The world of speakers involves some really over the counter terms. Understanding impedance, resistance, and wattage can be really overwhelming at times. And it doesn’t get any better when you compare store-bought and DIY speakers.
But, which speaker is better in diy speakers vs store bought ?
DIY speakers are really customizable as your preference. But it’s rather hard to set-up. Even after that, it’s no way cheap. Whereas, store-bought speakers are a bit expensive but easy to set-up. Store-bought speakers are also reliable and they do have a resale value.
There is a great difference between store-bought and DIY speakers. So what are you waiting for? Jump below and learn about the differences.
DIY Vs Store Bought Speakers: Short Comparison
We can say that the definition of sound has been defined. All the different types of sound systems have similar architecture. But within these designs and architecture, speakers can be different.
There are a lot of speaker sets available in the market. Some big, some small or some are cheap and some are really expensive. But you can divide the market into two parts these days. You can either make the speaker yourself or buy it fully from the market.
Though there are some advantages and disadvantages to a DIY speaker. Where store-bought speakers are hassle-free. But with a DIY speaker, there are endless possibilities.
Source: grabcad.com
Below we have compared both DIY and store-bought speakers against each other. The comparison has been made on the basis of the same factors. So it is easier for you to decide which one you can go with. So jump below and learn the key differences.
| Factors | DIY Speakers | Store-Bought Speaker |
| Personalization | Unlimited | Limited by the Manufacturer |
| Ease of Setting up | Hard | Really Easy |
| Danger | High | Low |
| Sound Quality | Depends on the Build | Depends on the Manufacturer |
| Reliability | Low | High |
| Resale Value | Low | High |
| Price | 40$ – 2000$ or more | 20$ – 10,000$ or more |
So, these are the key differences between two types of speaker sets. But below we have given full-blown details on each factor of both speakers. This way, you can get in-depth knowledge about both the speaker sets.
Extended Comparison
Now that you are here, let’s get started with the comparisons. Below we’ve divided the factors in each section. So you can learn about the differences between each factor in one place.
Personalization
Everyone wants their product made according to their needs. That is what personal liability means. It is similar to the word customizability. Such as, you can make your specific DIY subwoofer for the outdoors.
With DIY speaker sets, you can get exactly what you need. Speakers have different types of components. Such as speaker drivers, amplifiers, the casing, receiver. There are other parts as well, but these are the basics.
When you build your own speaker, you can do the parts just the way you like them. You can mix and match the parts from different manufacturers. This isn’t possible with store-bought speakers. You have to get what they have given you.
In this round, the DIY speakers win.
Ease of Setting up
Even though DIY speakers let you attach every part you want, there are restrictions. You cannot use components that are not compatible with each other. Such as merging a 2 Ohm impedance speaker with 4 Ohm.
On the other hand, setting up a store-bought speaker is really easy. All the parts are reassembled and ready to use. But in the case of DIY speakers, you have to have some crafting skills. But people can disagree on diy speakers reddit.
In this round, the store-bought speakers win.
Danger
There are dangers when it comes to working with electricity. If you use powerful drivers with less powerful amps, there are risks of starting a fire. You have to know the compatibility factors before hooking up all the components.
Also, while choosing the components you must pick out the superior wood for the speaker box. Otherwise, there will be always fire hazard lurking nearby.
Source: instructables.com
Where on the other hand, there is substantially less danger with a store-bought speaker. Since manufacturers hire professionals to make the speakers, they know what they are doing. But some units can have faults in them. Which can be dangerous.
These round, store-bought speakers win.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is really important when it comes to speakers. Because great sound is all that matters. But sound matters not only to the drivers. But also, with all the components of collaboration. That is why many audiophiles use DIY audiophile speakers.
DIY speakers can produce great sound if you use good materials. Where you are stuck with whatever the manufacturer gives you. Good store-bought speakers can be great. But they do cost a lot. Here you can get a good DIY speaker with not a lot of money.
Here, the DIY speaker wins. DIY audiophile bookshelf speakers can be great sounding.
Reliability
We do want everything to last a long time. But with DIY speakers reliability can be an issue. But if you have great crafting skills, you can have a greatly reliable speaker. But not all of us have great crafting skills.
With store-bought speakers, the manufacturer uses specific machines. With which the reliability can be increased. But at home, you have to work with whatever you can get your hands on.
That is why even now you can find linkwitz speakers for sale. Since they are greatly reliable.
Here, the store-bought speaker wins.
Resale Value
Let’s say you want to sell your speaker, after using it for a while. It can be hard to sell diy speakers.
Building custom speakers is hard. But without the backing of any major brand name, there is nothing much to gain in resale. Since the buyer might not trust your crafting skills or knowledge.
However, with store-bought speakers, it’s a different scenario. The buyer can value the speaker on the basis of the brand and the usage. This is easier for buyers to trust.
So, store-bought speakers win this round.
Source: digitaltrends.com
Price
When it comes to price, we all want the best with the least amount of money possible. A lot of people ask, is it cheaper to build your own speakers? DIY speakers are cheaper. Since you are assembling the speaker yourself, you don’t have to pay the manufacturer.
You can cut the price on whichever material you want. You can pair up expensive drivers with cheap amplifiers or vice versa. So, DIY speakers are cheap. But store-bought speakers can be expensive.
Since the manufacturer will charge you for the assembly, they will take an extra few bucks. So, now if you are thinking of making your DIY speaker, then check our recommendations below. These are DIY speaker kits and have everything you need.
| Image | Product Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
  | DIY Bluetooth Speaker Box Kit | Check Current Price |
  | MiOYOOW Ḅḷueṭooṭḥ Speaker Kit | Check Current Price |
  | Degraw DIY Speaker Kit | Check Current Price |
These kits have all the components and the tools you need. So you don’t have to worry about missing a part. These can be the best diy speakers out there. Though if you wish you can even find the best diy speaker under 1000 dollars.
Here, the DIY speaker wins. Although, you can check out a few best budget Hi-Fi Speakers.
Final Verdict
So on the basis of the above comparison, it comes down to this. If you enjoy building stuff and have knowledge about basic electronics, DIY speakers are for you. Building a speaker on your own can be greatly satisfying.
But if you just want a good-sounding speaker without any hassle, store-bought is one to go with. You can pick a speaker just on the basis of how great it sounds. It can cost you a bit more since you are paying for the brand’s profit and assembly.
FAQs
How to Attach a Bluetooth Receiver to a DIY Speaker?
The Bluetooth receiver will be attached to the battery and the speaker amplifier. The wires from the battery will go through a voltage step-down board. Also, attaching the amplifier and the controls of the speaker.
Can I Use Different Speaker Drivers on Store-bought Speakers?
You can use a different set of drivers on a different speaker. People do this a lot of time. But you do need to check if the different sets of drivers will attach or not. If so, check the amplifier rating and if it’s compatible, you can attach the drivers.
How to Add RGB Lighting on a Speaker?
If you want RGB on your speaker you need an RGB strip and some wires. Take the RGB strip and solder the wires at the end of it. Afterward, attach the wires to the left or right driver unit. This way you can have bouncing RGB light.
Endnote
So this is everything you need to know about, diy speakers vs store bought.
Be careful when you attach all the parts of your DIY speaker. If the budget allows, make sure to use quality components.
Have fun building!
