Messages

1

HiFi Audio Equipment Discussion / Re: USB Audio

« on: October 21, 2016, 12:19:12 AM »

That's awesome to hear, pardon the pun! Still sitting on the fence in making a plunge back to digital or in this case, streaming. Doing reading/research some more before committing. Good to know of a local user using the microRendu without issue.

Another option like the microRendu is the SOtM sMS-200 from Korea as an affordable yet decent streamer. Likely there will be more choices popping up over the months so is a good time to just take a back seat and wait

2

HiFi Audio Equipment Discussion / Re: USB Audio

« on: October 20, 2016, 03:39:44 PM »

Been reading up on the new Sonore microRendu:
http://www.sonore.us/microRendu.html

Would appear to make the transition to audio streaming affordable and painless. Pair it up with a USB DAC and a NAS and it's done!

Anybody has experience with the Schiit Mod 2 multibit DAC? Looks extremely well designed and priced reasonably at USD249.

Only thing I notice about all these devices is that they appear to require very highly regulated power supplies that can cost more than the unit (DAC, streamer etc) itself.

3

HiFi Audio DIY / Re: Speaker veneering

« on: October 20, 2016, 03:34:27 PM »

I will create a new thread when I embark on this project so those interested can learn from my mistakes

4

HiFi Audio DIY / Re: Speaker veneering

« on: October 17, 2016, 02:45:56 PM »

Hi,

Yup, have thought of asking a carpenter to do it but my speakers are in Malaysia, not Singapore and so far, no shop/carpenter is interested to take up this job. Thus, might have to resort to DIY and I think it will be an interesting project to undertake

Paperbacked veneers are commonly used for speaker cabinets, automotive dashboard, cabinets etc. so they are durable enough. Importantly is to not leave them untreated and to coat them with choice of protective finish (PU, Shellac, Tung oil, Linseed oil etc) once the adhesive is fully cured.

Will post updates on this when I finally get started on the project. Will have to firstly remove all speaker units, crossover, wiring and have the bare cabinet ready for sanding, filling and PU topcoat before the veneering process.

5

HiFi Audio DIY / Re: Speaker veneering

« on: October 17, 2016, 02:01:59 PM »

After heavy deliberation, I am likely to opt for paper-backed veneer with PSA for ease of application and trimming. Wood finish will be Sapele with a natural oil stain to bring out the grain and PU finish to seal the surface. Calculations put it at three 2x8' veneer sheets needed to carry out the job but I will purchase 1 more sheet in case of screw up.

The biggest job will be to square the corners of the speaker cabinet, seal all cracks on the surface with wood filler/glue, sand the birch plywood surface smooth and seal with a PU finish for the veneer adhesive to stick to firmly.

6

HiFi Audio DIY / Re: Speaker veneering

« on: October 10, 2016, 07:50:42 PM »

Hi jb,

Thank you for your reply

Greg of Volti Audio has done very nice work over the years on Klipsch Heritage speakers which is what has gotten me interested to refurbish my speakers:
http://www.klipschupgrades.com/restorations.shtml

I am actually contemplating to DIY after doing some research. This is one of the guides I am following:
http://www.joewoodworker.com/veneering/iron-on-veneering.htm
Only problem is that the Heat Lock adhesive cannot be shipped out of US/Canada at the moment so have to consider using PSA-backed veneer or water-based contact cement.


The auto spray painting idea is pretty interesting, especially if can do it in piano black. In any case, still early days to make a decision

7

HiFi Audio DIY / Speaker veneering

« on: October 10, 2016, 06:45:40 PM »

Hi,

My 1st post on this forum Was one of the early members on EchoLoft but my interest in HiFi waned over the years as my other hobbies took precedence.

Now, I am dipping my toes back in and would like to seek advice on those who have done their own veneering on their speakers or knows who/where it can be done.

My 1981 Klipsch Cornwalls in stained birch plywood has picked up a couple of chips/dings over the years and I would like to fix them up and give it a nice veneer to last my lifetime, cheers.