I have 2 10" AudioBahn Car Subs that I'm no longer using in my car. I've done a little bit of research and although it seems possible to do, I'm not sure how.

My receiver has the ability to set the crossover frequency. I'm trying to figure out how to power this sub.

Option 1: Use a computer power supply and car amp.
I found this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdx4IS1WS-g) that kinda explains how to go about doing this. My question is whether this is safe, and whether the power supply would actually last more than a few weeks.

Option 2: Use a car battery, car charger, and car amp.
My only concern with this approach is the danger of having a car battery and car charger hooked up inside a house/apartment. There are some pretty nasty fumes that car batteries give off, and the car charger could be a fire hazard.

Option 3: Buy a home theater amplifier for the sub.
I've heard this can be tricky. It appears that finding the right resistance (ohms), amps, and wattage can be difficult. It also appears to be costly.


The questions I have are:
1. Which of these are possible?
2. Which is gonna cost the least?
3. Which is going to be the safest?

Thanks!
-Jim-

If you really want to use the car subs, I'd recommend getting a pro audio amplifier. What is the impedance of your subs? What's your budget? If cost is a big issue, go used.

All will work. I wouldn't think that any inexpensive PC power supply would be capable of handling the dynamic power of a subwoofer I could be wrong but this just seems like a bad idea to me for a pair of subs.

The automotive battery/charger will work fine in terms of providing power. But there are a myriad of safety issues both chemically and electrically to worry about.

The "car sub" vs. "home sub" is just marketing. You have to look at the driver's Theile/Small parameters and use software to determine if it will meet your goals for a home theater sub. If you stop by the DIY section, you will see that a lot of us are using subs originally marketed to the car audio crowd but paired with a plate amp or pro amp.

As for your first 2 options, #1 won't work. A computer power supply does not have the ability to deliver the amperage to power a decent car amp. You need a stand alone AC to DC converter that can deliver 50+ amps of 12v DC power. By the time you buy one, it would be cheaper to buy an amp made for 120v AC power. #2 is possible with a sealed battery but again, it isn't cheap. And unless you keep it in a secure area, someone is bound to short out the power terminals. That can quickly start a fire.

-Robert

I am currently running 2 sealed Phoenix Gold Titanium 15's ("car" subs) off an Elemental Designs LT/1300 in my home theater and it sounds (and feels :) ) incredible.

I am currently running 2 sealed Phoenix Gold Titanium 15's ("car" subs) off an Elemental Designs LT/1300 in my home theater and it sounds (and feels :) ) incredible. There's a gallery thread in the DIY section. Post some info and pics. We are always on the lookout for new drivers. I know that some of the PG drivers model great but you are the first I have read about using them.

-Robert