The New Parts

For this project I am using a set of Sony XS-HL535 separate 2-way audio speakers. They feature more than adequate peak power handling and, relatively high sensitivity and excellent dynamic range. Despite being mounted in my car for almost 2 years (including 2 winters) they are still in excellent shape. The woofers are constructed of Highly Oriented Polyolefine (aka fancy plastic) cones, and the tweeters are Silk Laminate Soft Domes. I'd be willing to bet that those materials are designed more to survive the hot-cold cycles a car experiences, rather than to produce perfect audio. But since i have them effectively for free, and since I know they are still a hundred times better than what i have in place now, audiophile quality is not particularly important. Also included in the package is a passive crossover network. I might play around with making my own crossover, but for now the supplied one will do nicely.

The speaker enclosure will be constructed of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), which is the de facto standard of speaker enclosures. "MDF has many qualities that make it an ideal replacement for plywood or particle board. It is dense, flat, stiff, has no knots and is easily machined. Its fine particles provide dimensional stability without a predominant "grain" (as is the case with lumber). Unlike most plywoods, MDF contains no voids, and will deliver sharp edges with no tearout. MDF is very well damped acoustically thus making it an ideal material for speaker enclosures," according to a MDF FAQ.

Drivers

The advertised photo of the package.	My photo of the woofer and tweeter attached to the crossover.
Overhead view of the woofer	Side view of the the woofer.