Can I get a sub kit that will outgun a SVS CS Ultra for less money? (1 Viewer)

[james e m]

Right now I'm building a house and I'm in bad need of a couple of subwoofers. So I've been entertaining the idea of building a couple of subwoofers from a kit. My question is, can I build a sub with no previous experience that will outpreform, in most ways a sub like the SVS CS Ultra for less money than it would take to buy an Ultra?
If somebody could point me in the right direction or tell me where I could do some research at, that would be great.
Thanks,
James

 

[Anthony_Gomez]

absolutely. TV even said so to me in an email a while ago. SVS is the way to go (IMO) if you can't/don't want to DIY.

first couple of qustions.

1)I understand that you want some serious spl, but is this for music, HT or both?
2)How big of an enclosure can you allow?
3)what is your budget minus construction material
4) do you have wood working experience?

for design ideas, you can check ou the sonotube link at the start of the DIY forums threads.

 

[TimForman]

In your question you're using the word "kit". Does that mean you don't have the necessary tools or desire to build the enclosure from scratch? If that's the case then you may want to just buy the SVS. A comparable sub kit that's complete yet unassembled is very close to the price of an SVS and you still have to buy glue, clamps, finishing material, etc..Sonotube subs are very easy and inexpensive to build but you still need to cut end caps, stand-offs, vent openings, and more. For someone that has the tools or access to tools it's definitely cheaper to DIY.

 

[BrendanL]

If you are building the house (and it is yours) I would suggest some infinite baffle tempests. No box to build, and great sound.

 

[Mark Fitzsimmons]

Curious, what caliber of woofage does it take to outgun a SVS Ultra?

Can a vented tempest with 250w do it? Or come close?

 

[TimForman]

Good question Mark. For whatever reason, I was thinking of the less expensive SVS cylinder sub that sells for $549. I'm pretty sure if you buy a Tempest and a good amp, put it in a sonotube or other vented cabinet with the correct reinforcements and dimensions it'll do just as well or better. It will be cheaper unless you're going out and buying saws, routers or other tools just to make one loudspeaker.

 

[Mark Fitzsimmons]

TimForman,

I think I was in your position about 9 months ago. I was all ready to pull the trigger on a 25-31 PCi. But then started looking into DIY.

I ended up hooking up with a friend who had the tools and built myself a 122 liter sealed Tempest with PE 250w plate amp for around $300 and havent looked back since. The cost was almost half of what I would be paying for a SVS and the performance very likely exceeds SVS performance (hard to say definitely having not heard a SVS first hand).

The best thing about DIY is the flexability it gives you, my next project is going to be building a new enclosure for thet tempest, something around 200 liters vented to squeeze a few more decibels out of my current rig for minimal cost.

 

[TimForman]

You're preaching to the choir Mark. james em is the guy contemplating if he should go DIY. I've built a sealed MidQ Tempest, a vented Shiva 'tube, a pair of Adire Kit281's, and the Adire Large Center Channel.

 

[Mark Fitzsimmons]

My bad, I didn't see your prior post.

Just reading the one I read it did sound like you were trying to make a decision to go DIY or not. My bad.