Deluxe Kits from speakerhardware.com: are they worth it?

[EJensen]

I'm considering a DR250 build. I see that speakerhardware.com has a deluxe kit that is billed as including everything except the wood, interior damping and exterior finish. There are different options for the driver, piezo, crossover, etc.

Assuming I'm going to have to buy everything in any event, can anyone tell me whether these kits represent a discount for buying everything from a single source, or an extra charge for the convenience of having someone else put everything together for you?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Best,
Eric

[Grant Bunter]

Hi Eric,
In case you're not aware, Speakerhardware.com is owned and operated by Leland Crooks and family, both Forum member here, and Authorised builder of Bill's designs.

I think the deluxe kits are great value. If you add up all the parts in a shopping basket, you will see some savings with the deluxe kit.

Other than that, Leland stocks the exact values of the components required for the crossover/filters (and some of them are difficult to find in any one place elsewhere in those exact values), and if you're not happy making your own filters, Leland will pre build the filters (and melded piezo arrays) for small additional cost.

So it's a case of everything from the one place for convenience rather than charging for the privelege.
The time it takes to chase down all those bits and pieces yourself could add up to a whole day, and at best you might save a few dollars, if at all...

A DR250?
Is your application for bass?

[doncolga]

Leland's customer service is as good as it gets. I've bought from him and communicated a few times via e-mail and he know's the stuff in and out for BFM builds.

[Tom Smit]

So it's a case of everything from the one place for convenience rather than charging for the privelege.
The time it takes to chase down all those bits and pieces yourself could add up to a whole day, and at best you might save a few dollars, if at all...

Sorry Grant, but I think Leland's prices are on par, or less than elsewhere. (Think, but don't know for sure). Convenience is king, though!

+1 to everything else Grant posted.

[Bruce Weldy]

And most importantly, the little things like black screws (which are hard to find for the corners) are all there. It's truly one-stop shopping.

I've bought several kits from him after pricing all the individual pieces. Price is right and I saved time and money not having to go get it all - it just shows up at your door!

[LelandCrooks]

Thanks guys. The bits and pieces are hard to find, if you want them to look factory. Or you have to buy a box of 100 screws when you need 24. It's why I started SpeakerHardware after building my own DR's and at that time t24's.

Based upon individual part prices on my site the kits are discounted.

[djtrumptight]

I love ordering the kits,the convenience of one stop shopping,1 shipping charge,good prompt service from a knowledgeable seller,he can custom design a kit based on what you want to do,he is usually well stocked,thats my opinion but here is what you do.Source all the parts you will need from different sources,add them up,then add up the shipping charges,then figure in somebody having to backorder some of those parts and I'm sure the kits will be the more convenient route,at least that's the opinion I gathered after I did the research just to see which would be cheaper.

[EJensen]

Many thanks for the quick and thorough replies. I'm sold.

Leland: Once I make a final decision on what I'm going to build for my aspiring DJ son, you will be receiving an order from me.

Best,
Eric

[DJPhatman]

Once I make a final decision on what I'm going to build for my aspiring DJ son, you will be receiving an order from me.

We can help you with that, too. How many people do you think he will be playing to, and how are your wood working skills?

[EJensen]

We can help you with that, too. How many people do you think he will be playing to, and how are your wood working skills?

Oh believe me, you and bunch of other kind and knowledgeable folks have already given me a ton of information on that subject here. As a matter of fact, DJPhatman, you were the first to post a reply.

I'm still digesting the information and scoping out the options for all the hardware between the DJ controller and the speakers. Since I plan on building something, and possibly more later, I decided to spend the Benjamin and buy the full set of plans from Bill. I haven't received the CD yet, but I'm sure I'll spend quite a few evenings looking through all the various designs.

Thanks again for all the help,
Eric

[biggerrigger]

That CD of plans has got to be the best purchase that you have made so far. I will warn you that your builds will not stop after you hear your first BFM build. It becomes very addicting once you begin.

As far as SpeakerHardware and Mr. Leland are concerned. You will not find any better customer service at any price. The components are all top notch at competitive prices. I will continue to do business with the Crooks family for years to come.