Subwoofer question

[audiophileboss]

So I am not much of a DIYer, I build my own cables, did build a crack. But I am thinking of building a subwoofer and would like as much help as I can get. Please post comments and sugestions.

I am thinking of using MDF board, in a miror like black finish(how do you do that?). Sub size is 10" wide, 36" high, and about 10-12" deep. I will have one 8" 250 watt capable subwoofer down firing from the bottom. Then 3 300w subwoofers firing out, which I could orinet to have 3 down firing and 1 out firing. I will be using a Dayton audio Sa230 230watt outboard separte sub amplifier. All four of the drivers will be connected to one binding post. I would like to line all the corners and places were 2 boards meet on the inside with sticky tack to avoid reseanence. Will use 10 gauge wire in and out of the sub. My room size is not overly big, but If I move the sub to my friends home theater(not as good as mine) for an evening I would still like it to perform decently. Also, If I throw a party at a rec center I would hope to be able to do serious bass with this. My dad and I are in the home building business so finding a tool somewhere in a workshop or house site shouldnt be too hard. The downs firing woofer is $102.00, the 3 out firing woofers are $120 each($360.00) and the amplifier is $230.00. Total is 692.00.
Budget is $1000.00 even shipping and tax (13% in canada ) Suggestions or input?

 

[Zimmer64]

No first hand experience, but I recently stumbled over the Decware site. In therir DIY section they offer plans for what they call a Deathbox or a Housewrecker

I believe I saw someone here on the forum using the Deathbox.

Best

Michael

 

[Grainger49]

I would suggest this:

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=VEMIVE%20%20%20%208CHA

Having 4 drivers pointed in two different directions will produce a wave that is not coherent.  Transients will be slurred by the four separate wave fronts.

And Velodyne has been building subs for a long time.

But if you have the need to build your own, I would suggest a kit from Parts Express.  Again, a single front facing driver:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-764

 

[audiophileboss]

I am thinking of creating some separation between the two different directional drivers, then just drilling a hole to run the cables, aswell as some foam to diffuse the resonance. Shouldnt be to much of a problem

 

[Grainger49]

Ok, but think of this.  3 woofers face forward, one down.  When there is a drum strike, say a bass drum pedal, you will have a wave from the front and one that is centered 5" behind that.  The downward wave will travel to the floor, be reflected then come to your ear out of phase with the other front. 

This assumes all three forward facing woofers have the exact, same transient response.  Which they probably won't.

Just my opinion.

 

[corndog71]

Or you could just buy one of these and call it a day.  One of the best subs out there for the money.

http://www.rythmikaudio.com/F12G.html

 

[Grainger49]

Looks nicely built, all the inputs and outputs you need, Servo operation for linearity and low distortion.  I'd say that is a winner!

 

[rockdrummer]

I was going to suggest servo too. Rhythmic audio works with a company called GR Research out of Texas. You can order same amps with servo drivers from Danny at GR. He will send you wiring plans, cabinet plans and there is a forum to help at audio circle too. I have purchased 3 speaker kits and am building a servo sub for my brother at the moment. Great guy and fun experience.

 

[corndog71]

I was going to suggest servo too. Rhythmic audio works with a company called GR Research out of Texas. You can order same amps with servo drivers from Danny at GR. He will send you wiring plans, cabinet plans and there is a forum to help at audio circle too. I have purchased 3 speaker kits and am building a servo sub for my brother at the moment. Great guy and fun experience.

Yep, that is exactly what I did.  Same driver and amp in the sub I linked to above but I wanted to build my own cabinet.  My total cost was around $600.

(This is an old pic.  I don't use the foam under the sub anymore.)

 

[audiophileboss]

To counter to someones comment, currently I am using martin logan summet x speakers for my from l and r. They have 1 powered 10" out firing and 1 10" powered down firing...I hear and everyone else of my audiophile buddies hears no lag. It is very coherant. Then my surrounds are martin logan ethos and the have a down firing passive 8" and power 8" outfiring and mixed with the fromts still no lag or anything. Oh yes I have an outfiring Velodyne Digital Drive plus 18"
Outfiring powered sub mixed in with a second celodyne 18" digital drive plus that I orient down firing(i love bass) and mixed all together me and my audiophile extremest buddies hear beautiful clear bass!

 

[matthewmckay]

it sounds like you don't need extra bottom end in your system (can't quite wrap my head around wanting more than 6k watts and a pair of 18" subs in an 800ft bedroom) and that you are just looking to blow some cash and build yourself a monstrosity.

I say go for it...  Let us know how it turns out. 

But... you did ask for the opinions of others. There is alot of advice that I agree with  in the last few responses.. and they have been offered from personal experience.  your experience differs, so you have chosen to reject what is being advised, and you are well within your right to do so.

just don't expect people to keep offering suggestions if you are going to imply they carry no weight.

 

[audiophileboss]

Good tip. I respect and give though to all sugestions, but I will trust my own experience on this. But yeah, just trying to build something for fun. Maybe give it to my friend. I will probably finish it in the spring and let everyone know then. Thanks...any more ideas suggestions expecially on how to paint high gloss?

 

[matthewmckay]

I have never tried this, myself, but this thread seems pretty informative. Good luck... take pictures.

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/construction-tips/83141-how-high-gloss-finishing.html

 

[audiophileboss]

Thanks and certainly will. Stay tuned