Ok, so after a rather unpleasant episode (which I'm keen to put behind me so I won't go into details here), my F5s finally arrived 2 months after my initial order. I went ahead and put things together and below are my thoughts in terms of contruction in no particular order...

- Putting the cabinets together is abit more challenging with floorstanders than with bookshelves I would imagine. I found it almost impossible to start with the bottom piece as advised by the instructions (the side panels won't stand up straight), and so I started with the back panel instead.
- I used weights on top rather than clamps. Turn out fine, since I didn't care that much about how it'll look, but even then, I'd still prefered if I have clamps. I'd definitly recommend at least thinking about buying some clamps.
- I don't know if I don't work out enough or what, but I had a hell of a time trying to screw the drivers in. And I mean hell. I almost got blisters and the damn thing just wouldn't go in. In the end, I borrowed a power drill, drill a hole in the box first, then drill the bloody screw in. I've no idea how anyone can use a pair of screw drivers to screw them in?

Finishing wise, I used a roll of Vinvyl Wrap. Doesn't look professional at all close up, but from far it looks half decent. I used a big kitchen knife to trim the edges, which I found worked very well (you can slide the knife along the edge smoothly), and I'd imagine it is better than any smaller blade...

Over all, it wasn't harder than I expected (besides the bloody screws bit), but it is no where near as fun as I expected as well. I do enjoy occasionally putting things together, and I have no qualms about buying furniture etc in box form to assemble when I get home. I also did not get a special connection with my speakers (that's supposed to make them sound better) as reported on the internet. Maybe that's because of the delays which ruined the experience abit. But when I finish putting together my PC, I feel a certain confident pride that leads me to be more attached to the PC. When I finished building the speakers, I just felt "Thank god its done and hopefully it won't break ever!". Can't help but worrying that some wire will come loose in the future or stuff like that. At the end of the day, the whole process has let me to think that I wouldn't want to DIY speakers again (if I can help it!). I'd definitely think of buying ready made speakers, unless of course the savings are too great, but even then I'll hesistate. In fact, I feel that I might become more attached to speakers IF I bought them ready made.

Anyways, that's just me. I believe the vast majority on this forum would jump at the chance to DIY again...

As for sound quality wise, it is absolutely awesome. It was supposed to be a boom box, but I didn't hear any boom. Maybe I'm just used to systems with a huge subwoofer that kicks in at at 200hz. The sound is clear and is better than anything else I've heard to date. And you can definitely tell that it has more than one bass note. That said, I haven't heard that many high end speakers yet :S I've heard the Jamo S606. In comparison, the 606 has alot alot more boom in the bass department, but lacks in clarity and sounds alot harsher as well. I've heard the DALI Concept 8/10. Granted I heard it in a crap envioronment (JB hi-fi), still I'm pretty darn sure the F5s beats them. As for the DALI Ikon 6, I can't tell for sure. The Ikon 6 sounded a little bright, while the F5s a little warm. I heard some wharfedales at JB as well that retails for under a grand. Not competition there. The Wharfedale sounded really warm and smudged. Gives the warm, fuzzy feeling at first, but it soon becomes obvious that its lacking clarity and neutrality. I've also heard the top of the line speakers at Sony Central (Sony branded, no clue what model), and I believe they retail for closer to 2k, and they were driven by a 5300ES. Still, I reckon the F5s sound better. I might have to have a closer listen though...

All in all, I reckon the F5s have really clear and somewhat neutral sound (with a slight warmth that kinds of get to me), They are definitely hi-fi speakers, and I'm not sure how they can be described as boom boxes.

Anyways, that's my 2 cents on the F5s :) Value for money wise, it is virtually unbeatable. But for me, personally, I'd not go DIY again if I can help it.

Dude, I almost feel sorry for you..

I found the consruction process almost theraputic and listening to my speakers once built was just the icing on one big fat choccy cake!!

I am now onto my 2nd speaker with the 3rd and 4th set in the post.

Great to hear they sound awesome though - there has to be some solace in that?

Keep on keepin on.

Yup. My parcel was declared lost on monday. LSK sent out the rest of the bits on tuesday afternoon (around 5 o clock) via Toll's express service. I recieved it here in Hobart at around 10 in the morning. I was impressed!


How can anyone not have problems? I screwed with all my streght and the damn thing still won't go in! I need to work out more...

Suggestion for LSK: pre-drilling holes so that screws go in easier?


I'm alright. I guess DIY isn't for everyone (obviously), and I just didn't liked it. I'd rather not go through the process the next time, but I'm not bummed about it. After all, sound quality is awesome, and that's ultimately what I'm looking for in a pair of speakers ;)


The sound quality is pretty awesome. Abit of warmth in the bass is getting to me though. Damn I hate how I managed to pick that up. If I didn't, I'll be happy for years. Now that I did, I might have to upgrade soon :(

I'm having issues with my sound card atm as well and so can't enjoy it fully. Might have to buy a DAC or something soonist.


Not for a while, if ever ;) I'm good for now :) My next upgrade will probably put me at a price point beyond what LSK can offer, but that's another story...


Nope :P It looks fugly, compared to what others have done ;)