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Subwoofer Quandary

Hello forum members. I'm in search of a good subwoofer driver for a potential DIY project.

For the last 4 years I've been using an NHT SW3 12" passive subwoofer at times with an NAD 214 amp bridged and more recently with the companion NHT SA-3 amp. This has been used for both my music system and home theater. Up 'til now the results have been satisfactory, but I am now in search of something better.

I'm in the process of buying a Bryston 7B to use as the new amp to drive whichever driver I choose, but I've also entertained the possibility of getting the active Revel B15 or REL Stadium instead. I thought of getting the passive Revel Sub 15 to use with the Bryston and a Paradigm X30 crossover I have lying around, but Revel tells me I won't get the most out of the sub without using their $7000 LE-1 crossover/amp. I'm wondering if this is all marketing or if there is some substance to the claim. I was told that the Sub 15 besides the amp and crossover needs equalization which the LE-1 provides, and that authorized Revel dealers have equipment to fill these needs. What equipment I don't know.

I'm open to the idea of a DIY, especially if I can find a driver better than the NHT 1259 for the project. But should I be looking into the Revel and REL options more carefully?

Thanks for your opinions.
gunbei
martice
103 posts
 
Boy did I run into the right thread. I would like to direct you to a few sites but I'll give you some advice here and now.

First off, you said that you want something better than what you had before. I would imagine that you want deeper bass but not at the expense of speed and accuracy. Right?

The Rel subs are very good subs but if you build a sub with quality parts and technical accuracy, you should be able to build you one hell of a sub that not only does music well but will rattle a few pictures on your wall.

Go to the following sites:

hometheaterforum.com (DIY section)Search for Adire Audio
Audioasylum.com (Speaker section) Search for Adire Audio
AdireAudio.com (speak to Dan Wiggins the owner)

I have more but I have to go. I'll continue once I get home.
martice
103 posts
 
You can also look up great companies like HSU, SVS as well as Adire if you want a turn key sub. I personally went 1/2 & 1/2 when it came to my 214L 15" Adire Audio Tempest based sub. I had a wonderful company by the name of Acoustic-visions.com build a DIY type sub for me for next to nothing but mind you, they used high quality parts through out.

A sub that's often compared to to some of the REL offerings is the Adire Rava sub which is a very good sub for music but at a fraction of the price of the REL. I would go to Acoustic-Visions.com and speak to Kyle Richardson for some indepth information about your choices. Good Luck.
gunbei OP
2,327 posts
 
Ahh, thanks so much Martice! Yes, you're correct, I should have been clearer on what qualities I was looking for in a sub, but you hit it exactly. I'll definitely look into these sites. I've never heard of Adire subs, but if they're that good this may turn out to be a fun DIY. Thanks a bunch.
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