Sub DIY vs mass produced?

Damn, Shadorne, this one FINE woof woof. 80 lbs. - whoa! $1800, WHOA! Looks like it's worth it, though...

Viggen, whne you get ready to replace that receiver, go take a look at the Emotiva UMC-1 or XMC-1 pre-processors. Killer units for not much money. And their matching amps, XPA-5, UPA-7, etc. are quite the bargain, too. You could put together a smokin' surround sound system (electronics only) for right around $1200 - $1800.

Good luck!

-RW-

yea... those sub specs were definantly impressive!!!! But it better be for what they are charging.... OUCH :)

I will try to remember emotiva... I was considering sunfire (read lots of great stuff about them) & a few others..... probably used.

If the receiver has a subwoofer output (RCA out) then you already have a built-in crossover and don't to need to buy another -- unless you are not satisfied with the sound quality, and want to move up to a newer preamp-processor. Anything (receiver or pre-pro) with a dedicated subwoofer output will have a subwoofer level adjustment among the volume controls, so you don't need that feature in the sub itself, nor do you need to buy a separate crossover.

www.diyaudio.com has a whole section devoted to DIY subwoofers. I would not spend megabucks on an 80 pound driver -- those are mainly just for bragging rights, or subwoofer envy if you will.

I bought a "New Larger Subwoofer" kit from www.vmpsaudio.com and have been very happy with it. I don't know if they still sell them as kits or not. It has a 12 inch driver, a 15 inch driver, and a 15 inch passive radiator in one big cabinet, which I disguised as a pedestal for a sculpture. You could also disguise it as a coffee table. My only complaint is that the subwoofer causes nearby plastic objects like my computer tower to rattle loudly during heavy sound effects, which is not the subwoofer's fault. I power my subwoofer with an Adcom GFA-555, the predecessor of the 5500. It works great.

Have fun and give us a followup.

hmmm... I assumed her receiver didn't have one & that the sub itself had the x-over. I beleive her receiver does have rca outputs... but I will need to go look I guess... thanks!

I definantly cannot swing that for a sub... let alone the amp to power it :) The subs I am looking at are under $300 ea, just trying to make sure the box size I was told is correct. I will check out DIYaudio....

I get the picture You want to get your hands on her receiver.

Damn, Shadorne, this one FINE woof woof. 80 lbs. - whoa! $1800, WHOA! Looks like it's worth it, though...

Yes...unfortunately, if you really really want to zig-a-zig-ahh with extremely high quality sound reproduction then, for an equivalent sum of money, it is better to pay for high quality high performance drivers rather than the exotic woodworking and stunning finishes that you typically find on the high end showroom floor....(Viggen is wise to be wary of what is out there if he simply wants sound quality)