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Help with the shopping list to build a sub

post #1 of 12
9/10/08 at 8:25am
Thread Starter 
I am thinking of building a sub with the Maelstrom-X 18" driver. Most suggestions are to go with the EP2500 for the amp. I am going to be using this sub mainly for Home theater in a room ~ 7000 cu ft. These are the questions I have for others who have buiilt similar enclosures.
1. Should I go with a ported enclosure or a sealed enclosure (this is my first attempt). From what I have read tuning the ported sub can be a task.
2. Can I buy a plate amp to power the sub which would be sufficient for this sub
3. Can somebody post a shopping list from your list of things needed in addition to the wood and driver. Mounting plates, other electronics etc..
4. I have always wondered what was the best way to get a circular hole. I have a router, a jig saw, a table saw and a mitre saw. Are there any jig fixture designs available to get a perfect circular cut ?
5. Finally is this the right driver for my application ?
Any input is most appreciated. Thanks.
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post #2 of 12
9/10/08 at 9:26am
What router do you have?

Maelstrom-X is a good Subwoofer, but 7000'³ is quite a large space for any one driver to fill. What you will get from it depends on enclosure placement and also the listening position. Do you already have a subwoofer? If so what is it & what do you think of it?

Oh yea, what's your name?
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post #3 of 12
9/10/08 at 10:40am
1. I'd go sealed for your first attempt. You can always build a ported enclosure later if you want to try something different.
2. Not at a price anywhere near the EP2500. The maelstrom can take some decent power and 1000w+ plate amps are pricey.
3. Binding posts and plate, hurricane or t-nuts if using machine screws to secure the driver, speaker cable of sufficient size, maybe a processor/eq of some sort if required, possibly some fiber fill.
4. Router and jasper jig is my preference. I've used a simple jig saw before and if precision isn't critical it does just fine.
5. It's a nice driver. I'm happy with mine. Neo Dan is probably right that you may need more than one if you want high output levels in that large of a space.
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post #4 of 12
9/10/08 at 2:09pm
Tuning a ported enclosure is a task - a very easy task. If you are sure what frequency to tune it to, then just model your sub from someone else's design. A lot of people have built Dan's "Easy" designs and are happy with them.

-Robert
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post #5 of 12
9/10/08 at 2:23pm
You may want to check out this thread at Audioholics.

With an 18" sub you MAY need to build your own circle jig. I think the Jasper Jig maxes out at 18 and 3/16ths (depends on the cut out diameter).

Check out this link for another recent thread where the poster asked some of the same questions.

For interconnects if using a Behringer EP2500 amp (which I strongly recommend you do) click here.

Try either the Behringer DCX2496 or Elemental Designs eQ.2 for cross over and EQ.
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post #6 of 12
9/10/08 at 3:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jinjuku View Post

You may want to check out this thread at Audioholics.

With an 18" sub you MAY need to build your own circle jig. I think the Jasper Jig maxes out at 18 and 3/16ths (depends on the cut out diameter).

.

Sort of . .
The jig is calibrated for a 1/4" bit.
I believe it is calibrated for the size of the cut out, not the size of the hole.

The maelstrom is 18.5" in outside diameter, and requires a 16.5" cutout.
You can use a 1" bit and the Jasper To flush mount the maelstrom. The package has a formula to calculate which hole to put the pin in for bits other than 1/4". Yet, I highly recommend using scrap MDF to make your first rabbet and cut out, and then dry fitting the speaker.
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post #7 of 12
9/10/08 at 3:34pm
I just did my cutouts for the Maelstrom-X with the Jasper jig. I used a 16 11/16" hole for the driver, and for the faceplate(to flush mount), I used a 1/2" spiral upcut bit with the jig at the 18 3/16" max and it fits fine, with a little wiggle room even.
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post #8 of 12
9/10/08 at 3:39pm
Router issue? Pat Warner to the rescue.


www.patwarner.com, he is a legend in the router world. He has a offset subbase and a circular subbase for greater support, greater precision, and absolute stability for the Porter, DeWalt, Bosch, Routers, esp the DeWalt dw621, a personal favorite of his.
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post #9 of 12
9/10/08 at 4:01pm
you can also make more holes in the jig to go up to a 18 15/16 " cutout by using the exact measurements for the hole pattern on the jasper jig. I measured with a scale and drilled new pivot pin holes for each size from 18 1/4 all the way up the jig to 18 15/16" .If you can measure , mark , and drill accurately this will be a quick and easy mod.
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post #10 of 12
9/10/08 at 4:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rightbrained View Post

you can also make more holes in the jig to go up to a 18 15/16 " cutout by using the exact measurements for the hole pattern on the jasper jig. I measured with a scale and drilled new pivot pin holes for each size from 18 1/4 all the way up the jig to 18 15/16" .If you can measure , mark , and drill accurately this will be a quick and easy mod.

I did the same thing. All it takes is a 1/8" bit and a steady hand.
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post #11 of 12
9/11/08 at 10:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jinjuku View Post

For interconnects if using a Behringer EP2500 amp (which I strongly recommend you do) click here.

Jinjuku, why do you recommend using a XLR-RCA adapter vs. a 1/4"-RCA adapter? I'm about to hook up my EP2500 and am curious why some people say one over the other. Thanks
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post #12 of 12
9/12/08 at 11:44am
Thread Starter 
Thanks all for your wonderfull response and advice. BTW, my name is Sathish. I am really new to DIY speakers. I had a two sets of Bose Acoustimass that I was using in combination for a 5.1 surround sound. I was okay with it in the small space I had it in. I was using whatever sub-woofer it came with. I was never happy with it, but lived with it. However, I have moved into a bigger house, and I have decided to upgrade all the systems, including the reciever. I have the old analog Yamaha reciever which does not handle any digital inputs. Since I have bought the Sony 52" Bravia and I have prewired the house for speakers, I am venturing to put together a good system. Right now, I am not sure what it is, but the sound I get from the bose is so muffled, I have to really struggle to understand the conversation. Its probably a combination of acoustics and poor quality speakers.
So, in effect, I am starting from scratch. I have been debating to go with either the Denon 3808 or the Sony 5300ES. i think I am leaning towards the Denon based on all the input.
One other questions I had was if I need an equalizer for the sub if I am aleardy using a regular reciever such as the Denon 3808.
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