DB840 sub in LSI15's replace the stock 8"driver!!!!!

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  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited February 2010
    jacob.simpson wrote: »
    Photos please, stock vs modded ...

    Honestly, it doesn't even matter that much unless you plan to run with your side covers off once you do the upgrade.
    Even then it's as simple as looking at a DB sub from polk in order to know how it will look.
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,208
    edited February 2010
    jacob.simpson wrote: »
    Photos please, stock vs modded ...
    PSOVLSK wrote: »
    The fact that it's so hard to get off is the main reason I haven't posted any pictures as has been requested.
    TouchOfEvil wrote: »
    Honestly, it doesn't even matter that much unless you plan to run with your side covers off once you do the upgrade.
    Even then it's as simple as looking at a DB sub from polk in order to know how it will look.

    If I thought pictures would help, I would take the time and effort to take them, but as ToE said, all it would show is a LSi15 with a DB sub in it.
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • love2listen
    love2listen Posts: 172
    edited February 2010
    I was wondering if anyone had done this mod using a different brand of sub, such as a JL sub?
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited February 2010
    Please don't pick a random driver to install in a LSi15.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • tcrossma
    tcrossma Posts: 1,301
    edited February 2010
    Well, I've tried everything I can to remove the damn grills, and no luck. Those things are just stuck in there. I ordered two new drivers and 1 replacement grill thinking that I'd ruin at least one during the process, but in retrospect I should have ordered 2 because I have no choice but to just cut the cloth and yank the covers off. I'll report back once I get the new drivers installed.
    Speakers: Polk LSi15
    Pre: Adcom GFP-750 with HT Bypass
    Amp: Pass Labs X-150
    CD/DVD Player: Classe CDP-10
    Interconnects: MIT Shortgun S3 Pro XLR
    Speaker cables: MIT MH-750 bi-wire
    TT:Micro Seiki DD-35
    Cartridge:Denon DL-160
    Phono Pre:PS Audio GCPH
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited February 2010
    You tried the aforementioned pick?
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • kcoc321
    kcoc321 Posts: 1,788
    edited February 2010
    before you cut, have you tried a plastic putty knife? The grill on my PSW350 was very tight, when I first got it, and I actually thought it didn't come off, until I saw some pictures with it off. That's what worked for me, but then I have never tried on a LSi, but they look the same.

    FWIW, the pegs/ tabs 'should' be at the 4 diagonal points, like 10oc, 2oc, 4oc, 8oc. Again, on mine, but that is logical. Good luck.
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  • tcrossma
    tcrossma Posts: 1,301
    edited February 2010
    I tried a pick, I tried the zip ties, I tried a very thin screw driver, I tried a nail, I tried tweezers. I haven't tried a putty knife, because I don't see how it would work. I can barely fit the zip ties in around the edges of the grill, and there's so little of the grill sticking up (maybe 1/8") that I can't get anything to grip it. I don't want to damage the wood cabinet, and since the replacement grills are $12, I don't really have a problem with cutting them if that's what's needed.

    I've tried using my hands to grip the inside of the grill (stretching the cloth a bit), and while I can get a pretty good hold on the plastic perimeter, I can't pull it out. In other words, it's stuck in there! If after I cut the cloth I found they were glued on, I wouldn't be surprised. I'm sure they're not, but I literally can't make them even budge a little bit.
    Speakers: Polk LSi15
    Pre: Adcom GFP-750 with HT Bypass
    Amp: Pass Labs X-150
    CD/DVD Player: Classe CDP-10
    Interconnects: MIT Shortgun S3 Pro XLR
    Speaker cables: MIT MH-750 bi-wire
    TT:Micro Seiki DD-35
    Cartridge:Denon DL-160
    Phono Pre:PS Audio GCPH
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  • tcrossma
    tcrossma Posts: 1,301
    edited February 2010
    Ok, so the new drivers arrived and I'm working on trying to get them installed. I got one of the grill covers off, but I had to poke a couple small holes in the cloth to do it. Let me tell you, those grills were on there TIGHT. No chance I could have removed it without damaging it.

    Now, I'm trying to remove the driver. Any tips there? Took the screws out, and it doesn't want to budge. There's nothing to grip onto it in order to pull it up and out, and really nothing to get any leverage on to pry it either. I currently have the speaker lying on the floor, upside down, hoping the weight of the driver will help it fall out.

    I tried removing the crossover, but there is no play in the wires so I can't even remove it far enough to reach my hand in and push the driver from the back.

    Anyone have any thoughts?
    Speakers: Polk LSi15
    Pre: Adcom GFP-750 with HT Bypass
    Amp: Pass Labs X-150
    CD/DVD Player: Classe CDP-10
    Interconnects: MIT Shortgun S3 Pro XLR
    Speaker cables: MIT MH-750 bi-wire
    TT:Micro Seiki DD-35
    Cartridge:Denon DL-160
    Phono Pre:PS Audio GCPH
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited February 2010
    tcrossma wrote: »
    I currently have the speaker lying on the floor, upside down, hoping the weight of the driver will help it fall out.
    Give it some time, it will.
    I tried removing the crossover, but there is no play in the wires so I can't even remove it far enough to reach my hand in and push the driver from the back.
    IIRC, even if you do remove the crossover, you would need some really small arms and hands to reach the back of the driver.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • tcrossma
    tcrossma Posts: 1,301
    edited February 2010
    I let it sit for about 30 minutes, and it still wasn't even a little loose. So what I did is take the base off, then insert a stick up the port so I could push the driver from the back. Worked great. One speaker down, one to go.
    Speakers: Polk LSi15
    Pre: Adcom GFP-750 with HT Bypass
    Amp: Pass Labs X-150
    CD/DVD Player: Classe CDP-10
    Interconnects: MIT Shortgun S3 Pro XLR
    Speaker cables: MIT MH-750 bi-wire
    TT:Micro Seiki DD-35
    Cartridge:Denon DL-160
    Phono Pre:PS Audio GCPH
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited February 2010
    Good thinking!
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2010
    While you have the driver removed, dampen the port with rubber mastic, dynamat or similar material. I popped my driver out when I removed the crossover, also from the rear.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • love2listen
    love2listen Posts: 172
    edited February 2010
    tcrossma,
    Are you using the DB840 as the replacement driver? Do you know if the MM840 is an option for this mod or is there something about it that would not allow it to work well. Has anyone else conidered using the MM840?
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  • tcrossma
    tcrossma Posts: 1,301
    edited February 2010
    dorokusai wrote: »
    While you have the driver removed, dampen the port with rubber mastic, dynamat or similar material. I popped my driver out when I removed the crossover, also from the rear.

    I had already finished, but could pop them back out at some point once I get some dynamat. What type of improvement is it supposed to make? And where should I apply it, on the driver itself or just stuffed in the port?

    Thanks for the help everyone. So far it sounds excellent, and I expect that it will get even better as they break in.
    Speakers: Polk LSi15
    Pre: Adcom GFP-750 with HT Bypass
    Amp: Pass Labs X-150
    CD/DVD Player: Classe CDP-10
    Interconnects: MIT Shortgun S3 Pro XLR
    Speaker cables: MIT MH-750 bi-wire
    TT:Micro Seiki DD-35
    Cartridge:Denon DL-160
    Phono Pre:PS Audio GCPH
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2010
    I said dampen the port, not stuff it. You wrap it around the port itself since it's just a cardboard tube.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,208
    edited February 2010
    tcrossma wrote: »
    ...I expect that it will get even better as they break in.

    Yes. Yes it will.

    Sorry to hear you had so much trouble. As xcapri79 said, it must have something to do with older vs. newer model.

    love2listen: I don't know about the other driver you mentioned.
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited February 2010
    love2listen wrote: »
    tcrossma,
    Are you using the DB840 as the replacement driver? Do you know if the MM840 is an option for this mod or is there something about it that would not allow it to work well. Has anyone else conidered using the MM840?

    I think the MM840 is meant more for a sealed use. The lsi15's are ported.
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited February 2010
    love2listen wrote: »
    tcrossma,
    Are you using the DB840 as the replacement driver? Do you know if the MM840 is an option for this mod or is there something about it that would not allow it to work well. Has anyone else conidered using the MM840?

    The MM840 is about 5db more efficient than the DB840 (90 vs 85db efficient). I would guess that the MM840 may make the speaker a little to bass heavy.Supposedy the enclosure size and porting in the LSi15 is just about right for the DB840 as well.

    The DB840 was not designed to work as a replacement for the LSi15 woofer, but it seems to be a very good environment for it. (from a size, porting and required efficiency standpoint).

    I do plan to do this mod to my 15's, and will be using the DB840 when I do. (rather than the potentially less ideal MM840)

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • tcrossma
    tcrossma Posts: 1,301
    edited February 2010
    dorokusai wrote: »
    I said dampen the port, not stuff it. You wrap it around the port itself since it's just a cardboard tube.

    Ah ok, thanks. I think I misunderstood what you meant before. This speaker mod stuff is a bit new to me :)
    Speakers: Polk LSi15
    Pre: Adcom GFP-750 with HT Bypass
    Amp: Pass Labs X-150
    CD/DVD Player: Classe CDP-10
    Interconnects: MIT Shortgun S3 Pro XLR
    Speaker cables: MIT MH-750 bi-wire
    TT:Micro Seiki DD-35
    Cartridge:Denon DL-160
    Phono Pre:PS Audio GCPH
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  • Jason_k
    Jason_k Posts: 110
    edited February 2010
    Here are a few pics I took when I done this MOD. I bought the chaulking Tape at the hardware store, couldn't find any of the brand names mentioned here, but it seemed to do a good job.

    I'am happy with the Mod so far. Maybe Crossovers next? going to give this a little time first.
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  • tcrossma
    tcrossma Posts: 1,301
    edited February 2010
    Interesting. The driver didn't fit that snugly into my LSi15 opening -- it was smaller in diameter than the previous driver. I'd say there was a good 1/4" space around the edge. I put some mortite under the edge of the driver and it seemed to make a nice air tight seal, but it definitely didn't fit as snugly as yours.
    Speakers: Polk LSi15
    Pre: Adcom GFP-750 with HT Bypass
    Amp: Pass Labs X-150
    CD/DVD Player: Classe CDP-10
    Interconnects: MIT Shortgun S3 Pro XLR
    Speaker cables: MIT MH-750 bi-wire
    TT:Micro Seiki DD-35
    Cartridge:Denon DL-160
    Phono Pre:PS Audio GCPH
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  • Jason_k
    Jason_k Posts: 110
    edited February 2010
    That is interesting, I bought them off a reputable(if there is such a thing) dealer on flea bay. They say DB840 on the box, I didn't check on the speaker. Once I took off the rubber gasket they came with, they fit very snug. Holes line up perfectly
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  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited February 2010
    Mine were also a nice snug fit. They would not drop in with the rubber seal on there for me.
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
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  • tcrossma
    tcrossma Posts: 1,301
    edited February 2010
    I didn't have to remove anything on my drivers -- there was nothing to remove, as far as I could tell. I had read about people needing to remove the rubber gasket, but mine either didn't need it removed or it didn't have it in the first place.

    Now I'm getting concerned about why mine isn't the same as everyone else's seems to be...
    Speakers: Polk LSi15
    Pre: Adcom GFP-750 with HT Bypass
    Amp: Pass Labs X-150
    CD/DVD Player: Classe CDP-10
    Interconnects: MIT Shortgun S3 Pro XLR
    Speaker cables: MIT MH-750 bi-wire
    TT:Micro Seiki DD-35
    Cartridge:Denon DL-160
    Phono Pre:PS Audio GCPH
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2010
    Mine was also snug.

    Jason, the xover upgrade shouldn't be taken lightly as it's a serious project....not just a matter of snipping a couple leads and popping on new parts like an SDA xover.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Jason_k
    Jason_k Posts: 110
    edited February 2010
    I appricate the warning, I have looked at what ben62670 has done. I have experience in soldering electronics and such. But this is definitely in a different league all together than the sub change out. To be honest I think the LSI15 sound just great to me, so i'am not sure I'll ever go down that path
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,208
    edited February 2010
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Mine was also snug.

    Jason, the xover upgrade shouldn't be taken lightly as it's a serious project....not just a matter of snipping a couple leads and popping on new parts like an SDA xover.

    Exactly the reason I haven't gotten up the nerve to try it. I would love to hear a pair of 15's that didn't "suck" though:p:D
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited February 2010
    This disaster is a point to point LSi15 crossover, before I secureed and neatened things up. Fortunately, it sounds a lot better than it looks. :D

    LSi15%20Crossover%20After.jpg
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Jason_k
    Jason_k Posts: 110
    edited February 2010
    Face This disaster is a point to point LSi15 crossover, before I secureed and neatened things up. Fortunately, it sounds a lot better than it looks.

    Looks great!
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