[shaps1001]

Hi all. My Elemental Designs A2-300 just kicked the bucket so I need a new sub and I'm pretty set on DIY. I've been doing some reading and I think I've narrowed it down 2x the Johnnysub version of the Marty with the 460HO or 2x VBSS with the PA460.

My set up is as follows: 70% HT / TV and 30% music. Room is 17x17 with 10ft ceilings. Receiver is Denon x3700h, I don't own any standalone amps. Front LR are Infinity P362, center is C350, rears are P162. Room has sonance in-ceiling speakers from the prior owner which I am using as Atmos speakers. I have generally crossed the LR at 80hz and the other speakers at 100-120hz. For some reason in this room the Center seems to totally die below 110hz but that's a topic for another day.

Ideally, I would like to keep the subs on the front wall below the projector screen which is set at 34.5" high, thus the size constraints.

So the question is, how much better will the Johnnysub perform? The drivers are obviously a lot more and I will need a more powerful amp as well so it will probably double the cost of the build.

 

[johnson636]

If it were me, given the price of the 460HO, I'd get 2x LaVoce SAN184.03. This way you would get the best of both worlds in regards to movies and music They are currently out of stock, so take that into consideration.

 

[shaps1001]

If it were me, given the price of the 460HO, I'd get 2x LaVoce SAN184.03. This way you would get the best of both worlds in regards to movies and music They are currently out of stock, so take that into consideration.

Thanks. That would be in the Johnnysub box? But yeah, I would rather not wait that long if I have other options.

 

[johnson636]

Is your max budget around $350-$375? If you could swing $350 more, you could get dual LaVoce SAN214.50. No doubt you'd be happy with that setup
BTW, I'd get the 460ho given your intended usage.

 

[shaps1001]

Is your max budget around $350-$375? If you could swing $350 more, you could get dual LaVoce SAN214.50. No doubt you'd be happy with that setup
BTW, I'd get the 460ho given your intended usage.

Ha. I don't think 21" is in the cards this time. I'd really like to keep the total cost including the amp under $1Kish. I assume the box would have to be much bigger too. I do see the LaVoce SAN184.03 in stock in some non-PE sellers for around $320 to $340. Which cabinet design would you use for them with my size constraints?

 

[theNEW]

Ha. I don't think 21" is in the cards this time. I'd really like to keep the total cost including the amp under $1Kish. I assume the box would have to be much bigger too. I do see the LaVoce SAN184.03 in stock in some non-PE sellers for around $320 to $340. Which cabinet design would you use for them with my size constraints?

I went from dual 460HO in Johnny subs to dual SAN214.50 in my Johnny cabs. They are just awesome. I did this upgrade in a year and a half. I listen to a lot of music as well. Both setups are/were powered by an NX6000D. I think you will be happy with either, but if you can spring for the 21"s, I would go that way.

 

[shaps1001]

I went from dual 460HO in Johnny subs to dual SAN214.50 in my Johnny cabs. They are just awesome. I did this upgrade in a year and a half. I listen to a lot of music as well. Both setups are/were powered by an NX6000D. I think you will be happy with either, but if you can spring for the 21"s, I would go that way.

Thanks. I've reading mostly older threads and I didn't realize how close the price was on the 21s and that they would work in a Johnny-sized box. Would it make sense to make any changes to the port dimensions from the standard design?

 

[chadsmith013]

Is your max budget around $350-$375? If you could swing $350 more, you could get dual LaVoce SAN214.50. No doubt you'd be happy with that setup
BTW, I'd get the 460ho given your intended usage.

dual lavoce 214.50 for the win!!!

i went from dual HO 18s to Lavoce 21s and it wasnt even close..

 

[chadsmith013]

Thanks. I've reading mostly older threads and I didn't realize how close the price was on the 21s and that they would work in a Johnny-sized box. Would it make sense to make any changes to the port dimensions from the standard design?

or if have room can do a cyclops style enclosure..

look at the first review on parts express for this sub..thats my cyclops enclosure..

 

[shaps1001]

You guys are making my wallet cry. Can't someone be the voice of reason and tell me to do the VBSS or fix the A2-300. To recap and include better amps to drive the recommended speakers, it looks like we have:

Option 1: 2x VBSS w/ PA460 - Cost: $200 + $400 for NX3000D = $600 + material
Option 2: 2x Johnny w/ 460HO - Cost: $630 + $400 for NX3000D = $1030 + material (or do I need an nx6000 for this too)
Option 3: 2x Johnny w/ LaVoce SAN184.03 - Cost: $640 + $600 for NX6000D = $1240 + material
Option 4: 2x Johnny w/ LaVoce SAN214.50 - Cost: $960 + $600 for NX6000D = $1560 + material

Is that right?

 

[johnson636]

You guys are making my wallet cry. Can't someone be the voice of reason and tell me to do the VBSS or fix the A2-300. To recap and include better amps to drive the recommended speakers, it looks like we have:

Option 1: 2x VBSS w/ PA460 - Cost: $200 + $400 for NX3000D = $600 + material
Option 2: 2x Johnny w/ 460HO - Cost: $630 + $400 for NX3000D = $1030 + material (or do I need an nx6000 for this too)
Option 3: 2x Johnny w/ LaVoce SAN184.03 - Cost: $640 + $600 for NX6000D = $1240 + material
Option 4: 2x Johnny w/ LaVoce SAN214.50 - Cost: $960 + $600 for NX6000D = $1560 + material

Is that right?

Ok, build two vbss or fix your A2-300 amp

However, Option four will best your other three options

 

[chadsmith013]

You guys are making my wallet cry. Can't someone be the voice of reason and tell me to do the VBSS or fix the A2-300. To recap and include better amps to drive the recommended speakers, it looks like we have:

Option 1: 2x VBSS w/ PA460 - Cost: $200 + $400 for NX3000D = $600 + material
Option 2: 2x Johnny w/ 460HO - Cost: $630 + $400 for NX3000D = $1030 + material (or do I need an nx6000 for this too)
Option 3: 2x Johnny w/ LaVoce SAN184.03 - Cost: $640 + $600 for NX6000D = $1240 + material
Option 4: 2x Johnny w/ LaVoce SAN214.50 - Cost: $960 + $600 for NX6000D = $1560 + material

Is that right?

option 4 and never look back and feel like you are missing something or have those what if questions..

and dont forget coupon codes from parts express..they are easily found

 

[John Dowty]

Voice of cheap reason here.
If you don't have a huge room, or need huge levels of bass.. the 2x VBSS option is just that.. it's the most value for the money.
Plain and simple.
The 2 VBSS units I built back in.. April?.. are still capable of more than what I need.
My 24'x24' basement shakes.. I hear drywall flex.. the doors in the back start oscillating.. lol.. and that's not even fully driven.

Sure, there's a rabbit hole you could fall down.. but do you really need to? It's a lot more money after all.

Have a good Friday!.. and enjoy w/e choice you go with!

 

[theNEW]

Thanks. I've reading mostly older threads and I didn't realize how close the price was on the 21s and that they would work in a Johnny-sized box. Would it make sense to make any changes to the port dimensions from the standard design?

I didn’t modify the port length. My room is fairly large at 22x15x8 and they fill it great. Gsg sells their Marty cube for the 21” and it is very similar to the Johnny.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[shaps1001]

I didn’t modify the port length. My room is fairly large at 22x15x8 and they fill it great. Gsg sells their Marty cube for the 21” and it is very similar to the Johnny.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks

 

[shaps1001]

I was thinking about this and I realized that I could probably fit two more VBSS in the back corners of the room for a total of four. So I'll call that option 5!

 

[homer15908]

I was thinking about this and I realized that I could probably fit two more VBSS in the back corners of the room for a total of four. So I'll call that option 5!

I'm interested in which option you go for, as my a2-300 just died on me about 4 days ago, and I'm also looking into DIY for a sub/s.

 

[Craig S King]

A possible 5th option, 2x Dual VBSS cabinets. That would only increase the price $200 and would work great with the NX300. In fact, 4 of the PA460s would be better than a pair anyway.

 

[homer15908]

2x Dual VBSS cabinets

Do you think I would hear a noticeable difference in output if I went for 2x dual vbss cabinets? My room is about 15L x12W x8H

 

[Vergiliusm]

Can't someone be the voice of reason and tell me to do the VBSS or fix the A2-300.

Sorry, you're in the wrong subforum for that. Option 4 is buy once, cry once.

Do you think I would hear a noticeable difference in output if I went for 2x dual vbss cabinets? My room is about 15L x12W x8H

Yes, you'll have more headroom and smoother response in a wider listening area.