Good Idea/Bad Idea? Subwoofer Coffee Table

dane_peterson
dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
edited May 2010 in Subwoofer Hookup & Bass Management
So, the guy that bought my Polks is also interested in buying my HSU sub. I hadn't really considered the notion, because I'd end up spending a lot more on an upgrade.
After building my TV stand, my wife asked if I'd make a coffee table. Our current coffee table is too long, and frankly a piece of crap. I'm all for the idea, as soon as I come up with a decent design.

Then the lightbulb went off... kill two birds with one stone!

I've been reading quite a few threads over the last couple days, and the size I'd need would be similar to the size of the coffee table I want. I'd like to run a single 15" driver and tune to around 15-18Hz. Nothing ridiculous like Sid or something... just a respectable sub that also functions as the center of our furniture.

Would this be a completely retarded idea?
Post edited by dane_peterson on
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Comments

  • Music Joe
    Music Joe Posts: 459
    edited September 2007
    The room determines the best location of both the coffee table and the subwoofer.
    The two will most likely be optimal in differing spots.
    "The Web is a monoblog"
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited September 2007
    The coffee table location is probably not optimal for subwoofer performance.
    Never Forget
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  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited September 2007
    That's enough for me then! You're right... putting it smack dab in the center of the room wouldn't really be the best plan.

    I may still be making a sub, but it will be more likely a side table if anything. Thanks guys.
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  • jwhitakr
    jwhitakr Posts: 568
    edited September 2007
    With a subwoofer that ran double duty as a coffee table, I'd be awfully scared of spilling something on it and ruining the finish. With dogs, kids, etc. running around and food and drinks in the mix, that sounds like a risky situation.

    I say stick with your HSU and abandon the coffee table / side table subwoofer idea... if you decide to sell the HSU, I'll predict you'll miss it and want it back in no time flat. :-)
    My HT
    HDTV: Panasonic PT-61LCX65 61" Rear Proj. LCD
    AVR: Harman Kardon AVR 235
    Video: 80GB PS3, Toshiba HD-XA1 HD DVD
    Fronts: Polk Audio RTi8
    Center: Polk Audio CSi3
    Amp: Emotiva LPA-1
    Surrounds: Polk Audio R150
    Sub: HSU STF-3

    The only true barrier to knowledge is the assumption that you already have it. - C.H. Dodd
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited September 2007
    How would you run and hide the power cord and subwoofer cable in a coffee table?

    Good idea, though.

    I've often thought about making a subwoofer platform and putting my couch on top of it. It's done all the time in dedicated HT rooms.

    I dunno if there's a major issue with the coffee table location. Even if you put the sub in a side table, it still may not be any more optimal than the location of the coffee table.

    I'm sure your VTF-3 kicks ****, but it ain't gonna perform better than a good DIYer with a hearty 15 incher in it tuned to 15-18 Hz. Go for it.

    BTW -- consider using two 15 inchers. Or how about building two 15" subs -- one on each side of the sitting position. Yeah!
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited September 2007
    Early B, I'd probably just build it passive, and have the sub amp on my component rack. Then just run speaker cable under the couch and against the wall. I could have the cable exit the corner towards the side table between the couches, so it wouldn't get in the way much.
    After posting this thread, I found this site, which is darn near exactly what my idea consisted of.
    http://www.toshistation.com/thunder/default.htm
    I'd put a nice protective coating on top of the finish, so it would be essentially waterproof. But the positioning thing could still be a problem. However, I don't know that the HSU is in a fabulous spot right now either, but that's pretty much the only location I have room for.
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  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited September 2007
    Early B. wrote: »
    I've often thought about making a subwoofer platform and putting my couch on top of it. It's done all the time in dedicated HT rooms.

    I really like this idea too... if I had more space, that would have been the original plan. Maybe when we get a house and I can do my own carpeting.
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited September 2007
    dane_peterson wrote: »
    After posting this thread, I found this site, which is darn near exactly what my idea consisted of.
    http://www.toshistation.com/thunder/default.htm

    Yo, Dane, dude... you gotta do this. Very, very cool.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited September 2007
    ok, that guy's turned out well so maybe it's feasible...
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited September 2007
    dane_peterson wrote: »
    But the positioning thing could still be a problem. However, I don't know that the HSU is in a fabulous spot right now either, but that's pretty much the only location I have room for.

    Dane -- try this.

    Move your Hsu where in the coffee table position and play a few DVDs. This should give you a general idea of the difference in sound between the two positions.

    Let us know what you find out.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited September 2007
    Early B. wrote: »
    Dane -- try this.

    Move your Hsu where in the coffee table position and play a few DVDs. This should give you a general idea of the difference in sound between the two positions.

    Let us know what you find out.

    Good call.
    I'll try it out as soon as the Jolida comes in on Mon/Tues.
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  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited September 2007
    All right,
    After further consideration and in talking with one of my DIY buddies, I think we're going to make a couple of 15" Sonosubs. One for me, one for him. Chances are his will be much more budget than mine. But I'll post in the DIY forum as things progress. :)
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  • edbert
    edbert Posts: 1,041
    edited September 2007
    The side table idea works quite well. I have a cousin that did this and it's awesome! It even has a drawer at the top to hold his remotes and stuff. It's pretty large for a side table, but it looks and sounds good.
    I know just enough to be dangerous, but don't tell my wife, she thinks I'm a genius. :D

    Pioneer VSX-816
    Monitor 40's - fronts, bi-amped
    Monitor 30's - surrounds
    CS1 - center
    PSW10 - I'll let you guess
    Blue Jeans Cable - speaker cable
    Daewoo 27 incher - one step up from a console
    Sony Progressive scan DVD
    XBOX

    SOPA since 2008
    Here's my stuff.
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  • bigaudiofanatic
    bigaudiofanatic Posts: 4,415
    edited September 2007
    I like the idea but hey not the best place
    HT setup
    Panasonic 50" TH-50PZ80U
    Denon DBP-1610
    Monster HTS 1650
    Carver A400X :cool:
    MIT Exp 3 Speaker Wire
    Kef 104/2
    URC MX-780 Remote
    Sonos Play 1

    Living Room
    63 inch Samsung PN63C800YF
    Polk Surroundbar 3000
    Samsung BD-C7900
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  • Music Joe
    Music Joe Posts: 459
    edited September 2007
    Lift this idea and rescale it to your needs. A side table can look good about anywhere in the room.
    "The Web is a monoblog"
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  • 2michaud
    2michaud Posts: 132
    edited September 2007
    just one thought, we still don't know what strange effects sub-frequencies have on cans of beer that sit on subwoofer coffee tables....could be deadly :D;)
    I think Bananas are awesome fruit.

    HT: Polk Audio RTi8 x2, Polk Audio CSi5, Polk Audio FXi3 x2, Velodyne DPS-12, Harman/Kardon AVR 247, Samsung 245BW Moniter/TV, Yamaha S1700 DVD/SACD, BJC Optical Cable, 12 guage speaker cable, Monster Standard Subwoofer Cable, Monster Lightspeed 1000 Optical Cable, Z-Line component rack, APC SurgeArrest 11-outlet.

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=81835
    ____________________
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  • fatchowmein
    fatchowmein Posts: 2,637
    edited September 2007
    I have my Outlaw LFM-1 Plus doing double duty because we needed a new end table for the recliner after one of the dogs (55lb, 65lb, or both) ran into the last one and split the legs. The sub passed the WAF and dog test (they can't even budge it). However, it makes the bass very directional which is kinda annoying to me but the Mrs doesn't seem to notice. I would love to move it but I have severe space limitation in our apartment.

    As for spills, the Outlaw is very stable with a glass top plus we added a placemat (Pier 1 import) and coasters. So far so good.

    Knock on wood.
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited September 2007
    fatchowmein wrote: »
    I have my Outlaw LFM-1 Plus doing double duty because we needed a new end table for the recliner after one of the dogs (55lb, 65lb, or both) ran into the last one and split the legs. The sub passed the WAF and dog test (they can't even budge it). However, it makes the bass very directional which is kinda annoying to me but the Mrs doesn't seem to notice. I would love to move it but I have severe space limitation in our apartment.

    As for spills, the Outlaw is very stable with a glass top plus we added a placemat (Pier 1 import) and coasters. So far so good.

    Knock on wood.


    Ya, I just got my LFM-EX and the thing is really friggen huge. I've been thinking about what I can do with it. Maybe make it my center stand or actually place it next to the theater chairs like an end table. Maybe even placed up front holding some of my Outlaw monoblocks. Its hard to find a dedicated spot for this thing to just be a sub.
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • tsandesson115
    tsandesson115 Posts: 1
    edited September 2009
    wonderful! thanks for the info..
    laser liposuction before and after pictures cost find pictures of a laser liposuction from before and after the treatment laser liposuction before and after pictures cost
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,191
    edited September 2009
    Thought, maybe, I smelt a rat ...
    Thought, maybe, I saw a rat ...
    Thought, maybe, I heard a rat ...

    Oh yeah ... that's a rat. Nice invisible link, you fookin' scourge of the Club Polk universe!

    tsandesson115 ^^^^ has been reported.

    Oh, and Dane, did you ever do any of that stuff you discussed in this thread?!
    Alea jacta est!
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  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited September 2009
    Kex wrote: »
    Thought, maybe, I smelt a rat ...
    Thought, maybe, I saw a rat ...
    Thought, maybe, I heard a rat ...

    Oh yeah ... that's a rat. Nice invisible link, you fookin' scourge of the Club Polk universe!

    tsandesson115 ^^^^ has been reported.

    Oh, and Dane, did you ever do any of that stuff you discussed in this thread?!
    Good eyes Kex :D I wouldn't have picked that up! If at least it were audio related!
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
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  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited May 2010
    Kex,
    EXTREMELY late reply, but late is always better than never.
    I ended up building a sonosub... then selling it to a Polk member. Then I finished my buddy's who lost interest... and sold it to the same Polk member. :D And now I don't have a dedicated theater room, so I won't be running a sub for some time.
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