Alternates for Duane Brown's Dayton 4 Deluxe

General
1

Many of you have heard my builds of the Duane Brown Dayton 4 Deluxe.

https://techtalk.parts-express.com/forum/tech-talk-forum/1423033-duane-brown-dayton-4-deluxe-version

Just so I don’t make identical designs for gifts, I would like your opinions how they compare to these similarly sized/priced designs:

C note C-Note MT Bookshelf Speaker Kit Pair with Knock-Down Cabinets

Overnight Sensations MT Overnight Sensations MT Speaker Kit Pair

Dayton Classis B40A https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-Classic-B40A-Powered-Bookshelf-Speaker-Pair-Oak-300-259?quantity=1

Thanks for your input.

Marv

2

This is a great value been using them for years.

The C-note is kinda a mixed bag as it has a different revision tweeter than what the crossover was designed for, some have complained bit it seems like most still like the speaker. I had the original design and it wad a great value.

The ONS are great performers and have stood the test of time.

You should consider reaching out to Mark to see what kits he might have available if you dont want the Caritas.

3

Just looking for something small, Marv?

4

Yes, something small. I have been giving them to grandkids, so want a small footprint for desktop/nearfield use.

The D4Deluxe I build dims are 6W x 10H x 8.5D.

5

I, too, was impressed with the Caritas when I heard them at a Meniscus meet. Though small, they are a bit larger than my target.

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Capacitors | Jfcomponents.com

2 Likes
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My son & I built a pair of Overnight Sensations. He used them down in the kid’s room with my old NAD 3020 and really beat the heck out of them for a few years. They took the abuse really well - loudness button on, thumping loud enough for us to tell him to turn it down on occasion.

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Marv, if 100Hz+ is good enough, my Synchaetas may fit the bill. I’ll try snd think of some others…

9

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone, but I would like to hear your opinions on which designs you might prefer over the DB4s. I am very familiar with the DB4s since I enjoy them every day, but I have had little experience with any of the others beyond 5 minute samples at our gatherings. Maybe the DB4s rank right up there with the best…and I can be happy with that, too.

Marv

10

If you are looking for inexpensive small speaker kits that play well across the board, then you really are building one of the best performers for the price in the DB4.

While one may have more sensitivity, or one clearer midrange, or one better detailed treble; usually, the cost goes up to get there. One main thing, is that the DB4 is smaller than most and still reach fairly low bass. Second is the 4 part xover- that doesn’t happen often.

It is possible that another small 2way speaker could be designed around the P830855, SB12, etc, but again price goes up.

Jeff B did the Sopranos

Scott Sehlin did the Rhodiums, Lithiums, and Heliums

Jhollander had several small ones too, of which, I liked the green ones with the ND25 and Tectonic 3.5”.

A look through the “Nanotech” InDIYana event list may come up with more for you.

11

I bet the Chachos are a great kit. I have been very tempted to buy that kit knowing those drivers well and the designer. I have no hesitation recomening it even without hearing it.

Mark made a sb12 fullrange no filter kit that was really impressive, might be the best filter free speaker I have ever heard. Speaker Scott did something similar with 2 drivers but I have not heard that speaker.. Speaker Scotts work is always well documented and highly regarded.

It might be hard to find the parts but Jeff Bagbys quarks were really special as well.

2 Likes
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Thanks for your comments, Ken. I will check out the Chachos with Craig.

Mark’s SB12 full range sounds interesting. Got a link?

Not sure who Speaker Scott is…link?

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Scott Hinson aka Speaker Scott.

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I think Mark’s are almost identical. He might have some cnc cabinets cut.

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I second the opinion that the DB4 sounds great for the size. I remember how surprising the quality of sound is from that little low cost speaker.