http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/rss.xml Are you a true tweaker? Like to do things yourself? Well this section deals specifically with building speakers, making acoustical products, or anything else that you may want to do for yourself to achieve audio & video nirvana. hourly 12 2006-12-01T00:00 http://www.audioholics.com/static/logo.jpg http://www.audioholics.com/ http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/digital-still-camera-types There is nothing like the daunting task of buying a new camera. From the number of choices to the fanboy salesman at your local big box retailer it's hard to not only commit to buying that first camera, but also to figure out the type of camera you need. The photo enthusiast may remember with fondness shooting on film and waiting patiently for those photos to be developed. Today, the work of an entire darkroom or processing machine can be recreated, albeit not of the same quality, on your desktop. Today's photographer shooting in digital can nearly replicate the quality of film productions at a fraction of the cost. Eric Shelton 2008-06-09T10:56:56+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/schumakubins As a Do-it-yourself speaker builder I have found myself wondering many times as I perused the internet’s vast sea of home speaker builder’s selections as to what some of the DIY speaker kits would sound like. Hence I decided to check out the Schumakubins which were born on the Parts Express forum utilizing their very own Dayton drivers. The Schumakubins shined with their smooth midrange and tight bass. If you are interested in building speakers but a little reluctant the Schumakubins are a great opportunity. I recommend buying the kit with the precut front baffle. You will be on your way to getting the best sound for the least amount of money and work. Kit speakers are a great and fun way to get some really good sound enjoyment and the Schumakubins are a great way to start. ken 2008-05-07T21:39:16+00:00 Pro Review http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/in-wall-speakers In-wall speakers are becoming more popular these days with aesthetics playing a major role in dictating the theater system components. This article explores some basic fundamentals for choosing in-wall type speaker products along with divulging some useful installation tips in efforts to realize their maximum performance and yield the best possible experience to the end users. If you’re goal is to achieve the level of fidelity previously only reserved for the finest box type speaker systems in an unobtrusive in-wall solution this article is a must read. The goal for any good home theater system is to be so connected with the experience that the equipment literally disappears. There is no reason why this goal cannot be achieved with a properly executed in-wall system. Gene 2007-12-06T23:24:44+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/installing-surround-sound-speakers We know you're out there. Yes, you. The guy who bought that 5.1 surround sound system in Christmas of 2006 but still hasn't hooked up the rear speakers. It's too hard, you say! There, there, we feel your pain. But it's not really all that bad. In fact, we decided to put our money - uh, make that our bodies - where our mouths are. Audioholics takes itself up into the attic... in the middle of summer... in Florida... to help YOU learn how to install your surround sound speakers. Yeah, we love ya. clint 2007-09-27T10:43:40+00:00 Video Spotlight http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-pc-as-a-high-performance-digital-stereo-source.html With the CD as we know it today starting to go into obsolescence, I figured it was high time to build myself a back up media to store and playback all of my music. Most PC's simply aren't up to the challenge sonically for delivering high performance playback on a serious hi-fi system. This article details the process I took at building a PC suited for this purpose while at the same time not breaking the bank and satisfying the needs of a critical music lover like myself. Dan Banquer 2007-06-25T23:40:43+00:00 News http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/home-theater-prewire-basics Pre-wiring homes for today’s complex home theater systems can often times be a very frustrating task even for the highly skilled A/V professional. There are many factors that need to be considered before a home is wired for video and sound. This basic tech tip article may help guide you through the rigorous process, thus turning this project from daunting to fun and educational. We will give you guidance on how and where to route your cables, as well as tips on the proper cables to use for your installation. ray 2007-06-05T11:28:29+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/reducing-hvac-noise-in-theater-rooms HVAC noise is usually the #1 problem in home theater rooms. Minimizing the source of the noise is one of many steps in the pursuit of a state of the art theater room. These external noise influences have deleterious masking effect on the audio reproduction much like light pollution does with display devices. A simple tweak such as replacing the bi-fold doors that contain your HVAC air handler with an acoustically treated solid core door is about the easiest and more noticeable sonic upgrade you can make to your system. This in turn can extend listening sessions at reduced SPL levels which lessens the susceptibility of listening fatigue. Gene 2007-05-08T23:42:18+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/multifunction-theater-seat-riser As a home theater enthusiast, there can be nothing more exciting than planning out your theater room. It’s more than just a place to indulge in sonic and visual bliss. It’s a sanctuary - a place to escape the real world, at least temporarily. Gene 2007-01-22T17:07:47+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-home-theater-pc-a-targeted-guide I have always had a fascination with computers - I think it started in second grade when we were allowed to design simple ASCII art programs on a Commodore Pet. With the advent of current technology, and the inevitable merging of the computer with the entertainment system, my fascination has recently manifested itself into a near-obsession with the Home Theater PC, or HTPC. The idea for this article came from talking with lots of people who weren't familiar HTPCs and what they meant in terms of entertainment devices. clint 2006-12-05T16:09:33+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/lets-build-a-home-theater-pc-2003 Not that long ago, having a full featured, cinema-quality home Theater in your home was a new concept. This hobby has expanded and become more popular over the last several years. Rob Dykens 2006-12-05T16:09:33+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/powerstrip-program-guide-a-user-manual Powerstrip is indeed "the killer app" of the HTPC world. It is possibly the most important program today in the "convergence" market between computers (PC only unfortunately!) and the high definition television (HDTV) or Projector marketplace. With it you can craft a custom resolution and sync timings to enable the best possible display of your computer Desktop, DVD's and other video sources from an HTPC to an HDTV or Projector. Thomas Steves 2006-12-05T16:09:33+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-windows-mce-2005-pc-part-4 This is Part 4 of a set of articles summarizing my experience choosing the components and building a a custom-built Home theater PC running Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (or "MCE2005" for short). Part 1 is an introduction, Part 2 shows a step by step pictorial guide to assembling the hardware, Part 3 details the software installation steps, and Part 4 contains some objective and subjective impressions of the result. Chris Tham 2006-02-13T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-windows-mce-2005-pc-part-3 This is Part 3 of a set of articles summarizing my experience choosing the components and building a a custom-built Home theater PC running Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (or "MCE2005" for short). Part 1 is an introduction, Part 2 shows a step by step pictorial guide to assembling the hardware, Part 3 details the software installation steps, and Part 4 contains some objective and subjective impressions of the result. Chris Tham 2006-02-13T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-windows-mce-2005-pc-part-2 This is Part 2 of a set of articles summarizing my experience choosing the components and building a a custom-built Home theater PC running Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (or "MCE2005" for short). Part 1 is an introduction, Part 2 shows a step by step pictorial guide to assembling the hardware, Part 3 details the software installation steps, and Part 4 contains some objective and subjective impressions of the result. Chris Tham 2006-01-16T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/ipod-mini-hard-drive-upgrade All right, I confess: I don’t go anywhere without my iPod Mini. Because it holds my contacts, calendar, and other work-related information, I carry it like a PDA at work everyday. Of course, the fact that it holds nearly every favorite jazz tune I’ve ever heard (not to mention all of my Steely Dan) doesn’t hurt. stanton 2005-12-01T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-windows-mce-2005-pc-part-1 This is Part 1 of a set of articles summarizing my experience choosing the components and building a a custom-built Home theater PC running Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (or "MCE2005" for short). Part 1 is an introduction, Part 2 shows a step by step pictorial guide to assembling the hardware, Part 3 details the software installation steps, and Part 4 contains some objective and subjective impressions of the result. Chris Tham 2005-11-03T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/diy-absorbers-for-the-less-than-handy-man-part-2 So the big question - How do they work? In my opinion - great. The difference in my room is dramatic. I don't have any fancy measuring devices (only my SPL from radio shack) so I can't do a before and after room measurement (though if someone would like to come over and do one for me I'd be happy to oblige). My wife is happy with how they look, I'm happy that I successfully built something, and the sound in our home theater room is much improved. tom 2005-04-22T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/diy-absorbers-for-the-less-than-handy-man-part-1 I don't profess to be an acoustical engineer or some sort of sound guru. I'm a normal guy, married with a kid, who has recently purchased my first house. I've been an audio nut for years with very little money to invest. tom 2005-04-19T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/revamping-a-vintage-yamaha-t-80-tuner Recently I acquired a Yamaha T-80 tuner. This tuner was manufactured in the mid 1980’s, probably in 1985 from what I can tell. I proceeded to put the unit in my system and connected it to a standard FM dipole antenna. My initial impression was that this had some potential, but was going to need a lot of work. This appeared not to be your usual consumer toy tuner. Dan Banquer 2005-01-01T00:00:00+00:00 Editorial http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/madisound-solist-diy-speaker-kit In this article it is hoped that some of the risk factors of building speakers is removed (i.e. investing time, effort, and money without ever knowing how the speakers will turn out.) ken 2004-06-14T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-do-it-yourself-loudspeakers Through the years I listened to as many speakers as I could in the area and what I found in general was that I didn't like hard dome tweeters. Although there were a few speakers with hard domes that I did like I decided to stick to building speakers with a soft dome tweeter. So after studying speaker design books through the years I was ready to build speakers with Dynaudio drivers. I don't claim to be an expert at speaker design but I learned that it is a combination of science and art. ken 2003-10-01T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article