is the zd5 worth the extra cost over the sr71?

[daedalus]

Im new to DIY speakers. Was thinking of either building the SR71 or ZD5. Is the higher cost of the ZD5 worth the cost?

Zaph describes his L18 system as 95% of seas excel, and the SR71 having performance in between the L18 and Seas excel.

I am asking becausethe ZD5's scanspeak revelators are in the same league as the Seas Excel, and if upgrading to a ZD5 is only a small improvement (diminishing returns) then it may not be worth it?

thanks!

[Jed]

A speaker's performance is based not just on the use of individual parts, but the execution of how the parts work together and the design goals set to reach set objectives. Each of the speakers you mention use quality parts but very different crossover topologies to extract the benefits of the drivers. The Scan drivers are phenomenal, and have lots of detail. The Seas ER18 is a very good value. Each design has its merits. While I think the more expensive design you mentioned is probably higher performing above say 60hz, it is a matter of personal preference on how much more one is willing to spend to get that last bit of detail. Some pay thousands, for others, it's not worth a penny more....