I sometimes wonder if the same effect of a DBA setup can be had with way lesser priced subs !?Yes. For example, Tim has the Audiokinesis Swarm system with one Dayton amp. Read his comments, how awesome it is. Based on his and others info I built my own Swarm using 10" Morel drivers and cabinets from Parts Express. Same size drivers only somewhat higher quality, which is not my opinion, Duke himself told me mine will blow his away. I don't know about that, but they are awesome. Even with real Rosewood veneer and 2 Dayton amps mine came in under $3k. But based on my experience plus everything I read learning how to build mine I'd say yes you can get remarkably close with much less expensive subs.
I mean your just pressurizing the room right ?Yes that's pretty much the idea. I'm kicking myself because I noticed this years ago but failed to make the connection. For a while long ago I followed the Home Theater mantra with full range surrounds. The one really positive thing about that was the impressive bass. Which I now understand why. But didn't make the connection back then. Live and learn.
When you think about it in the simplest way the swarm is just 4 passive boxes with a relatively inexpensive 10'' woofer in each one.
Right. Parts Express was running a deal when I got mine, free sealed cabinet when you buy the driver. If low cost had been a higher priority mine could have been built for under $2k. In light of how good it performs, that is freaking amazing.