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DIY Sub that can match $1K-1500 ID subs

post #1 of 25
8/16/12 at 3:37pm
Thread Starter 
Are there any DIY subs out there that can be built for considerably less than any of the DIY brands and perform at the same level? I finished a pair of DIY speakers so now am thinking that maybe a DIY sub would be fun. What's the best sub/amp combo for around $500 or $600? I would probably go ported. Right now I have a Rythmik FV15HP. Could I build anything that could even get close to that?
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post #2 of 25
8/16/12 at 3:49pm
Yes. Very easily done. Many choices though.

Simple build: Dayton DVC15 (or Ref15hf) in ~7-8cuft vented enclosure, tune anywhere from 15-20hz and power with a plate amp of choice. You're looking at a $400-600 project right there.
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post #3 of 25
8/16/12 at 3:56pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott Simonian View Post

Yes. Very easily done. Many choices though.
Simple build: Dayton DVC15 (or Ref15hf) in ~7-8cuft vented enclosure, tune anywhere from 15-20hz and power with a plate amp of choice. You're looking at a $400-600 project right there.
'

Thanks man. What about TC sounds LMS 15"? That might put me a little over budget depending on what kind of amp I would need to get to power it, which I know very little about. I should also specify that I care about accuracy a little more than output. I wouldn't want a box much bigger than my FV15HP either.
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post #4 of 25
8/16/12 at 4:00pm
Build your own match to the FV15HP with one of the kits from Rythmik. I don't think there is any sub that sounds as good as the Rythmik.
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post #5 of 25
8/16/12 at 4:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by benclement11 View Post

'
Thanks man. What about TC sounds LMS 15"? That might put me a little over budget depending on what kind of amp I would need to get to power it, which I know very little about. I should also specify that I care about accuracy a little more than output. I wouldn't want a box much bigger than my FV15HP either.

Ah. That's a wee bit different than what you first stated. wink.gif

Yeah, get one or two LMS-R 15's and put them in a 3cuft box each or even dual-opposed and power with a Behringer EP4k to start. A single is what ~$400 and the Berry amp can be had for ~$300. Bam!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fatawan View Post

Build your own match to the FV15HP with one of the kits from Rythmik. I don't think there is any sub that sounds as good as the Rythmik.

Also a good choice.
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post #6 of 25
8/16/12 at 4:42pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fatawan View Post

Build your own match to the FV15HP with one of the kits from Rythmik. I don't think there is any sub that sounds as good as the Rythmik.

Just because I want to try something a little different. I don't buy the whole Rythmik sounds better than anything else hoopla. Though I do love my Rythmik FV15HP and would recommend it to anyone looking to buy ID in the same price category. I do think I can do better via the DIY route or by spends more money the ID route(which I don't want to do). SO basically what does it take to match or surpass my FV15HP? That 7-cu ft box would be out of these question since it's quite a bit bigger.

EDIT using this http://www.bcae1.com/images/swfs/enclosuresize.swf 7-8 cu ft isn't a whole lot bigger. Can that part express design really get me there?
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post #7 of 25
8/16/12 at 4:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by benclement11 View Post

Just because I want to try something a little different. I don't buy the whole Rythmik sounds better than anything else hoopla. Though I do love my Rythmik FV15HP and would recommend it to anyone looking to buy ID in the same price category. I do think I can do better via the DIY route or by spends more money the ID route(which I don't want to do). SO basically what does it take to match or surpass my FV15HP? That 7-cu ft box would be out of these question since it's quite a bit bigger.
EDIT using this http://www.bcae1.com/images/swfs/enclosuresize.swf 7-8 cu ft isn't a whole lot bigger. Can that part express design really get me there?

I have 4 of the 15" sealed Rythmiks, and I have had just about every other driver through here, in almost every arrangement. If I had to do it all over again, I would have been better served by just getting more Rythmiks and spreading them around the room. To me, and many others, they do sound better. However, I do understand your quest for more/better. I am still doing it!
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post #8 of 25
8/16/12 at 5:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by benclement11 View Post

Are there any DIY subs out there that can be built for considerably less than any of the DIY brands and perform at the same level?

Piece of cake. $1500 would build two of my sig, buy the amp, and buy a miniDSP with change left over. Wouldn't perform at the same level though... in a good way biggrin.gif
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post #9 of 25
8/16/12 at 6:16pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Oklahoma Wolf View Post

Piece of cake. $1500 would build two of my sig, buy the amp, and buy a miniDSP with change left over. Wouldn't perform at the same level though... in a good way biggrin.gif

I think you misunderstood. I am looking for something in the $500-700 range that can compete. sub/amp together.

Also, another reason I'm not interested in necessarily matching the rythmik I have is because I'm not putting them in the same room. The DIY would go upstairs in a 2 channel set-up.
Don't get me wrong, i love my sub. So if that's the best route to go for the $700 then I'd do it. But I'd think there would be a better option. The 15" LMS is pretty tempting.
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post #10 of 25
8/16/12 at 6:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by benclement11 View Post

I think you misunderstood. I am looking for something in the $500-700 range that can compete. sub/amp together.

No, not really. No law saying you need two of them - one with a BASH500 would still get the job done, though it'd push the budget a little. I was just pointing out what you can do with the cost of that ID sub.

That said, my design would be better suited to the theater room. It isn't really the best way to go for music, or occasional listening. It just takes up too much space, and is geared more for people who need SPL in more difficult rooms on the cheap.
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post #11 of 25
8/16/12 at 10:54pm
You can basically do the same thing that I told this guy to do, just build the box to be the same size as the FV15 instead of a 21" cube and you will get a bit deeper extension

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1424777/diy-sub-time-need-help-with-driver-selection#post_22310856
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post #12 of 25
8/17/12 at 3:47pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay1 View Post

You can basically do the same thing that I told this guy to do, just build the box to be the same size as the FV15 instead of a 21" cube and you will get a bit deeper extension
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1424777/diy-sub-time-need-help-with-driver-selection#post_22310856

I don't see what woofer and amp you suggest?
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post #13 of 25
8/17/12 at 5:28pm
"What about TC sounds LMS 15?"

you could build something that you won't find internet direct because it is so absurd only a few would ever accept it.

post #51 kind of sums it up...

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1420594/hornsub-with-lms-r-how-to-construct/30
Edited by LTD02 - 8/17/12 at 5:34pm
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post #14 of 25
8/17/12 at 6:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by benclement11 View Post

I don't see what woofer and amp you suggest?

For the woofer

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=295-469

Amp is your choice

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=301-512

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-807

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-752
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post #15 of 25
8/17/12 at 6:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by LTD02 View Post

"What about TC sounds LMS 15?"
you could build something that you won't find internet direct because it is so absurd only a few would ever accept it.
post #51 kind of sums it up...
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1420594/hornsub-with-lms-r-how-to-construct/30

def open to the LMS 15. But the box in that link is way too big. I would want much bigger than 2'x2'x2'. SO whatever dimensions that can optimize sound quality and output balance....staying around that size. Don't undertstand much how box volume effects sound quality/output.
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post #16 of 25
8/17/12 at 6:24pm
I would recommend a BFM Tuba HT if size is not an issue. It's right in your price range and performs wonderfully.
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post #17 of 25
8/17/12 at 6:28pm
for a smallish sealed system, consider 4 dayton 390ho drivers in ~2 cubic foot enclosures and put them in your corners.

with eq., that would be quite close to what harman/jbl runs in their reference/testing room.
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post #18 of 25
8/17/12 at 7:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by anikun07 View Post

I would recommend a BFM Tuba HT if size is not an issue. It's right in your price range and performs wonderfully.
dude. thanks. but you must have not read any of the posts. smile.gif
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post #19 of 25
8/17/12 at 7:10pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by LTD02 View Post

for a smallish sealed system, consider 4 dayton 390ho drivers in ~2 cubic foot enclosures and put them in your corners.
with eq., that would be quite close to what harman/jbl runs in their reference/testing room.

hmmm. Maybe I need to be more clear.

I want a subwoofer.
I want to stay around $600-$700 for driver and amp(not enclosure)
I dont want much bigger than a 2'x2'x2' box
I only want to build ONE subwoofer.
I value sound quality as much as output. One note wonders need not apply.


If it does not fit these parameters, please don't suggest it. Unless it's stretching the budget slightly to for a huge performance leap for minimal cash leap. Not trying to be a jerk as I appreciate feedback. It's really tough to get straight answers though. Everyone wants to suggest something other than what you are asking for. Thanks
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post #20 of 25
8/17/12 at 7:23pm
"I only want to build ONE subwoofer."

oh, that might not be the best idea...

room modes are likely to be your enemy.

best,
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post #21 of 25
8/17/12 at 8:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fatawan View Post

I have 4 of the 15" sealed Rythmiks, and I have had just about every other driver through here, in almost every arrangement. If I had to do it all over again, I would have been better served by just getting more Rythmiks and spreading them around the room. To me, and many others, they do sound better. However, I do understand your quest for more/better. I am still doing it!
out of curiosity, exactly which 15" driver that you've tried before to come to the conclusion that 15" rythmiks sound better?
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post #22 of 25
8/17/12 at 9:22pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by LTD02 View Post

"I only want to build ONE subwoofer."
oh, that might not be the best idea...
room modes are likely to be your enemy.
best,

dude I have been running a single subwoofer for 2-3 years now. It works well for me. I understand all the implications and benefits of multiple. So if you are going to make suggestions...please follow the parameters I have set. It cracks me up how people on here can't stick to what a person is asking. It's always some other suggestion. I can understand this if the person in completely clueless. I am not...so please, your suggestions are useless if they are not within my parameters. I have them for a reason.
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post #23 of 25
8/17/12 at 9:25pm
Thread Starter 
I think I like Scott's plan. Are there any specific box design for a 3 cu ft box out there? Port size and length?
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post #24 of 25
8/17/12 at 11:20pm
Just to point out, the TC Sounds LMS series are used by an ID company called Selah.

http://www.selahaudio.com/id249.html

I dunno how their pricing compares to other ID, but you can make these subs considerably less than what they charge.
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post #25 of 25
8/17/12 at 11:37pm
Could get a w15gti on classify and a inuke3000dsp and 2 pr for that budget
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