DIY Sub

[hmmmm]

I'm just curious to know some good "do it yourself sub" projects for a beginner (me) I currently have a Hsu Vtf-2 and I love it but I'm almost finished constructing my Home Theater and am looking for more projects to do. I don't care if it is a kit but would love a tube if possible to fit behind a curtain that runs along the front of the room. My room is 14' X 23." I'd really like to build a tower speaker but I don't want to get over my head. Again, I've never done anything like this but have always wanted to build one. Any advice you can give would be appreciated. Thanks!

[kexodusc]

I'm just curious to know some good "do it yourself sub" projects for a beginner (me) I currently have a Hsu Vtf-2 and I love it but I'm almost finished constructing my Home Theater and am looking for more projects to do. I don't care if it is a kit but would love a tube if possible to fit behind a curtain that runs along the front of the room. My room is 14' X 23." I'd really like to build a tower speaker but I don't want to get over my head. Again, I've never done anything like this but have always wanted to build one. Any advice you can give would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hmmm, we might have something right up your alley:
http://www.speakerbuilder.net/web_fi...ts/RT3/rt3.htm

I haven't heard this sub personally, but Wayne J's designs are always top notch, he's a guru to many in the DIY world.

As for inexpensive sub options...well, we'd kind of need to know your budget. I use to have a VTF-2, I liked it too. But you can do much better going the DIY route with a bit of patience, and time.

Subs are the easiest DIY projects usually.

A good tower shouldn't be too hard either, it's just bigger. Though I'd ask, if you end up with a good sub, why the need for a tower? To me that adds a bunch of expense, and not necessarily any performance.

Have you built any speakers before?

[hmmmm]

I haven't tried to build a speaker yet. I own a lot of wood working tools but have no experience at all with this kind of project. I do have time on my hands though and several credit cards Really though, as far as a budget, $500.00 or less and I already have the glue! Thanks for the help.

[kexodusc]

Next question...how ambitious are you.
You can do anything from buying a pre-assembled kit (most expensive), assemble a kit, or start from scratch, make your own box, cut out the holes and connect everything.

You will need to access a plunge router, and hopefully you have a drill and an orbital sander or belt sander or something. Can you solder? (yes you can it's easy, but you might need a soldering iron).

Next you will have to let us know, is this sub used mostly for music, home theater, or a good mix of both? How loud do you want this to go? Do you want volume and low, low subsonic bass at the expense of sound quality (ie: great for HT, less so for music). Finally, how big (or small) do you want this unit to be?

If size doesn't matter, I'd recommend a 15" sealed subwoofer...and I've got a few ideas...I'm pretty sure we can get you something in the $250-$400 range that will be a big step up on what you have now, and leave you some cash left over for buying any tools you might need...

[hmmmm]

I would prefer to build the box myself because I have the table saws etc... Would like to try to veneer it also.

"You will need to access a plunge router, and hopefully you have a drill and an orbital sander or belt sander or something. Can you solder? (yes you can it's easy, but you might need a soldering iron)."

I have the router but not the sanders (can get one). And I've never soldered but am willing to learn.

Next you will have to let us know, is this sub used mostly for music, home theater, or a good mix of both? How loud do you want this to go? Do you want volume and low, low subsonic bass at the expense of sound quality (ie: great for HT, less so for music). Finally, how big (or small) do you want this unit to be?

I would say 50/50 for music and movies. I'm a freak when it comes to sound quality on music and listen to a lot of SACD's, DVD-A etc... I also watch and host movie parties frequently. Quality of sound is much more important to me than "subsonic" however, I love the "feel" of those low frequencies. I would say at least 25hz like my Hsu -even though my slp meter picks it up at 20hz.

If size doesn't matter, I'd recommend a 15" sealed subwoofer...and I've got a few ideas...I'm pretty sure we can get you something in the $250-$400 range that will be a big step up on what you have now, and leave you some cash left over for buying any tools you might need...[/QUOTE]
I probably have the room for the 15" ...but I don't want anything huge. It could be larger than my Hsu however. I have a medium sized room that can be completely closed off with doors etc...

My next question is "what does sealed verse ported do for me?"
I have a CSW MC500 center channel which is sealed and two MC60's which are ported. The smaller ported speakers actually go lower and are half the size. Is the sealed more acurate? The center channel was twice as much as the two bookshelf speakers.

[kexodusc]

For speakers, there's more complications to the sealed vs. ported pros and cons.

For subs, a 15" sealed will provide superior sound quality, but for a given size box will have lower max SPL and a reduced frequency extension. No matter. I know of a a 15" sealed sub can easily get you to 20 Hz with SPL in the 110 dB for about $300. (mayber more SPL, just being conservative).

You can play a bit with box dimensions, but think roughly 20 cubic inches...you can adjust dimensions by increasing others to make it fit...a bit of play.

There's a ton of options, this is just one really popular design I'm thinking of...very inexpensive, but it requires the large cabinet.