The Mandolin loudspeaker kit by Jeff Bagby

The Crossover

Jeff optimized the crossover in both the frequency and phase domains at the same time. The frequency response is exceptionally flat from 45 Hz up. The two drivers track each other in relative acoustic phase. They track together in the crossover region and over a very wide bandwidth. The crossover point is at 1.8kHz. The response on axis measures flat. The Mandolin would compare to many of the premium commercial designs available today.

How Does it Sound?

The speaker offers a wonderful sense of scale and weight, and bass extension that seems to defy its size. Not many speakers this size can reach into the 30 Hz band with low distortion. Sitting on a pair of quality stands a pair of these small speakers will provide near-full range performance for the majority of music lovers on most of the music they play, without the need for a subwoofer. However, if a subwoofer is used these will combine with it gracefully and allow a fairly low
crossover point to the sub, aiding in helping the subwoofer disappear and provide a greater sense of realism.

The woofer cabinet is .53 cu ft or about 17L and measures 8.5″ wide, 15″ High and 11.5″ deep (3/4″ material)

Sensitivity is rated at 85dB

What do I Get?

Included in this kit are the full build plans.  You can purchase is in two forms, depending on your resources:

The Bare Bones Version:

• 2 x SB Acoustics, SB29RDC-C000-4  Ring Dome Tweeters
• 2 x SB Acoustics, SB17NRXC35-8 Woofers
• 2 x Crossover components featuring Cebo & Aydyn capacitors, Lynk resistors, and specified, Air and steel Core Inductors.

Need all the goodies?

The Full Kit Package:

• 2 x Choice of the Big Post, SD-cup, or TD-Cup Input Terminals
• 2 x Flared Port Tubes
• All mounting hard hardware (screws)
• Internal damping material
• Color-coded hookup wire
• Optional push-on connectors
• Gasket sealing tape
• MDF boards for mounting the crossover parts.

Upgrade Your Series Capacitors?

Clarity CSA

Mundorf Supreme

Have trouble soldering or reading a crossover diagram?  We can assemble them for you at a nominal charge.

Upgrades – Have a favorite input terminal or preferred capacitor brand?  Feel free to call or email with your request.  We are happy to accommodate you.

Mandolin Write Up