Zaph Audio ZA5.3C Center Channel Build

This was our second speaker build. It was a bit more complex than the simple box construction of the ZA5.2 Speakers. We were a bit more confident on this build having already proved that we could build a functioning set last time. We decided to add a few design points after doing some research.

The box required some internal bracing and I wanted to have access to the back for ease of driver wiring. Countersunk holes were drilled and t-nuts were installed in the mount points. I also added a set of rare earth magnets on the face under epoxy to hold the grill in place. Wish I had done that on the other set. The grill is just sun shade framing with speaker cloth stretched over it. The same rare earth magnets are in the corners.

We used the same sheet of walnut veneer and iron on glue technique as the bookshelves. This was a bit more difficult as I wanted the grain to run the same direction on all the speakers. There was a bit of splitting/cracking as we bent it around the round over. Next time, I will uses some type of grain softener when veneering a contour across the grain. Over all, you really can’t see it unless you are very close. Watco danish for the finish.

I have used this and the other pair for nearly a year now and continue to be amazed at how great they sound. They certainly run circles around the set of JBL Studio’s they replaced and honestly rival many speakers in the $1000+ range. I am now trying to finish up with a bunch of kitchen/living room projects so i can build the floor standing tower versions.