Stereo Integrity's new HT Subwoofer - Page 38

Bad ass sub

Huh, what?

I picked up two of these 18's. This is my first time building a sub, so please forgive the noob questions:

1. Is there a gasket or anything else that needs to be put down before I mount the sub to the baffle? Some sort of sealant?

2. I made the boxes out of MDF and was planning to use SPAX screws, due mostly to my inexperience and desire to keep things uncomplicated. Is there any concern with mounting the driver for a test run/placement ideas, then removing it again for finishing?

Thanks in advance.

Sub comes with a gasket

SPAX screws work great. No worries if only removing it once or twice. More than that I'd use another mounting option.

You will still want to add in a foam gasket to use as these rubber ones that come with like drivers aren't all that great. They look nice though!

I hate those garbage trim rings. I also never use the same holes twice for mounting. I just spin the sub a few cm's and drill new ones. With the LMS-U's that may be a problem because of the logo but for everything else, it's the best idea. You always get the most bite.

+1

Same siitation with my LMS-U.

+2 with just about every sub. I need to snap a pic of all the dang rubber rings I have from previous speakers... I just opt for the closed cell foam. 1/8"x3/8" or up to 1/2" depending on what I am doing. PE has it in 50 foot rolls on the cheap. I have to confess I didn't want to wait last time so I went and got some at ACE and still have a bunch layin around Just make sure it is CLOSED cell, not open cell...

McMaster-Carr sells what seems identical to the PE tape, but with a larger variety of sizes.

Part #8694K67 is 1/8 X 3/4. Search their site for that and you see the other sizes listed. That place is a DIY paradise.

Hopefully the stuff from McMaster-Carr has good adhesion like the PE tape, one of the reasons I like it better than Hardware store stuff.

I am with you guys on removing the rubber rings and using closed cell foam, just a better way to ensure a good seal.

Scott,

Send me an email at the htsales email address and I'll forward you the tracking info on your woofers. Also check your spam filter because the tracking email comes directly from FedEx. I'll be back in the office tomorrow.

How bout this?

Greg,

1/4" is a little taller than I have used in the past, and that doesn't say whether or not it is closed cell or open, but assuming it is closed, you just make that recess for the speaker a little deeper and you are all good, it is all about the same stuff...

Thx Beast

JB updated me on my box that he's building, and he's got a thread up on it. It looks amazing already.

The original plan was a duratex coating, but that wood finish looks so nice, I'm thinking black stain to keep the woodgrain.

^ That looks fantastic.

How did he get the SI in 2009?

Thats what I buy from HD. It's closed cell and works perfect. I buy the 1/2 stuff.

Lol I said the same thing. Cam date wasn't adjusted.

Man, sucks you didn't mention that to him in the first place. He most definitely would have taken a different approach. Now when he finishes, you may see the fill he used to fill the screw holes.

Also, keep in mind that staining will be a bit more of an involved (time consuming) finishing process, so don't be surprised if the cost goes up...

However, I can't speak directly for your builder so keep us updated. Great looking box indeed!

I know. After seeing that though, I just couldn't bring myself to have it layered in Duratex. I'll find a way to hide it after its fully built if I need to.

Yeah, cost and time will go up, but this deserves it. I've stained a few pieces of furniture myself, like my reef tank stand, and they've always been gorgeous afterwards.

Closed-cell foam can be pretty firm, as the trapped air has to be compressed.

Are people trying to smoosh it down to nothing, or rebating the baffle a bit to give a fixed amount of compression?

im guessing using the rubber ring and not using it depends on the surface your mounting to. the surface mine are on is very smooth. i have zero leaks using just the rubber ring, but i can see where it might not work good against a duratex like surface.

that is why I suggest closed cell, and in the 1/8" variety, as it compresses enough to seal the driver well while lot leaving the driver sticking out from the box. you get up to 1/4-1/2" and this will certainly start becoming a problem.

Well... yeah. It's a gasket.

Got my tracking info just now. Nine packages! 351lbs of drivers!

Thank you!

eleventy thousand pounds!!! Haha, that is an ORDER son!!!

Damn! You ain't messin'!!!

They're only 35lbs each. I'll be alright and I'm still young, just getting fatter.

Yeah I am just being a smart ass... I am definitely interested in your build.