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S2000 MTM

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Apollo-7 MT

S2000

Quick Overview

High end 4.5" speaker.


* This kit ships for free *

$101.28

Availability: Out of stock

Details

Note July 18, 2022:  The price for the crossover parts has increased $6.46 which is why the price went up. 

From the designer: I kind of wanted to name the speaker series after the Honda S2000. It just reminds of them in the way that they are small and high-tech looking, and really open up when you push them hard. I’m enjoying these woofers. Even though they model similarly to several other woofers, for some reason they seem to dig deeper. They're going to sound amazing. Even as a bookshelf, I think people will be pretty surprised by the sound they put out. Although it's a 4 Ohm woofer, I honestly don't think most amps would have trouble driving the finished speaker.

 

Product Notes: 

We wanted to make a small speaker that most people could fit just about anywhere.  We also wanted it to be a good step up from your typical budget style speaker without breaking the bank.  The 4.5" cast frame woofer has a great overall look and the first thing you'll notice is the attention to detail put towards making this woofer.  Once you listen to them you'll hear why Paul enjoyed desiging a speaker using these components.

 

 

Product Highlights:

  • Wavecor tweeter for smooth highs.
  • Cast frame 4.5" woofer with light weight carbon fiber cone.
  • Optional flat pack is 1/2" thick Baltic birch.
  • Surpising output for it's size.
  • Timbre matched to the dual woofer MTM version.

 

Minimum order is 2 speakers: If you ordered one in the past and need one for a center, please contact me. Kits are sold as full kits, sorry no substitutions or subtractions. Don't forget binding posts, terminal cups, or speaker spikes if you need them because they can be shipped for free with any kit or flat pack purchase.

Shipping Note: Most speaker kits currently ship for free, but flat packs normally do not.  We try to get your order packaged and shipped in 5-8 days depending on how many orders have come in.  Please read the 'Frequently Asked Questions' section for more information.

  1. Fun build, excellent for desktop use review by Wordside on 3/2/2022
    Design
    Performance
    Value

    I built a pair of S2000s for my first DIY speaker project. They’re connected to an Aiyama A07 and Schitt Modi, sitting on Sound Addicted isolation pads tilted down on an open shelf above my computer monitor, for a nearfield/desktop system.

    They are awesome at this. I’ve got them corner loaded, which isn’t ideal, but at my usual listening level of about 65dB at 3’ (casually measured by phone app) they have a weighty and reasonably articulate low end that still doesn’t overpower the clear mids and highs. The treble is maybe a little laid back, but it doesn't feel like I'm missing anything other than ear-fatigue. To my ears these make next-level computer speakers, great for listening to all genres all day while working from home. They’re a huge improvement over the Micca PB42x, PSB Alpha PS-1, Polk TSi100 and Logitech Z2300 systems I’ve used for this in the past.

    I got the flat pack, crossover PCBs and speaker terminals – which for the price are all no-brainers unless you want to practice your fabrication skills or are a masochist (no judgement).

    The cabinet parts and drivers all fit together perfectly. The port hole is a little oversized, maybe to accommodate a gasket or the port extension tube? That puts the screws uncomfortably close to the edge of the hole, but it’s doable. Definitely drill pilot holes. Only the back panel is rabbeted, and I used Gorilla wood glue which set very fast so some of my joints ended up a hair off. A flush trim router bit and some sanding solved that well enough, but if I were to do it again I’d put some more thought into my clamping and alignment plan.

    Crossover construction was pretty much paint-by-numbers. The standoffs included with the PCB are a nice touch.

    As others have done, I mounted the crossover before gluing on the front baffle. I filled the speakers with 7oz each of Polyfill, covering the crossover but keeping the port clear. I have no idea if that’s the correct amount, but it seems to work. I think the unstained Baltic Birch looks cool, so I just finished the cabinet with a water based satin wipe-on poly, which was easy.

    I can’t speak highly enough of Erich and DIY Sound Group (and Paul Carmody, of course). They put together a great and well-priced kit, and when I mistakenly ordered only one set of binding posts Erich contacted me to double-check. A+ customer service.

  2. Great sound out of a little package review by Andrew on 12/30/2021
    Design
    Performance
    Value

    These things are compact but sound incredible. The Soundstage is wide and clear. They put out a nice thump without sounding strained. With a subwoofer I wouldn't find any complaints especially for the price.

  3. Must listen to believe! review by CG on 11/24/2020
    Design
    Performance
    Value

    I never thought in my wildest dreams the sound that can come out of these tiny little speakers. I remembered the days of Cambridge Soundworks with their satellite subwoofer systems. I had their Ensemble 2, I believe, their big brother.. and also their tiniest tweeters version.. i remember loving that tiny version.. the sound quality is just so addicting and mesmerizing... but it lacked mid bass... these are like that tiny ones with the addictive sound quality but adds the mid bass and fullness to it... in fact, you don't even need the 'subwoofer' if you're just listening to 2 channel music... The sound will impress just about ANYONE. BTW: They are loud enough for a small home theater set up.

    On top of that, the flatpacks are baltic birch, which is easy to finish with staining them... they come out looking like a $2000 pair of bookshelves. I wish all the Home Audio packs are made of Baltic Birch but I also understand the difficulty of doing that... but it would be amazing.

  4. Great little speakers review by Diego on 8/9/2020
    Design
    Performance
    Value

    This was my first DIY build and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. These little beasts sound amazing. The 4.5" woofer really does seem like it should be called a 4" one but it definitely can go pretty low. As one of the other reviewers mentioned, the high end rolls off a bit. With a little bit of EQ to make these just that much flatter these really shine. These have found a permanent spot on my desktop setup and have really opened my eyes to the quality of DIY designs.

    Still haven't gotten around to painting the speakers but the baltic birch flatpack looks great https://imgur.com/a/QsS0C1M

  5. Great speakers! review by Had to boost the treble a bit on 3/27/2020
    Design
    Performance
    Value

    This was my first DIY speaker kit. I've designed and built some subwoofers in the past, but this was my first foray into speaker kits. I paired them with a Dayton Audio DTA-2.1BT2 to drive them, which is a great amp for its price as well! I had them setup in my bedroom for a few months, but I've transitioned them to desktop duty in the office. I actually think I prefer them in the near-field setup. I had to boost the treble a fair amount using the "Tone" control on the Dayton amp, and after that I have been incredibly happy with them. The detail that they can show is amazing. I'm finishing up my voxel sub right now, and it's not needed, but more of a curiosity thing.

    Great speaker!

  6. Great small speakers review by Alex on 3/4/2020
    Design
    Performance
    Value

    I've build the C-notes, Classix-II, the the S2000 MT speakers. I was using the C-notes along with an 8" sealed sub for my computer speakers, but wanted to check out the S2000s. I am not disappointed! These are significantly smaller boxes than the C-notes but sound better I think, are more efficient, and put out quality bass. When paired with a sub they make an awesome computer speaker set-up!

  7. Nice speaker for first time build review by Mike on 11/5/2019
    Design
    Performance
    Value

    I am very happy with the speakers they sound smooth and natural with nice bass. The kit arrived well packed and all the parts and materials were there as they should be, no issues. I couldn't find assembly instructions with the kit or on-line but there are good instructions on a competitor's website for a similar sized kit that were useful. The assembly was straight forward and the biggest challenge was the finish. I used wood putty and filling primer to get everything filled and flat, then sprayed with enamel, sanding between coats until smooth, followed by a satin clear coat They really came out nice. Another challenge was placement of the crossover. Because this is a small speaker, if you put the crossover on the bottom panel it is very close to the woofer magnet and coil. I was worried that it may interact with the coils on the cross over, so I put them on the top of the left side panel. it worked out pretty good. Overall I am very happy with the final result and definitely recommend this kit.

  8. A nice step up from the Overnight Sensations review by Fraggler on 10/28/2019
    Design
    Performance
    Value

    I wanted a modestly sized and priced upgrade from some Overnight Sensations that I had had for a couple years. In particular, I wanted more detail without losing the nice balance that the OS had. The S2000s achieve this pretty well. They are definitely more detailed without any piercing/splashy problems. Image a little bit better. They are more forward and like more power to sound their best, so not as ideal for quiet listening (at least in my nearfield setup). While the bass is solid for something this small, I don't hear too much of a difference from the OS. Bass differences could be masked by my rather horrible listening space (in a small boxy office near a wall and corner).

    All in all, a great kit and a good value. While definitely a step up from the Overnights Sensations, I wouldn't say they are leagues better. Definitely recommended as a first speaker/DIY kit. Very curious about the Helix Domes now.

  9. Very Nice Small Bookshelf review by Steve C on 9/3/2019
    Design
    Performance
    Value

    This is probably my 5th DIY design that I've built and my 2nd from Paul Carmody. It's another very well executed design. It's a solid upgrade from the Overnight Sensations that i built several years ago. The tweeter is a better choice and the centered tweeter is just nicer aesthetically.

    Very balanced, very listenable design. He really makes great use of a speaker this size. And it's really affordable to boot.

    My criticisms are at most minor. A small bookshelf is never going to hit 40Hz and below effectively. Only other criticism is that the top octave or two is slightly more rolled off than I would like. I rather wish I could give it 4.5 stars, because of the absolute nitpicky-ness of my complaints.

  10. Very smooth and neutral!! review by Bbeam83 on 11/20/2018
    Design
    Performance
    Value

    Loved this kit, and due to life, it took me almost a year to complete, glad to get some listening time!! They sound fantastic, I love the warm and neutral tone in the midrange that you get from these speakers. Very easy to listen to for as long as you please. Love the imaging and soundstage and they sound great in my bedroom. I cannot compare to the Overnight Sensations as I have not built them, but in this size range I have built Jeff's Sopranos, and the Sopranos are a bit more forward and detailed in the midrange than these are.
    All in all I am super impressed with the bass output from such a small driver, I have been lurking around the DIY community for about 3 years now, and it just amazes me what some of the designers and contributors can do with smaller mids/woofers!!
    If you are looking for a great bargain, smaller footprint, smooth rich qualities, but don't want to compromise on sound grab this set!!
    Glad I purchased this kit!! You will be too!!

  11. Had to double check the sub was off review by Fazz on 6/26/2018
    Design
    Performance
    Value

    Seriously, I had to double check that the subs were off. They produce an insane amount of quality bass in the 50's. I built 4 of these for rear and atmos duty. Finished and painted them white to match the furniture in the bedroom. The requirements were as full range as possible, as small as possible, and finished to an acceptable WAF level. I currently have a pair breaking in on my computer setup powered by a marantz receiver and they sound amazing. The tweet has a lot of clarity and detail - in a word 'nuance', the mids are solid and the bass doesn't make sense coming from such a small speaker.

    I currently have them setup next to a pair of MTM Overnight Sensations and the s2000's are better in every way. Especially the tweet. All in a package that is less than half the size.


    If I were to give a complaint, these don't get loud enough to handle my desires for a stereo setup. My requirements of a stereo setup is large multi-woofer speakers capable of producing db's into the high 30's to low 40's.

    Summary: If you're looking for surround duty, small bookshelf setup, or need to air on the side of small these perform exceptionally well for the size they are. Highly recommended for the right application.


    Images of build:
    https://imgur.com/a/FmqxioJ

  12. First DIY Build, Quality is amazing review by OSUCowboy1389 on 4/8/2018
    Design
    Performance
    Value

    I purchased a pair of these and one of the MTM models for my first build/HT LCR. The parts were well packaged and neatly organized. The crossover diagrams were easy to read and overall simple to assembly for a fist time builder. The depth of the sound stage is impressive for these smaller speakers. The bass from the LCR configuration rivals my LR B&W 685 setup. Overall the sound is smooth and not fatiguing. Still need to watch a movie with my subs on to get a true feeling for the HT use. Highly recommend these for a first time builder and for a nice 2.1 music setup.

  13. Hard to beat. review by djg on PE tech Talk on 4/2/2018
    Design
    Performance
    Value

    Really nice drivers, the Wavecor tweeter is very clear, the Denovo CF woofer delivers bass beyond it's size. The BB flat pack is very accurately cut. I'm using them for my 2.1 PC sound, but I did hook them up to a tube amp/preamp and play some CDs in my main listening space. Very nice sound, I recommend these speakers, a real bargain.

  14. Another winner from Paul C. Strong bass and clear imaging. Great all around performer. review by Ceiol on 2/10/2018
    Design
    Performance
    Value

    The s2000 is better all around than the overnight sensations and rivals the speedsters. The wavecor tweeter is a winner and provides accurate and precise imaging. The CF woofer is strong and belts out warm, filling bass. Wider sweet spot than the speedster, though a little less airy on the highs.

    Go for it, build the s2000 speakers. You’ll love them.

    Here is a pic of mine
    http://techtalk.parts-express.com/filedata/fetch?id=1364740&d=1518234019

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Speaker Kit Information

 

  Model:      The S2000
  Designer:      Paul Carmody
  Frequency Response:      50hz - 20khz (+/-3db)
  Power Range:      10 - 70 watts
  Sensitivity:      87db - 2.83v/1m
  Impedance:      4 Ohm
  Tweeter:      Wavecor TW022WA02
  Crossover:      3000hz
  Woofer:      Denovo 4.5" carbon fiber woofer
  Enclosure Type:      Ported
  Dimensions:      6" W x 9" H x 8.5" D
  Kit weight (no cabinet):      ?
  Assembled weight:      ?

Price Break Down:

1 - 4.5" Denovo carbon fiber woofer: $33.06
1 - Wavecor TW022WA02 tweeter
1 - Set of crossover parts: $34.34  (was $27.88)
1 - Port: $2.76
1 - CNC cut front baffle:  $6
1 - Set of screws:  $1
1- Baltic birch flat pack (optional)
 
 

Packaging Material: $2.00

Paypal Fee: $3.50

Retail Cost: $115.21

Discount Cost: $101.28 and shipped for free.

Please read the 'About Us' section for more information on pricing structure and quality parts used.

Specific S2000 Assembly Notes:

Your enclosure should be built with 1/2" thick material to the dimensions listed.  If built from Baltic birch, you don't need a brace inside the cabinet.  It is recommended that you lightly fill your enclosure with polyfill or line the internal walls with a thin acoustic foam without blocking the port.  The port is adjustable so you can do some experimenting on the tuning with the port at 6" long, but the original design used it at 4.75".  You want to glue it at the shortest length so that it's about 4.75" long.

 

Recommended Tools and Supplies:

  • Quality wood glue like TiteBond.
  • At least 2 clamps 16" wide or bigger.  
  • Soldering Iron and solder unless there is an optional assembled crossover for your kit.
  • Wire cutters
  • Screwdriver
  • Drill to predrill all screw holes.
  • Sanding block or power sander.
  • About 8' of speaker wire to connect your woofers and tweeter to the crossover board.

 

General Tips:

    Crossover Assembly: 

  • VERY IMPORTANT - Inductors are the parts that look like small rolls of copper wire. Notice that the two ends of wire are silver and have been 'tinned' with solder. Those are the parts of the inductor that you should be soldering to, so don't cut it off to get to the copper colored portion.  Inductors should not be installed directly next to each other on your board.
  • None of the crossover parts have a positive or negative side so it doesn't matter which way they are facing when you assemble your crossover. 16-18 gauge wire is thick enough to use for your crossover or to go from your crossover board to the woofer or tweeter.
  • Your crossover can be assembled on a thin piece of MDF or pegboard if the kit doesn't come with a circuit board.
  • It doesn't matter where you put the crossover inside your speaker.  You could mount it on the outside if you wanted to.  
  • Normally you wire red wires to positive and black wires to negative.  If (and only if) your crossover schemtaic has a note saying 'Inverted Polarity', that means you need to connect the negative from the crossover to the positive on the tweeter and positive from the crossover to the negative on the tweeter.  This is only done on some tweeters, not woofers.
  • Click Here for a good assembly video by Matt Grant.

     

     Screws and Gaskets:

  • Predrill all screw holes with a bit that's slightly smaller than your screws to prevent the wood from splitting.  Most screws are #8 panhead and you can use a 7/64" or 1/8" drill bit.  Overnight Sensations use a #6 panhead so you can use a 3/32" bit.
  • VERY IMPORTANT:  Protect your woofer or tweeter when installing screws because you don't want the screwdriver to slip and puncture one of your components....that will ruin your day!  Consider putting your free hand next to the screw to cover up the edge of the woofer or tweeter.
  • If your kit comes with gasket tape, it should be applied to the back of the waveguide. Peel the paper off the back to expose the sticky side and slowly work it around the perimeter on the back side of the part.  Some woofers will need gasket tape as well.

   

     Stuffing or Lining the Speaker Cabinet:

  • If your speaker or subwoofer is a sealed cabinet, most designers recommend that you lightly fill the inside with polyfill (pillow stuffing).  If you don't have polyfill, then you can line the walls with 1" - 1.5" thick light weight open cell foam (like acoustic foam) or fiberglass insulation.  You can also use 2-3" recyled denim insulation that can be bought at Home Depot.
  • It's okay to cover up your crossover with the polyfill, insulation, or foam.
  • If you're using a ported enclosure you should lightly fill the cabinet with polyfill and be sure not to block the ports.  If you do not have polyfill then line the walls with 1" - 1.5" thick open cell foam (like acoustic foam), 2" - 3" of denim insulation, or 2" - 3" thick poly batting.
  • Some of the speaker designers like to lines the walls of their ported enclosures with a 1" - 1.5" acoustic foam, and then lightly fill the remainder of the cabinet with polyfill.  If this is a required method, it will be listed at the top of the page under 'Assembly Notes'.

 

Links to Build Threads for this Speaker:

Frequently Asked Questions:

* Does the baffle come with roundovers?  Answer:  Yes.

* How long should the port be?  Answer: Put the adjustable port at it's shortest length which is around 4.75" long.

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