AX-2 Clone

AX-2 Clone — quick build notes

I owned original Audio Note AX-2 speakers and set out to clone them. My build isn’t a part-for-part replica: I used all-MDF panels (the newest factory versions mix MDF and chipboard), and the classic Vifa C17 woofer is discontinued so I sourced alternatives from donor speakers. Below are the parts and steps I used so you can build a very similar pair.

Drivers

Finding suitable donors

The AX-2 used the Vifa C17 woofer and Vifa D19 tweeter. These drivers appeared together in several 90s speakers — notably the Mission 761 and Mission 700 Leading Edge — which makes those models good donor candidates. The Mission woofer is a 6 Ω variant; that matters for the crossover below.

Crossover

Keep it simple; adjust for 6 Ω woofer

I kept the topology close to my 1990s AX-2 (the older 5-component network) and only adjusted the low-pass values to suit a 6 Ω woofer. Newer AX-2 versions use a 7-8 component network; this simpler network still sounds balanced and lively with the donor drivers. Pad the tweeter to taste and verify polarity at the crossover point.

Cabinet

Simple butt-joint MDF cabinets. Order panels pre-cut (I used CutMy in the UK), glue with Titebond, and clamp square. Cut rebates for the tweeter, flush-mount both drivers, and drill for a rear terminal cup. Copy the original AX-2 layout and driver spacing as closely as you can. Overall dimensions: 376 mm (H) × 230 mm (W) × 220 mm (D).

Piece	Qty (pair)	Size (L x W x T mm)	Cutouts / Notes
Baffles	2	376 x 230 x 18	Ø145 @ (42,68); Ø71 @ (79,243)
Sides	4	376 x 201 x 18	—
Top/Bottom	4	201 x 194 x 18	Fit between sides
Backs	2	340 x 194 x 18	Rect 100x100 for terminal cup

Damping

Light damping

I reused damping from the Mission donors but used less overall, as per the AX-2 originals. I reused the Mission terminal cups/terminals too. Internal wire is Van Damme Blue.

Finish

Keep it practical

Sand, ease the edges slightly, and finish to taste (oil/varnish/paint). If veneering, apply before final baffle work for cleaner edges.