DIY Bookshelf Speakers

The idea was to build a small, low cost pair of speakers for everyday listening, placed on a bookshelf or on the sides of my computer. Having no audio measuring equipment to verify the result, left me no option but to make it as simple as possible.

The inspiration came from designs that I found online based on small full range drivers in a transmission line configuration to boost the lower part of the spectrum. The specific driver (Tang Band W3-881SJ) is, I believe, a value for money champion. Most credits and thanks go out to Backyard Amusement youtube chanel and their Transmission line speaker box math made easy video series.

2 X Tang Band W3-881SJ F (Loudspeaker Freaks)

Pieces of 18mm thick plywood :

2 X 15cm X 10cm

4 X 19,5cm X 10cm

2 x 20,3cm X 10cm

4 X 11,5cm X 10cm

2 X 14,2cm X 10cm

4 X 23,9cm X 19,5cm (side panels)

Small pieces of plywoord for creating 45 degrees tube turns

Damping material (SONOFIL)

Speaker cable for internal wiring

2 X loudspeaker terminal sets

Wood glue, screws and dowel

I used both screws and wood glue for assembling the cabinet. Small pieces of dowel were used to cover the screw heads.First, I completed the transmission line maze and then attached the side panels. The box was filled with SONOFIL before the last side was glued together because it seemed impossible to insert it in a finished cabinet.

Listening to the speakers was a pleasant surprise. The sound is relaxed and involving. I really loved the tracks that contained high and middle frequencies, such as violins, cellos, mandolins and human voices. I’m already working on the idea of adding a small subwoofer to enhance the bass experience.

Good luck everybody with your DIY projects!