Tempests in Canada (1 Viewer)

[Andrew S]

Just thought I'd share that Creative Sound Solutions have Tempests listed at $215 CDN shipped. I've been watching the price closely and I think I just might get me another one for my 9 x 9 bedroom
And if it's against the rules to advertise like I did, I apologize.Here

Andrew

 

[Peter_J_B]

Sorry if this is a complete newbie question, but how much do you really save in the end, ordering the driver and other parts and building from scratch, versus ordering the kit?

I went to that website which is great as I live in Toronto, and could just get the Shiva kit for $399, or a model up for 50 bucks more.

If not I'd need to buy the driver, an amp of some kind, all the materials and then all the time it takes to build the thing. In the end, is there really much of a savings versus getting the kit that doesn't require you to purchase anything else, and can probably be assembled in an afternoon, versus days worth of labour?

I understand that there is a certain pride in designing and building the cabinetry and whatnot, but since I'm new to this, I just wonder if I'm still saving some money getting the kit and putting it together, and getting what I've read would be an excellent sounding sub for the money.

Any thoughts or suggestions for me regarding this?

 

[Dustin B]

The allignments aren't mentioned at all and there is no mention of what material is being used for the enclosure or what kind of bracing it will have. Without that info the rest of what I'm about to say may or may not be relavent.

If the allignment is what you'd build anyways and you don't have much for tools the kits are a major advantage. But if you have the tools, don't mind the work and/or don't like the allignment of the kit being offered then the kits are at a disadvantage.

Also some DIYers don't like the idea of using screws in 3/4" mdf. They'd much rather just use glue and clamps to keep the mdf completely intact.

 

[Peter_J_B]

Sorry, I don't even know what alignments are, yes I'm that new. I will read the forums more to educate myself.

The kit uses the ezsub 14 kit, which is 14x14x17 in height, shown here: http://www.creativesound.ca/details.php?model=EZSUB14

Not sure if that helps at all.

Perhaps me not knowing what all this terminology is, shows that I'd be happy with whatever generic settings are offered from a kit. I am just wondering the value difference between buying a sub at a store, to buying a kit, to buying the driver, and other components and constructing from scratch. I will have access to pretty much any tool I want, so that wouldn't be a problem. I'm just afraid I'd order all this stuff and screw it up and in the end have a non-working sub and have wasted my money.

 

[Lee Carbray]

Peter an alignment refers to the tunning of the box. In other words what the frequency response of the final product will be. If you are interested in the Shiva check out Adrire's web site here ]to get more information on the driver and enclosure suggestions. See the Shiva application notes and white paper links. There is other help full info there as well.

The best thing about building your own box is that you can design it anyway you want. And like you mentioned there is a certain pride in doing it your self.

I'm just afraid I'd order all this stuff and screw it up and in the end have a non-working sub and have wasted my money.

Since you have all the tools you can get a sheet of MDF at Home depot for $30. And if you find you are having trouble building it you have only wasted $30.

 

[Joey_N]

Peter,

Another HTF member Andrew Pratt has already evaluated the EZSUB14 kit (very favorably for what it is, a sealed Shiva sub, a sweet price/performance kit).

You may want to checkout this thread and this thread.

 

[Peter_J_B]

Hey thanks guys, and Joey those links helped me a ton. That is exactly what I was looking for. I am no audiophile, but if other audiophiles say it's a good deal, and have shown those outlines seem to be idiotproof I feel a lot better about ordering one. I haven't even started my HT purchases yet, but I was thinking around $400 for a sub, and if I can optimize that performance by spending it on a built kit, then I think that's great.

Do you think the shiva in the EZSUB14 kit is powerful enough for a 13x20' room? Is it a big upgrade to spend an additional $50 and go to the DPL12? I really would prefer not to have to go up to the tempest and spend $700 on a sub. These are all canadian dollars I'm quoting as I live in canada. ANd I assume either of these sub options, would be significantly better performing than a sub at the exact same price point bought at a store?

Thanks again you guys are truly an amazing resource.

 

[Joey_N]

Note a prob Peter

I'm still a semi-noob too. Basic info you'll want to add to this thread is what are your expectations for the sub:

- % used for music vs. % used for movies
- if any music, what type do you listen to (rock, rap, jazz, classical)?
- for movies, do you need "rattle the windows/knock pictures down" bass?

The discussions between the DPL12 & Shiva drivers has been somewhat discussed (I've been evaluating these for myself, but in the 17" box & more powerful amp.

Check this thread for a discussion on the drivers.

From what I understand,the major point is that the DPL12 w/o any EQ is flatter across most of the spectrum, but at a slight loss of output compared to the Shiva. Lower than 20Hz, the DPL12 would be better in output.

Regardless, I think the general opinion is the differences won't be particularly significant in an enclosure as small as the 14". Now a 21" box & the DT300 amp, that would be something (then again, might as well go for the Tempest if spending that much).

If I goofed on my limited analysis guys, don't hesitate to correct :wink:

 

[Lee Carbray]

Peter, I would suggest as well starting a new thread. You will get more information from the more knowledgeable members that may not read on a thread titled "Tempets in Canada".

 

[Joey_N]

Good idea Lee.

Peter, as a suggestion, if you do post a new thread you may also want to include a link to this thread (so others can see reference what has already been discussed).

 

[Peter_J_B]

Joey, thanks again, this will be for my future home theater. I am in email dialogue with someone from the site that sells them now. It would probably be 90% movies if not 100%, depending on if I set up a second zone or not.

The room will be the finished basement, carpeted with 8' ceilings, with lots of drop ceiling ductwork to 6'4". The room will be roughly 13'x20' with some extended areas that won't be dedicated to the theater. So if this sub can do the trick for this space I'd be very happy. I like deep rumbling base, music is too diverse to list. My house is semi detached, so I don't want to go totally crazy with "wall-shaking" power. I am no audiophile, so I probably wouldn't be able to tell much difference between a few hz as some here like to nitpick over. The best stereo equipment I've owned in my house is a 10 year old JVC bookshelf system.

The home theater will probably consist of 5.1 or 7.1 and I am currently looking at the price point that would include the paradigm atoms or titans, maybe jbl, infinity, or athena as well. So hopefully that gives some insight.

Lee, point well taken on starting a new thread. I'll refrain for now, and hopefully the originator doesn't mind me hijacking this thread. Just don't want to start another newbie thread everyone hates to respond to. Right now this is a great discussion for me, so if I could keep it here and have the same people responding that would be sufficient.

Thanks again to all who can point me in the right direction.

 

[Lee Carbray]

Peter, if you are talking to who I think you are talking to then you are in good hands.

Oh, by the way I just realized my comment about more knowledgeable members could be taken the wrong way. I was not trying to take anything away from your advise Joey. I am half way through my first DIY project myself and I doubt I know as much as I think I do.

 

[Andrew Pratt]

Given your $400 budget the EzSub14 would likely be your best option. The internal volume works out to be 1 cubic foot and Dan Wiggins helpped tweak the design. Can you do better then this? Obviously its a small sealed sub but for the money its mighty hard to do better. Feel free to email me if you have any questions on this sub i'm always willing to help new people get started since lots of people were there when I first got my feet wet.

 

[Joey_N]

@Peter: Andrew's your man for a 1st person perspective on the EZSUB kit.

@Lee: no worries, no offense taken.

I'm a web project manager in a large corporate environment. Used to having to double-check (make that triple) my e-mail correspondence for tone/intent also. Had some doozies leave my desk even after checking

Figured everyone starts at the bottom with a new hobby, hopefully we all get more knowledgeable the more we read & participate here.

 

[Stephen Tom]

I just received 2 Shiva MKIII's from Bob last week (beauty's), and was swaying back and forth trying to decide on whether or not to get the EZSub14, but finally decided to try building my own enclosures.

I have to admit, I do (too many) some things "spur of the moment", and if I had to go back and re-order, I'm not sure I wouldn't end up with the flat-pack EZSub this time.

I'm not afraid of experimenting (enjoy it, even when it screws up - it's all fun and a learning experience), as long as it doesn't cost too much. What made the decision for me was the fact that I was so happy to have figured out how to get 2 complete enclosures cut from a single 96 x 48 sheet of mdf using Adire's 54L plans. Simple as that.

The other thing is I already have amp channels to spare, BUT Bob can get you the flatpack w/o the cutout for the plate amp if you specify (I bought from CSS and only paid 1 tax - for a change).

Finally, in keeping with the original thread, I almost ordered a tempest...still may. You know how it is with these things, enough is only enough for a little while, then you want more :b

 

[AllanRW]

Yes you can I do all the kits for Bob as well as sell a few others myself.
Custom kits can be ordered as well.


Al