manager with a music equipment hoarding disorder/hobby. I love to restore and repair amps and speakers. The collection includes Altec Lansing A7-500’s currently on the patio. Stacked Advent NLAs in the family room. Fisher tube amp Console restored with Parts Express drivers and crossovers.

Project Parts List: