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Any advice would be much appreciated

869 Views 8 Replies 4 Participants Last post by wwinkler, Nov 9, 2010

showgren

Discussion Starter · Nov 9, 2010

I am ready to add a sub to my low budget home theater, obviously I would like the best sub I can afford. I am interested in the DIY method so as to get more bang from my buck, plus I enjoy building.

Background and current equipment (Pictures of my room are also attached)

Dimensions: 17' by 20', with a cathedral ceiling that peaks at 10.4'. Also two openings on one end of the room measuring, 4'x3' and 6'x7'. Ideal placeament is front left corner, next to AV stand, or back left corner.

Receiver: VSX-1020K, hardly ever listen above -10db

Speakers: All 5 are Proficient IW550 in wall speakers (high wife appeal)

cash: I would like to spend less than $350

dimensions: 15" cubed is probably the max...

I would probably prefer down firing as I have a small kid.

Listening habits: 95% HT, 5 % Music

I am hoping for suggestions that will lead me to a very detailed guide and designs that are tried and tested, including copies of popular "for sale" subs if needed. I am also looking for suggestion on what driver and amps would work best and best places from which to purchase. I am ignorant to many of the acronyms I run into while reading the forums, so please excuse me if I ask fundamental questions (is there a forum that has acronyms defined).

I have no understanding of the proper way to hook a sub up, whether it be through the sub out or an extra channel on the receiver. I also I have no idea how to do a crossover, but I believe I was told to cross over at 100 Hz. I won't be offended if the advice is to purchase from one of the internet direct dealers as I am also considering this. Building this will be my winter project, so I am not in a huge hurry, but I would like to get started soon, before the money finds another project. Thanks in advance for your help. I have been glued to this forum for the past two weeks, in awe of all the knowledge available.

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Erich H

· #2 · Nov 9, 2010

Your best bet might be to check out the Polk 12". I believe it's the PSW505 model. NewEgg has had them for under $200 shipped a few times in the last month. Matter of fact, I think they had a coupon that took them down to about $175 last week. That's pretty crazy for that subwoofer. I use to own one before I went a little DIY nuts.

Honestly, it would be very tough to beat that sub for that price. For a typical store bought subwoofer, I highly doubt you'll find a better deal. And doubt it could be matched in the DIY area for that cost once you figure finishing the enclosure in something nice.

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CZ Eddie

· #3 · Nov 9, 2010

Sorry, I didn't read all your post. Is your couch directly in the center of the room? Generally that is a bad spot for it. 1/3 or 2/3 of the room are much better locations. You can get some cancellation in the center of the room.

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CZ Eddie

· #4 · Nov 9, 2010

Yikes, a 15" cube in a room that size is way too little for anything other than music only. Is there an attic above your room? Why not build a proper sub enclosure for the attic and have it firing through a small vent in the ceiling.

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showgren

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 9, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by CZ Eddie /forum/post/0

Sorry, I didn't read all your post. Is your couch directly in the center of the room? Generally that is a bad spot for it. 1/3 or 2/3 of the room are much better locations. You can get some cancellation in the center of the room.

No, it is off center in both directions, hard to tell from the pictures.

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showgren

Discussion Starter · #6 · Nov 9, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by CZ Eddie /forum/post/0

Yikes, a 15" cube in a room that size is way too little for anything other than music only. Is there an attic above your room? Why not build a proper sub enclosure for the attic and have it firing through a small vent in the ceiling.

Unfortunately there is no attic. I knew my dimensions were challenging, but I didn't know they were hopeless. How much larger of an enclosure are we looking at to fill this room.

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showgren

Discussion Starter · #7 · Nov 9, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by Erich H /forum/post/0

Your best bet might be to check out the Polk 12". I believe it's the PSW505 model. NewEgg has had them for under $200 shipped a few times in the last month. Matter of fact, I think they had a coupon that took them down to about $175 last week. That's pretty crazy for that subwoofer. I use to own one before I went a little DIY nuts.

Honestly, it would be very tough to beat that sub for that price. For a typical store bought subwoofer, I highly doubt you'll find a better deal. And doubt it could be matched in the DIY area for that cost once you figure finishing the enclosure in something nice.

Yea, I saw that deal last week, but wasn't sure how good of a deal it was. I have never seen it recommended on this site I am used to seeing bic200 recommended in my price range.

For now I am not too concerned about finish, is it hard to add a proper finish down the road?

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Erich H

· #8 · Nov 9, 2010

The Polk PSW505 beats the BIC. It's been discussed before on this site, even in the DIY area, but not many times simply because this is the DIY area.

Check for reviews. There's one that actually compares the 2 brands/models. But also check buyer reviews, they're all good. For under $200, you won't beat that subwoofer for what it does at it's size. With the size restrictions you have and your budget, I'm not sure the DIY method will give you what you want. There's a chance you could find a used last model TC Sounds 12" and buy a 300 watt plate amp from Parts Express.

If you could move a bit on the size, you could try the 25hz Anarchy tapped horn and stuff it in a corner.

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wwinkler

· #9 · Nov 9, 2010

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volum...er-4-2005.html

At around $200, it is a good value but as the review indicates the response falls off significantly below 35 Hz.

Exodus Anarchy thread
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1238398

You could build two. If you have an old receiver sitting around, you can use the subwoofer out in the 1020K with frequencies below a suitable cutoff, run a line to the receiver, and then connect the L/R speaker outputs from the receiver to the subwoofers.

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