Mike Dubay

You can also check out http://dynakitparts.com/. I built a pair of MKIII's and was impressed with the quality of the kits. The ST-35 at 17pwc would be right up you alley cost wise. Kevin at dynakitparts can suggest inexpensive passive preamps for them.

I second the suggestion for KG5.5's. Been running them for over a decade now and hear no need for a sub, and inexpensive. With 100 watt ss amp should fill room nicely. Today I have doubled the number of my posts, only 19,998 to go...

I would agree at that price point a home built sub would be a viable way to go. I have an existing subwoofer, a 12" DVC subwoofer from parts express and a BASH 300 plate. These came in well under $300 total, I bought a sheet of MDF for the cabinet for about $30. IMHO this unit blows away any thing you hear from the big box stores.To calculate the cabinet size you will neet to use one of the several speaker designers on the internet. I use Box Plot, you enter the speaker parameters, and it gives you a recommended box size along with port diameter and length. If you want your MDF cut to specification, another option is to contact a local cabinet maker. For a price they would be willing to make the proper cuts and they would be much more accurate than the local sales person at the big box hardware store. Another option is to purchase a hand held 'skill saw', and use a straight edge for making the cuts. That way you can 'measure once and cut twice', as I often do. I am currently in the process of making a 15" sub for my 2 channel system. Would any one in the forum be interested in a play by play with pics of the build?

I have had a pair of KG5.5 in medium dark oak veneer since the early 90's. I continue to have a positive sonic relationship with them. I have upgraded source and amplification gear over the years and are still not limited by the speakers yet. I moved from imported SS receiver, to Adcom, SE KT88, to my existing Dyna MKIII's mono blocks and still hear the improvement at each step. I have been reluctant to upgrade the crossovers, either through mucking them up and the down time to do this. They will serve you very well! I have been a 'silent member' for several years, this is my first post. - Mike