Does anyone have experience with the Parts Express diy speaker kits (I’m looking at the c notes)? I’m just curious about the technical skills required, specifically soldering.
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C-Notes are an awesome build for the beginner or anyone who wants a great pair of entry level speakers. Easy enough to build with a ton of online resources for help. Do yourself a favor and Ebay buy a pair of crossover PCBs! They are cheap and worth it! I also recommend a binding post cup for the back but that and the PCB are not necessary to build an amazing set of speakers.
I think the new generation of the C-Notes include the crossover circuit board.
The C-Notes do require quite a bit of soldering on the crossover. Look at Youtube videos if you are not sure what to do. It isn’t hard if you take your time and have the right solder and soldering iron. There are a couple of extra things you will need to order if you get the kit like wiring, speaker ternimal spades, damping material and binding post that will increase the cost. It is a great speaker and well worth the time and effort.
I’ve got 2 sets of their bookshelf monitors that are pushing 20 years old and still sound incredible. You can’t really go wrong with their kits
A speaker crossover is one of the best choices to learn good soldering. It isn’t difficult if you follow good practice.
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Use sandpaper to strip back some enamel on your inductor leads.
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Clean all your leads with isopropyl alcohol before assembly. Dust or oil can degrade joint quality.
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Grab some 63/37 solder, .6mm thickness is good for most projects. This is ideal for beginners, as it immediately goes from solid to liquid at the correct temperature, and you won’t accidentally add too much solder to your joints.
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Set your soldering iron to 300C, up to 350 for large joints. Although usually you should try a larger tip before raising the temp.
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Tin the tip of your soldering iron first, then the tip of each lead.
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Twist the leads together with pliers. Use some tape or helping hands to hold components in place while soldering.
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Apply heat to the joint as you gradually feed in solder.
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If you apply too much solder, use some stranded wire to wick away the excess.
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Overnight sensations are good starters as well.
Just search c-notes and look at pics. Tons of builds here.
Parts Express is exceptional.