SB12.3 Kit - Looking for feedback on kit

[Dhar Kalsi]

I can barely find any threads discussing the Zaph SB 12.3 Kit.

Anyone try them? Are they any good?

[mycellium]

Have you read the SB12.3 documentation on the Zaph Audio website?

http://www.zaphaudio.com/SB12.3/

[Dhar Kalsi]

I did, but I was hoping to find some user comments thats all. Seems like no one is building this kit. I wonder why?

[GranteedEV]

Probably because it's like 13" wide and costs $1000...

It probably does sound excellent though. I'd love to hear it.

[kennethloy]

I built this about 6 months ago.

Also was considering the ZRT 2.5 but there are too many two way design and 8 inch speakers around. I am prepared to compromise a little sound quality for better low end.

And I do have the room for this Kit.

Even Madisound recommend the ZRT.

My hesitation was the wide looking baffle which looks ugly.

However, I built a black face baffle with Timber Veneer on the sides and back which to my surprised looked very handsome and expensive. It was so heavy I suffered back ached for weeks and have to see a Chiropractor.

The sound was smooth like John said and sounded better than my existing Alcone 2.5 way but still very tame because my rumpus room is open to a big hall. Anyway the first thing I noticed about the sound was brass intruments sounded very good.

I decided to go for the reduced baffle step compensation option. Note that I also opted for Mundorf Supreme Capacitors. I tweaked the C1 to 9.7 uf which helps bring up the mid range.

Also it is important to experiment with the density of the acousta stuff.

Final sound was warm and smooth with speakers facing forward which is preferable to blend in with my furnishing and like John's comments on the ZRT, "listen all day sound."

I can now listen all day without my wife harping about the "noise."

Though I have not heard of the ZRT and even if it is better sounding, again like John's comment, you can't defy physics ie get low end with small drivers.

Cheers

[jkrutke]

Thanks for the comments, Kenneth, indeed it's not a common build due to it's size. But I have to salute someone willing to put those monsters in the room.

[kennethloy]

Darley Aluminium 007.jpg

Hi John,

Thought I post a picture of the speakers. I know it is not meant to be placed in between a plasma TV but I have no issues here. Also modified the cabinet to aperiodic. Result-substantial improvement in bass and no hint of boxy sound.

[kennethloy]

The advantage of building this kit is you have numerous options.

After experimenting and listening to the various design options provided for the SB12.3, I have now concluded that the best option is still the original option with padded resistors to tweeter and mid range.

This provided the smoothest sound and also better clarity and detail. John got it absolutely right with this option.

Problem is now I have some expensive caps and inductors lying in my shed.

[Basshunter]

The advantage of building this kit is you have numerous options.

After experimenting and listening to the various design options provided for the SB12.3, I have now concluded that the best option is still the original option with padded resistors to tweeter and mid range.

This provided the smoothest sound and also better clarity and detail. John got it absolutely right with this option.

Problem is now I have some expensive caps and inductors lying in my shed.

What is a "padded" resistor? Are you saying that one of the offered cap options is more desirable? Or that what is designed is the best combination?

[kennethloy]

Sorry for the confusion. It just mean resistor.

What I was trying to say is option 1 has the best sound for me.

I was always of the opinion having a resistor in series will degrades the sound.

My original preference was to run full blast without resistors.