Polk sub blasphemy ??

rallyshark

This is likely a very stupid question, but I just gotta ask anyway:o As the sig says, I have two MP1k subs. My question is: Would it be absolutely insane to sacrifice one and use the amp in it build another sub? One is all I need for music, but two just don't go quite as low as I would like for HT.

I mean, it does have a 1200 watt RMS amp in it, so it should be able to drive a larger sub, right? I'm saying this because I'm looking for a little lower response, and I'm broke, and can't afford another sub that would be better. So, unless someone is going to trade me an MP3k for two MP1ks, or a MP4k for two MP1ks and a little cash, this sounds like it could be my best bet. The fact that I'm itching to build something doesn't help either...

Don't get me wrong. The MP1ks are awesome little subs, and I really do love them. They are really hard to beat when it comes to music. I would even go so far as to say they are probably one of the best 8" subs out there. The output is pretty good actually, since I running two in relatively small room. They just don't love the really low stuff all that much. Have I lost my mind or what? What do you guys think?

mdaudioguy

I think that unless you REALLY know what you're doing, you won't be able to pull it off. Think about buying a bigger HT sub.

rallyshark

mdaudioguy wrote: »

I think that unless you REALLY know what you're doing, you won't be able to pull it off. Think about buying a bigger HT sub.

Could you please elaborate on that:)? I'm assuming(yes I know what happens when I **** u me)I know most of what I would need to know and could find out the rest. From what I know, I need to: know the ohm rating of the amp and find a speaker that can match it, be able to build a quality enclosure, be able to build the enclosure to spec to match the chosen speakers parameters, know enough about those parameters to model the enclosure to give the desired frequency response and output, etc.

That is, of course, treating the amp as if it were any sub amp. Being that is is a MP1k, I would think it would be the best choice, since it is the simplest one of the MP series. Keep in mind, I'm well aware that this is a dreadful idea to even consider murdering such a wonderful sub that is in perfect working order:o I'm just feeling like a project, and thought this would be fun to discuss at least:D The odds of me actually doing this are around 1 in 20, if that makes you feel better. I don't know if I could actually go through it and sleep at night, unless I had 20 people saying it's an awesome idea.

It wouldn't be as crazy for me as would be for some though. I did get the MP1ks for a killer price new($265, $255). I could always re-assemble the sub if the idea flopped I think. I know I would be hard pressed to purchase a sub amp of equal ability for even what paid for the whole MP1k. All of that being said...Someone humor me here, and let's see where the discussion goes(good or bad):)
Thanks!
Donny(known as dummy from this point forward:()

tonyb

I would say sell both subs and buy one bigger one. Once you butcher the one sub,what is it really worth after that ?

rallyshark

tonyb wrote: »

I would say sell both subs and buy one bigger one. Once you butcher the one sub,what is it really worth after that ?

I considered that, but I think no matter what, I will have to hang on to one of the MP1ks and not mess with it. I LOVE it so much for music, and I only use one when I listen to music. I suppose I could just sell one of them, but that doesn't sound nearly as fun as building stuff, haha!

RuSsMaN

The amp is built for the driver and enclosure. YOU can do whatever you please, but those amps are eq'd (voiced) specifically to compensate / adjust for their intended purpose.

Keep them for music, the DIY sub area is full of fun projects for all budgets. Do something different, document the process, and fill us in!

Cheers,
Russ

mdaudioguy

Ok, if all the MP subs use the same amp (do they?), then perhaps you could spec-build a "4000". Despite how Polk rates this amp, I have trouble imagining it driving anything bigger than the 12". Don't forget that the passives that they use in these subs play a big part in their output capability. Still, I think it'd be a waste of time to do this. Just sell one of these and put it towards this:

http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/empire.html

rallyshark

RuSsMaN wrote: »

The amp is built for the driver and enclosure. YOU can do whatever you please, but those amps are eq'd (voiced) specifically to compensate / adjust for their intended purpose.

Keep them for music, the DIY sub area is full of fun projects for all budgets. Do something different, document the process, and fill us in!

Cheers,
Russ

Ok, Russ, that was what I needed to hear! I will not be killing one of my MP1ks for sure now:) That is something I cannot work around given my knowledge, or lack there of, with the MP amp. Like I said earlier, I didn't really wanna do that, but I was entertaining the thought:D You know how it is, sometimes you entertain thoughts long enough with others input, and they start to sound more feasible than they are:o

rallyshark

mdaudioguy wrote: »

Ok, if all the MP subs use the same amp (do they?), then perhaps you could spec-build a "4000". Despite how Polk rates this amp, I have trouble imagining it driving anything bigger than the 12". Don't forget that the passives that they use in these subs play a big part in their output capability. Still, I think it'd be a waste of time to do this. Just sell one of these and put it towards this:

http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/empire.html

Thanks mdaudioguy:) I know there are tons of good diy kits and parts out there. I know I just need to save the cash and do it right and not sacrifice any perfectly good subs along the way, haha! I'm really not that stupid, but it sounded better in my head before I told you guys:o