Since posting that we were working on offering the SB Acoustics - GEMA speaker as a full kit, we've been getting smashed with enquiries on when it will be ready, so I wanted to provide an update.
I go into quite a lot of detail here so there's a "TL;DR" version at the bottom if you don't want to read it all.
Where are you actually at with the kit?
It had taken a back seat while we work on releasing our NAOS Stereo Amplifier and Plate Amplifiers, but given the demand, we're looking at spending some more time on it.
We have started replicating the design from SB Acoustics in Fusion 360. Once this is complete, we can cut a test kit to make sure it all goes together as intended.
Sourcing the crossover parts has been a real sore point. SB Acoustics did tell us they used 'Jantzen' for all crossover components but availability here in Australia is average at best. In addition, we can't even find a suitable 25W resistor for the woofer, locally!
Update 13/05/2025: We've since partnered with a small Melbourne based business to get the assembled crossovers made.
What can you expect from the kit?
Our goal is to release this kit with a similar offering to our Mercury Speaker Kit, which has multiple options of what's included to suit a varying range of need and skill levels. This varies from drivers only (currently offered), to a full kit including MDF knockdown cabinet parts and pre-assembled crossovers.
We intend on releasing the knockdown cabinet in two different versions. A straight cut "butt joint" kit suitable for veneering and a "mitred" kit, which will be better suited to those wanting to paint their cabinet.
How much will it cost?
The below pricing is for a pair and is indicative and subject to change. Once the kit has been fully assembled and a full cost analysis done, we will confirm final pricing.
- Drivers only (currently available):
- Includes the drivers only - $1,200
- Includes the drivers only - $1,200
- Crossover:
- Basic Version:
- Parts Only: $899.95 + Optional PCB: $50.00
- Full Assembled: $1,149.95
- Premium Version:
- Parts Only: $1,299.95 + Optional PSB: $80.00
- Fully Assembled: $1649.95
- Basic Version:
- Additional Enclosure Components - $120
- Binding Posts
- Damping/Lining
- Threaded Inserts for Driver Mounting
- Button Head Screws to Mount Drivers
- Plain MDF Kit - CNC Kit:
- Option 1: Straight Cut Kit - $550
- Option 2: Mitred Kit - $800
- Shipping - Quoted
- We've since partnered with Big Post to offer significantly cheaper shipping.
- For the full kit, B2B customers can expect to pay as little as $50 shipping. Residential customers willing to pick it up from their nearest depot can expect to pay as little as $75.
- Drivers and/or Assembled Crossover Only orders will continue to come under our $15 Flat Rate Shipping.
- We've since partnered with Big Post to offer significantly cheaper shipping.
The big question, when will it be available?
Well, that's honestly up to our customer base!
While the demand has been there, and we have been passing the above information on to those that have been enquiring, we're yet to get commitment on a kit (outside of the drivers only).
We're a small business that hasn't got a significant financial backing so have to pick and choose where we invest our money (and more importantly, time!) into projects that we feel will be viable and profitable. In addition, between the soon to be released amplifiers and custom speaker projects we've been working on for clients, we've got plenty going on to keep us busy!
We intend on chipping away at drawing up the design and cutting a test kit in the background, but until we get a solid commitment from a customer, we'll continue to focus on getting our amplifiers released and customer projects out the door.
Depending on which kit is chosen, we're looking at 6-8 weeks from the first commitment, as a worst case. I'd love commit to a shorter time frame but don't want to let anyone down so we're allowing 6-8 weeks until it is shipped.
TL;DR Version:
- High demand for the SB Acoustics GEMA kit has brought it back into focus.
- Design replication in Fusion 360 is underway
- Sourcing crossover parts has been challenging
- Kits will offer flexibility, from drivers-only to full kits with cabinets (straight cut or mitred) and assembled crossovers.
- Fully assembled crossover will be an option with the help of Ampaday
- Indicative pricing ranges from $1,200 for drivers-only to $3,500+ for full kits with assembled crossovers.
- A lead time of 6-8 weeks is expected from the first customer commitment.
- Current focus remains on amplifiers and custom projects until firm commitments are made.
If you're willing to take the plunge, get in touch with us via email at sales@nbaudio.com.au and we can talk through some options.
We're offering a 10% discount to the first customer that commits to a full kit!
That's all folks!
As always, we appreciate your support. Without it, kits like this wouldn't even be on our radar!