Ryan T

Cheap computer DIY subwoofer(s)

Hi,


I recently moved my computer away from my HT so I have a big lack of bass with my games and music on my computer. I'm looking for a cheap subwoofer(s) that can play fairly loud and cleanly. They don't have to go down to 20Hz or anything. I just need more low end punch around 30Hz and up. I would like to keep the cost around $50 total(I know it ain't much). I can get a great deal on these woofers at $18 each

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd..._ID=7772&DID=7

I've heard nothing but good stuff bout all the dayton drivers. I was thinking of building 2 3.5 Cu. Ft. enclosures and tune them to 27 Hz each. I modeled them and the results look pretty nice for my 14 by 10 bedroom. So what do you guys think there performance will be like? I'm thinking along the lines of the Cerwin vegas (output wise) or sony subs. Also I looked for a better single driver for around $40 shipped and I can't really find anything.




Ryan

Owen Bartley

I'm not too sure about those drivers, but wouldn't you want to look for something with a little more xmax?

- OJ -

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Brian Bunge

For a computer sub I'd just get the Dayton 8" driver and power it with some sort of small amp. Put it in a .77-1.25ft^3 enclosure tuned to 30Hz and it should be pretty good. I think using a 12" driver with a large enclosure like that would be overkill for a computer system.

Brian Bunge
RAD Home Theater

Greg_R

If your total budget is $50 then where are you going to get a $30 amp + enclosure materials?

Greg
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Ryan T

Actually my computer system consists on A/V 1's powered by my H/K AVR120 . I moved my nicest speakers to my bedroom because thats were I spend most my time.




I already have an amp and a terminal cup, extra PVC pipe plus the mdf is only $9 for me. So $36 for subs $7 for shipping and $9 for MDF = $52. But after reading a bit more I think it might be better to just go for a used shiva or SVS. And bow the budget outta the water. I hooked up some stereo speakers that have 12" woofers (comparable to the daytons). They are tuned to around 30 Hz. After listening to them as subs I'm not to impressed with the quality. Sure the play loud but it's distorted and slow. Also after running a few sims It looks like the daytons would crap out pretty fast . So I guess the dayton project is no more, oh well. I did find a guy on HTT that has a shiva for $50 plus shipping! I e-mailed him to see if it's still for sale. Thats what changed my mind about the daytons, I had no idea you could get a used shiva for anywere near that price. If I can get a real sub it should be worth the extra $20 or so dollars.



Ryan

TimForman

If you can get a Shiva for $50 that's an easy choice. If not, I second Brian's idea. That 8" Dayton Quatro looks very good for a smallish woofer!

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Jeffrey Noel

Ryan, I have the 10" version in about a 1.5+ cu.ft. enclusure tuned to 32hz. It is surprisingly a very nice sub for the money. Heck, $20 on a 10" that sounds nice, can't beat that!

God bless!
jeffrey noel

As we slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way.

Allen Ross

my roomate just picked a pair of those up to replace he spent advent drivers (i know, they are nice but they were way wayside, the surround had been gone for so long that the spider is perminatly non linear anymore)

this weekend we will be putting them in and fireing them up hopfully they should perform well.

Member and Founder of the \"Its Never to Big or too Loud to have in a Dorm Club\"
Everyone in college should have a 9 cuft Tempest in their closest!

Chris Tsutsui

Ryan T

I have no doubt the dayton's will be excellent woofers. It's just the subwoofer part that they might not do so well in. I got an e-mail back from the guy and it's still up for sale WOOHOO! I decided to go with the low Q sealed agian . My .577 Tempest sounds so nice so I wanted to copy that design. I want to use the adire plans for the 88.5 liter sealed shiva. I'm thinking the shiva in my bedroom should be as loud as the tempest in my basement considering my basement is about 27' by 22'. I really want to finish the speaker instead of blank MDF this time. I have been planning to redoing my AV 1 enclosures as well so they can be finished nicely. I think the next AV 1 enclosures are going to fallow the original plans so no more AV 1 towers . Anyhow what do you guys suggest on building the sub. I've always built my speakers using screws along with glue. I know that makes it harder when it comes to finishing them. My question is how much harder is it to do no screws? I'm guessing you have to leave the sub clamped overnight for the glue to dry right? Thanks for the help guys. BTW Brian I never heard how your Tumult sounds (before you blew it out of course ).


Ryan