mattsk8

Did a little digging for you. I heard the Mark Audio Alpair 7.3 at a full range "shoot out/demo" we did at a show last August. We basically demo'd 10 pair of 4" full range drivers and the Mark Audio Alpair 7 won hands down. 2nd place was a pair of Dayton Audio full range but it wasn't a close 2nd at all, those Mark Audios sounded incredible. So, based on that I did some research, and IMO, this is the route I'd go... It would add $50 to the cost of the drivers, but I think you might save that in wood for the cabinets because these aren't horn loaded cabinets (HL cabinets use a LOT of wood). These aren't quite as sensitive as those Fostex, but I think that wouldn't matter so much because they're still respectable in the sensitivity (basically just turn it up a little louder )... 2 links to 2 different build threads. The first link is from the original designer of these, Jim Griffin who has done some very nice designs. The 2nd link is just another guy who built them but I think his cabinet looks sharp. Also, I think the 2nd guy actually built these to replace the Fostex kit you were looking at and he said is sounds a lot better. http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/full-range/137585-mark-audio-alpair-10-mltl-design.html http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=103802.0 These are the speakers you would use; they aren't the Alpair 7 that I heard, they're the next size up. Their site says it's a 4", but it's actually a 5" driver. You can get it with a gold or a gray cone... http://meniscusaudio.com/mark-audio-alpair-gray-p-960.html Regarding amps... I get it if you want to build an amp for the fun of it, but if saving some coin is the main reason, I'd source a circa 1990 2 channel receiver on CL or eBay (avoid the Dolby prologic ones, try to find a simple stereo receiver); you can find a decent Denon, Kenwood, or something like that for less than $100 generally. That Lepai amp I linked is nice, but a decent receiver will have more power. I'd look for 85w/ch and up, unless you find an old solid state, silver face receiver, then 35w/ch+ will work well. For connecting an iPod, phone or something like that, you can find decent BT receivers that'll plug into the aux on the back of the stereo for around $35 that work pretty well.

Those Fostex actually would probably be a good fit for an amp like that, or an amp like this...http://www.parts-express.com/lepai-lp7498e-200w-class-d-digital-amplifier-with-bluetooth-and-power-supply--310-298. I heard that amp and was fairly impressed for the size and money. Using amps like those, you wont have a lot of power on reserve so efficient speakers would be what i looked for and those Fostex speakers had a good sensitivity rating. It wont be super loud by any stretch, but it would def sound great for the money, plus it would be a fun build if you have the tools.

What amp or receiver do plan on using to drive them?

I've never heard that Fostex driver (that I remember), but I'm not a huge fan of full range drivers. Most of the time when I hear full range speakers, what I hear is something that sounds amazing at low volume, but falls apart when you turn it up. But, like I said, I've never heard that particular driver before; I would be extremely curious to hear those. Especially in that horn loaded cabinet, which would reinforce the bass a lot. Those Fostex drivers have an F3 of 53hz; if I'm reading the Madisound specs right they're claiming 22hz in that horn loaded cabinet... which is super low and would be amazing if its true. I would be worried about high volumes though.

Definitely depends on what you'd want, but yeah. I wish someone here lived closer to Grand Rapids MI so I could get some legit feedback on how things look and sound, I'd feel a lot better about it at that point. One thing I've learned over the years is that sound is def subjective, some like bright speakers, some like more bass, some like more mids... etc.

I've been busy. Picked up another Pioneer SX-950 receiver on eBay for $300+$50 shipping. When it showed up the wood case was cracked, and it was obvious USPS dropped it. Made the insurance claim and got a refund for $300, so I ended up with it for $50 . Need to make a new case but it works really well, using it in my shop. Made a tower version of the speakers I posted here earlier, still need to veneer the cabinets. These sound absolutely incredible for the money, also got the kit published... http://meniscusaudio.com/blues-bare-bones-each-p-1429.html Working on these too. It's a 2 way speaker that uses a 10" Eminence pro audio woofer, with a Eminence compression tweeter that mounts to the back of the woofer and plays through the dust cover of the woofer. As far as how they sound, the detail from them is incredible and they're insanely loud (already had a rough cabinet with them in it so I could get them dialed in). They have decent bass but IMO a sub would definitely complete the sound. First I made the frames, then clamped layer after layer of 1/8" Baltic Birch for the curved sides. I used teak for the front baffle, and I plan on spraying the rest of the cabinets blue. Bottom hole in the cabinet is for the port.

I love skating with my son. He's 15 and a ripper. Look forward to years to come. My youngest is 6, he's starting to ride.

I wouldn't "let my wife" draw crap like that on my car.

Technically they did, and that's what you have now. Maybe the ones using performance enhancing whatevers should start their own; see how many viewers/fans you get on that.

And who can forget Jake Brown...

This is true. Every year in spring I'll get the bike out and "this will be the year for riding". I'll go about 3 or 4 times and life happens. We actually have some nice trails here too.

My bad, but I think that's a worthy double post. He isn't human. Not a huge biker, I love mountain biking but don't do it enough anymore to say I'm a rider. Plus my bike's over 10 years old at this point. Just like watching Macaskill

My son at my friend's artprize exhibit. http://new.site-lab.org/sitelab-premier/

But seriously, I think Fudge Brownie nailed it in his first paragraph. The problem is greed, and no matter how you slice it, it's always going to be a problem. Call yourself a dem or a rep, and maybe you're honest, but the majority of it is a mask to push some other agenda. That's the reality of it. And if you change the name or even eliminate it, you'll still have the same thing. I think, if it isn't already, the entire world will soon be governed by big business, in the best interest of the almighty dollar. Drunk post or not, while I might word it differently I agree. And the politicians know this is basically what it boils down to, and those are the strings they pull on us to get our votes. (regardless of what they truly believe about the matters at hand). Sadly, that's honestly how I feel about it. There's really no R or D, just a corporate conglomerate looking to pad some pockets. I think if anything should be made illegal or get eliminated, it would (and should) be lobbying. But try to word that law w/out being a commie.

Ditto. I have Michelin Defenders on my car and it's a tank in the snow, love those tires.

Oh my word...

The Blizzaks will get you through that no problem if the winter is harsh, and you pull them as soon as it starts to warm up. If you drive dry roads with them on, they'll be bald in no time.

Why does anyone care (especially if you're not considering that as a phone)?? I don't understand the iPhone craze at all, haven't since after they released the first iPhone. The first one was great, and Apple did a lot to revolutionize the industry with that first phone (thank Apple for free text messaging and a lot for storing music). But ever since then, what's the big deal?? What's that iPhone 6 do that the 5 didn't?? Is it the bigger screen? Because, JIC you haven't been paying attention, Android phones have had those for a long, long time. I wouldn't trade my S5 for 2 of those new iPhones. And this isn't coming from a fanboy, I couldn't care less. I just want the phone that works the best. My S5 annihilates my wife's iPhone in every way.

I bought the $5 one from ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/140834820111?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 Should have them Friday. I'll post back on whether or not they're junk. What's the switchable conversion?

Didn't want to start a new thread so figured I'd ask here... Where's the best/cheapest place to get a decent key fob shell for my 99 V70? My fob still works, but the plastic shell is falling apart. I see them everywhere, but don't want to waist my time getting a turd. Anyone??