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AUDIO FORUMS >> D.I.Y. >> GR Research X-LS Encore build
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Message started by EdwardT on 04/08/21 at 11:04:29

Title: GR Research X-LS Encore build
Post by EdwardT on 04/08/21 at 11:04:29

I bought a kit from Texas and some prototype Baltic birch cabinets from a YouTube build by NOVA (Peter Rawlings) in Boise. I’ve built more than a few cabinets but good wood/Mdf supplies aren't readily available locally so I opted for the express method.

Title: Re: GR Research X-LS Encore build
Post by EdwardT on 04/08/21 at 11:05:32

Then shellac was applied as a sealer and a prep finish for veneer.

Title: Re: GR Research X-LS Encore build
Post by EdwardT on 04/08/21 at 11:08:04

The folks at Veneer Supplies sold me a nice 2X8 sheet of quarter sawn cherry veneer complete with 3M adhesive backing. It just requires their burnishing tool to get a nice smooth adhesion.

Title: Re: GR Research X-LS Encore build
Post by EdwardT on 04/08/21 at 11:09:08

Minwax Tung oil finish applied because I could find Formbys at either store.

Title: Re: GR Research X-LS Encore build
Post by EdwardT on 04/08/21 at 11:10:23

The crossovers are easy enough to wire up but they are remarkably heavy and I wonder how much they drag down the speaker efficiency.

Title: Re: GR Research X-LS Encore build
Post by EdwardT on 04/08/21 at 11:12:08

And into the No-Rez lined boxes. That proprietary lined foam really knocks off the ringing of the box. I also cut veneer to fit the tweeter cutout to maintain the depth of the tweeter relative to the surface of the cabinet, you can see where the right still needs to be trimmed.

Title: Re: GR Research X-LS Encore build
Post by EdwardT on 04/08/21 at 11:14:55

And they came out pretty nice. It’s a nicely balanced sounding speaker but the efficiency is in the basement and, for me, it ended up being a nice skill exercise but a failure when matched to our Rachel. I knew it was problematic going in but I’m still disappointed.

Title: Re: GR Research X-LS Encore build
Post by JBzen on 04/08/21 at 12:58:49

Good work Ed! Looks like a quailty driver/crossover kit. I never had any luck with multiple driver enclosures. Further, never heard one the beats a lone driver. Single driver is the only way to go with the flea amps IMO.

John

Title: Re: GR Research X-LS Encore build
Post by EdwardT on 04/08/21 at 13:45:46

Thanks John, I just had to jump back into the builders pool, it’s been 18 years since I built this and I was ready.

Title: Re: GR Research X-LS Encore build
Post by Lin on 04/09/21 at 04:06:50

The speakers look good, now you will have to get a Torii to go with them. :D

Title: Re: GR Research X-LS Encore build
Post by EdwardT on 04/09/21 at 17:47:58

Lin,
I did a very unscientific test on these to see what kind of real world output I would get. I put a meter on an amp output (not Rachel) and ran the pink noise app on my iPad until I hit 2.8vac and then I measured the dBA output at one meter, on axis dead center between the tweeter and woofer. 89dB. It was really easy to see that my usual listening spot 15 ft. from center would really be lacking that immersive volume level. Good sound but really lacking the necessary sensitivity. So it’s a dilemma I think I’m solving by replacing them with a set of Monoliths, but don’t think I didn’t scan those Zen Mystery amp specs :)