DR280s

[JazzyRick]

I built a pair of Tuba 24s a while ago, and finally decided to bite the bullet and build myself some tops. The DR280 was my choice. This was due to power handling, flatter response than the DR250, output, and some protection from overpowering(I used the Delta Pro 12). They are to the point of needing some bondo, rounding over the edges, and Duratex. Then I just install the hardware and speakers. I unfortunately don't have any pictures of the build process, but I should get some of the finished product this weekend if all goes well.

I will say this. In hindsight I should have built the DR250s I think. The weight difference for one would be considerable because of my choice of the Delta Pro(an 18 Lb Driver) versus the Deltalite which would have saved about 11 pounds. With the new crossover and throat filler options the DR series all of the DRs have been improved. I originally chose the DR280 because of the much flatter response as these will likely not be used in stacks ever. Call it my "small/mid size" PA for up to 300 ish.

I'm not much of a wood worker, but like I said I did build some Tuba 24s, and a friend of mine owns a cabinet shop, so the tools I needed were readily available.

The DR280 is much more time consuming for an unexperienced wood worker than the Tuba 24. I would estimate It took about 25-30 hours to complete 1 Tuba 24. The DR280 is going to be pushing 50 hours. That being said, I don't do the cleanest work but want a clean looking end product, so I spent a lot of time sanding and filling holes with bondo and sanding so I could paint with Duratex as opposed to carpet. That's probably a good 4-6 hours there at least in added assembly time.

With the design improvements to the DR series I would be hard pressed to recommend the DR280 unless you were building them for rental and needed the extra power handling of the Delta Pro 12 for some added protection. I will post a more in depth review and impressions after I get them up and running.

To all the DR builders out there who aren't afraid of piezos, build the DR250 and save yourself some weight, size, and still have within a dB or 2 of the output of the DR280s. My DR280s will certainly be pushing 70+ pounds with the Delta Pro. The DR250 with the Deltalite 2510 is probably around 45 pounds.