DIY subwoofer - Hoosier's Peerless 12" XLS project

hoosier21

Not sure where to post this, but here it is.

After many months (ok 3 years) of saying I was going to build another subwoofer, my second project is about to start. I was somewhat satisfied with my first DIY subwoofer’s performance, it used an Adire Audio 15” Tempest and (2) matching Adire Audio passive radiators and a Parts Express 250 watt amp. It was a very large box, and say what you want, I knew where it was, localization was very evident, if nothing else the sound pressure was enough to tell you where it was, all lumped over to one side of my room. I have always been a fan of dual subwoofers, and this single beast PROVED to me bass is not totally non-directional. The other thing about the subwoofer that I feel I meshed up on was the amp. I know many have had great success with this plate amp, but driving a 15” and dual 15” PR, the plate amp powered this beast of subwoofer poorly.

So hopefully with my new subwoofer project, I have learned a few things, and this will be AWESOME. I am going to build two subwoofers, and depending on the final cabinet design, they may have dual purposes and speaker stands.

I have been buying a few things here and there for this project.

1. Outlaw Audio ICBM-1 – This is bass management unit, developed for use with DVD-A and SACD players back when they first came out and had very poor bass management. I will be using it as my electronic crossover, placed in the signal past after the preamp, it will send bass signals to the subwoofer amp, and pass the rest on to my stereo amp. $120.00 used (I think)

2. Behringer Feedback Destroyer, this unit has some great reviews all over the net, it is a pro audio device used to eq bass response in your room. Here is a link for more information if you care http://www.snapbug.ws/bfd.htm . $80.00 used

3. QSC USA900 – pro audio amp, 450 watts per channel at 4 ohms, got this here on the forum, should prove to be good cheap power for these subwoofers. $175.00 used

4. THE DRIVERS – I searched and read a bunch of information on many drivers, and to tell you the truth, I liked many of them, I have selected to use the Peerless XLS 12" driver and passive radiator, mainly because I found a couple of decent deals on them on the net, the 2 drivers and 2 PR’s sell at Parts Express for $502.22, I got them all for $374.98, saving $127.24.

So far I got $ 750.00 invested, and now need to build the cabinets.

Looking at NorthCreek’s “Thunder” design, it is found here http://www.northcreekmusic.com/Thunder/ThunderInfo.htm .

Or the Peerless, 1.48 cu. Ft design suggested for these drivers.

Most of this stuff is not here yet, I will post pictures of the drivers amps and such as they come in. I will also take pictures as the project progresses.

Any comments or suggestions are welcome and NEEDED.

Thanks

Russ

tryrrthg

Very cool! I loved building my sub and would very much like to build another one using drivers with Adire's XBL^2 technology.

I also noticed some localization with my sub and I think part of that is due to the Parts Express plate amp. the filter slope is not steep enough. I could hear voices coming from my sub when I had the crossover set at 40hz.

I'm thinking of picking up a BFD this weekend. Behringer is having a huge mail in rebate promotion going right now. There is a $25 rebate on the BFD.

Keep us posted on your project sounds like fun!

dorokusai

When he says he's been talking about this for a long time....he's not kidding. I am very happy that I don't have to listen to this "I really should...." project on the phone anymore, LOL.

Stop talking, and start chalking. Good luck Russ.

gatemplin

Good luck with the project Russ. The Peerless XLS drivers are supposed to be very good. I'm sure these subs will sound awesome. If you or tryrrthg have any BFD questions I'm glad to help. I'm no pro but I have made all the mistakes before . The snapbug site is a big help.

bknauss

Ooooo, North Creek. George Short is a great guy (and a Virginia Tech alum on top of it). I'm sure he'd answer any questions you have.

hoosier21

Update:

I can't edit the title of this thread, but I ordered the Peerless drivers from an Ebay vendor that was collecting orders till he had enough to order the drivers, 2-3 weeks, I asked and got a refund, then had a change of heart, sold the Peerless PRs I had just got, and now I have ordered two Ascendant Audio 15" Atlas drivers.

This will now be a pair of 6 cubic foot ported subwoofers. Drivers should be here Tues. or Wens. Swadust will be flying when we get a break in the weather.

gatemplin

Let me know how they sound Russ. I might be upgrading the Tempest one day and these look like good candidates.

I like how this company operates. Chad dropped the price on the Atlas because it sold so well and gave refunds to all the previous customers.

www.ascendantaudio.com