Plans for DIY subs ??

schutz2106

I have been pondering a diy sub for a couple years now. Budget I want to spend is about $ 700. Have space for a ported sub. Dont know why I want to instead of just buying one but it is something I would just like to do. But I find plans but dont really know the actually outcome of them. I am looking for plans of someone that has actually made one and knows what it turned out like. I realize this is pretty vague but if you have built something and it rocks please reply...

megasat16

Well, building a good subs require a few tools and a software to design the enclosure based on the driver T/S parameters. I hope you are building a sub for fun and enjoyment coz the DIY subs aren't a lot cheaper than the out of the box ready made subs.

For $700, there are lots of good choices from Elemental Design, SVS, Epik, HU, Polk and many more.

If you want to go for a reasonably easy and good DIY sub plans, check out parts express for Dayton Audio DIY subs. I think they have design plans there too.

You can also buy Rythmik Audio Direct Servo sub kit for around $700 and you can download the plans from Rythmik website.

megasat16

Also, check out DIY Cable site at diycable.com for their Malestrom subwoofer drivers. You can find lots of DIY plans for the DIY Cable Subs in many audio forums.

FTGV

megasat16 wrote: »

You can also buy Rythmik Audio Direct Servo sub kit for around $700 and you can download the plans from Rythmik website.

+1 nice subs ,IIRC I think GR Research makes an equivelent.

ken brydson

For that kind of coin you could get a nice pre-built sub. If you're set on DIY, here's a great driver to get you started...

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107130

jinjuku

Try this Infinity Kappa build from Audioholics.com

You can use the Kappa 120.9 (~$140), Sheet of cabinet grade plywood ($40), and amp like the Peavey IPR 1600, and an external eq/x-over like the Elemental Design Audio eQ.2. $100. So ~$600

It's been measured, corner loaded, with 120dB at 20Hz at ~2 meters. If I ever go ported subs this is the one (make that two of them) that I would build. Later on you could build a second Kappa go stereo with out purchasing any more electronics.

Check out Haoleb's build thread of the Kappa Sub.

Also the recommendations for DIYCABLE.COM are solid. Check out the Shiva-X2 and Tempest-X2. Tons of different cabinet designs (ported and sealed) good application notes.

Both the Infinity and the Shiva/Temptest are low distortion, very linear, high power handling designs.

jinjuku

ken brydson wrote: »

For that kind of coin you could get a nice pre-built sub. If you're set on DIY, here's a great driver to get you started...

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107130

$700 DIY will most likely net him a sub that would be north of $1300 commercially.

edoggrc51

jinjuku wrote: »

$700 DIY will most likely net him a sub that would be north of $1300 commercially.

+1, at least $1300 LOL!

Valentine

I've actually built the last two of my home subs, First one was an actual car woofer i had laying around, i built an enclosure, reinforced it with internal bracing and purchased a plate amp to mount on to it. Then proceed to have it single stage painted black. The second one i order all my parts from partsexpress.com. I order a Dayton 18, bash 500 plate amp, wood veener, and a set of ports and spikes.I used 1" mdf for the front side and 3/4" mdf for the remainder of enclosure. Then put in some 1" wood polls (from any local hardware store) Spent around 550 for all of the parts. Could of bought a Velodyne DLS-4000r for about the same price. But it was a fun project, and turned out very well i think. We now call my home CLUB VALENTINE lol.

Just remember your enclosure is everything to a sub. A Crapy woofer in a great box sounds like a great woofer. A Great woofer in a Crapy box sounds like a crapy woofer. Just be sure to take your time.

Jim Shearer

Since no one else has mentioned it: there is a whole section devoted to building subs on DIYaudio.com under 'Loudspeakers'.

Cheers, Jim

chrism

Valentine thanks for mentioning the importance of the enclosure. As you said .... a quality woofer in a poorly enclosed box is basically a waste of a good woofer. I know from experience ......

jinjuku

To build enclosures properly you have to have a few solid tools. For me it's a router and table saw.

I also use a dado blade to do a proper tongue and groove for window braces that interlock with the rest of the cabinet. Currently running two 12" subs in a 3.5 cubic foot enclosure that is nothing but dado + brace and wood glue. Not a single screw or nail.

schutz2106

Thanks for the info. Probably try to start doing something when the snow flys.... WHICH will be soon...........................................

xj4094dg

http://www.fatboxusa.com/servlet/StoreFront

zarrdoss

I built this for under $400 and it sounds fantastic. sealed is much easier than ported, there are a bunch of free programs you can use on line to find correct plans for ported.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101110

schutz2106

kinda looking at axiom 600 size sub diy. This would fit in my room and look great.

edoggrc51

zarrdoss wrote: »

I built this for under $400 and it sounds fantastic. sealed is much easier than ported, there are a bunch of free programs you can use on line to find correct plans for ported.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101110

Nice job!!

ben62670

http://www.parts-express.com/wizards/searchResults.cfm?srchExt=CAT&srchCat=835
I have two Titanics.

edoggrc51

ben62670 wrote: »

http://www.parts-express.com/wizards/searchResults.cfm?srchExt=CAT&srchCat=835
I have two Titanics.

Sweet subs! How ya like them? What kind of box(s) do you have them in?

ben62670

Way more powerful than any sub I have heard. I first did a sonosub then I did a pair in sealed enclosers. If you go sealed you will need to EQ it a bit.
Ben

edoggrc51

Yeah EQ makes a big difference. I'm running an LMS ultra in a sealed 24" cube. Getting the SMS-1 dialed in made a HUGE difference.