In this segment of Experience the Difference we will discuss using custom speaker boxes. Reasons to use custom speaker boxes: 1. Cost - In Alberta, a poly hat for a speaker costs approximately $9. Recent changes to building codes require additional blocking around the vapour hat to improve the seal. When added to the cost of speaker rings and labour, total cost is comparable to custom speaker boxes, which offer better base and projection. 2. Streamline Labour - Custom speaker boxes are mounted after framing and before dry walling. Drywallers can use the hole at the front of the speaker box as a simple template for cutouts. This ensures their proper placement in the drywall, and prevents messy guesswork. Additionally, having cutouts in place prior to hanging drywall saves time and prevents damage to finished work and belongings. There is no need for placing drop cloths over floors and furnishings to protect them from flying drywall debris. 3. Better Sound - Speaker manufacturers devote significant research and development to speaker box design and size. They are crafted with technology to optimize sound. The speakers they sell for installation in your ceiling, however, are boxless. Imagine cutting a hole in the back seat of your car and stuffing a sub-woofer inside - terrible sound. Now, try putting that same speaker in a box, and boom, that's BASS! The same applies to cutting a hole in drywall to install a ceiling speaker, placing it in a custom box yields more "true" sound and a much higher bass response. In an upcoming video, we will demonstrate how to build custom speaker boxes, using a table saw and router. See how to get the most out of a single sheet of MDF, avoid mistakes and get great results.
