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AK Design Collaborative - Insignia-Class Economy Speakers (a.k.a Indignia)

With 95 pages to read through, I thought I would just post and take whatever flames come my way.

I have two un-modified pairs of these speakers. I've been using one pair on my PC with a Kenwood KA-5500 integrated amp. Over the years, it seems the speakers have both changed their sound and no longer have clear mids and highs, although all drivers are working fine. I hooked up the other pair that had been sitting unused for a few years, and they also sound the same, that is, not good. At first I thought perhaps the amp somehow damaged both speakers, but the DC offset is good, and with other speakers, the amp sounds good.

Does anyone have a clue as to what has happened here??

Also, I have some Minimus 7 speakers. I had upgraded the capacitor in them over 10 years ago. I hooked them up now, and they sound very bright with an unnatural hump around (maybe) 3khz (guessing.) What could be causing this problem?

Thanks for your help!
 
Columbo said:
With 95 pages to read through, I thought I would just post and take whatever flames come my way.

I have two un-modified pairs of these speakers. I've been using one pair on my PC with a Kenwood KA-5500 integrated amp. Over the years, it seems the speakers have both changed their sound and no longer have clear mids and highs, although all drivers are working fine. I hooked up the other pair that had been sitting unused for a few years, and they also sound the same, that is, not good. At first I thought perhaps the amp somehow damaged both speakers, but the DC offset is good, and with other speakers, the amp sounds good.

Does anyone have a clue as to what has happened here??

Also, I have some Minimus 7 speakers. I had upgraded the capacitor in them over 10 years ago. I hooked them up now, and they sound very bright with an unnatural hump around (maybe) 3khz (guessing.) What could be causing this problem?

Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...

Sorry but I feel the need to clarify. Do you have Best Buy Insignias (NS-B2111) or do-it yourself "Indignias"? The 95 pages is largely on the development of the DIY Indignias.

Zilch et al, also did a fantastic job on modding the Minimus 7s, but that is another thread.

BTW, don't expect flames here. That's what makes it such a great site.
 
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Perhaps I posted to the wrong thread. Yes, I have the Best Buy Insignias.

I think I have about 5-6 pairs of Minimus 7s (non-ported model). At least 2 pair are still "new in the box." I used two pairs on a motor home I used to have, but pulled them out when I sold it.
 
No harm, no foul, Columbo!

However, if you haven't heard the DIY Indignias, you should. They really are very nice sounding speakers. Head and shoulders above the Insignias. I have a pair of each (Insignias and Indignias) and only the Indignias are used on a regular basis since I built a pair.
 
Thanks for the reply. My question is more along the lines of, I know these speakers sounded better when they were new...what could have changed to make them sound like poo? And it's not just one speaker, but all 4 of them!


I know my hearing isn't what it used to be, but other speakers still sound good to me. Since I don't hear much above 10khz, finding all the best tweaks seem to be mostly a waste of time and effort anymore. :(
 
BTW, did y'all notice how well written the text in the product description was? :yes:
 
Hi, all. Just read about the Karma Indignia speakers in the PE flyer and I'm game to build a pair. Dear Wife saw the finished photo and allowed as how they would certainly improve the living room landscape. Only thing is, I need to locate the Crossover boards mentioned above: "ZilchLab Indignia V 3.5". Are they built here, within AK, or are they available commercially?

Also, where does one find 1-1/2" x 8" port tubes? PVC?

Thanks.
 
aspalmacin said:
I need to locate the Crossover boards mentioned above: "ZilchLab Indignia V 3.5". Are they built here, within AK, or are they available commercially?
Click to expand...

You'll find the parts list and more detail about the crossover on page 8, post #306, of this thread. If you're going to build a pair I would highly recommend you review the entire thread. Yes, there's a lot to go through but, ultimately, you will gain the knowledge that will let you build them "your way" and do it right.

Making a pair out of my Realistic MC-1000's is still on MY 'to do" list! :yes:

Good luck and welcome to AK!
 
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aspalmacin said:
Hi, all. Just read about the Karma Indignia speakers in the PE flyer and I'm game to build a pair. Dear Wife saw the finished photo and allowed as how they would certainly improve the living room landscape. Only thing is, I need to locate the Crossover boards mentioned above: "ZilchLab Indignia V 3.5". Are they built here, within AK, or are they available commercially?

Also, where does one find 1-1/2" x 8" port tubes? PVC?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

For mine, I bought 2 small project boards, mounted all components except the big iron core inductor, and soldered everything point to point. I mounted the board to the bottom and the inductor to the rear panel at a right angle. Worked great.
 
djnagle said:
Has anyone made the Indignias with the Best Buy Insignia cabs?
Click to expand...

Just went through all the member projects and it looks like no one has used the Insignia cabs. I am going back and forth about turning these Insignias into Indignias or mini eWaves. Any thoughts?
 
djnagle said:
Just went through all the member projects and it looks like no one has used the Insignia cabs. I am going back and forth about turning these Insignias into Indignias or mini eWaves. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

One of the "weak links" of the Insignias is their less than rigid cabinets (due to the kerfing required for the curved cabs). Also, the Indignia design was based on a .38 cu ft. cab volume and I'm not sure what the volume of the Insignia cab is. It's probably fairly easy to determine though.

Unless you are a competent woodworker, I'd buy the beautiful PE ready made cabs. They are remarkably well put together and look fantastic.

Note, I built my own cabs out of MDF and they look like it's my first attempt at cabinet building. Nevertheless, they sure sound great.
 
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Nice. I love my Indignias. I currently have them upstairs in a nearfield set up in a spare bedroom. I wanted a small listening room for vinyl listening.

The Merrill/Scillia modified AR, combined with a AVA Super Pas III pre-amp phono section and DIY Pass F-5. Very nice indeed. These Indignias are well worth the effort and cost.

Russellc
 
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