Big Dreams, Large open room and small budget

[BoredSysAdmin]

Ok, so I one foot starting new job and I have about $550 "extra" from side consulting gig.
Even the money was a bit tight for bit, but with new upcoming job I feel confident i could spend that extra $550 on toy.

There are two things I want (not need): new Espresso machine or new sub. Current espresso machine still works and coffee it produces is still taste fine. Can't say the same about sum. It's still the same old PA-120. It's nice enough sub, but it's vastly insufficient in new family room. It's large and it open one side to kitchen and rest of house - I need something much more potent in attempt to have somewhat decent bass.

I'm open to DIY, but kits preferred.

I found this kit - it seems like good deal - http://www.diysoundgroup.com/dayton15-cube-kit.html (not sure about Bash 500W amp thou - PE has it $50 cheaper) I also couldn't find model for this kit. All I know AVS forum member LTD02 modeled it, but I couldn't actually find it. Maybe some experienced could model it for me. My goals are 95% HT/5% music. I'm looking for most output (hopefully flat) and it's be nice to have usable bass at 20hz (not looking for infrasonics on this puny budget)

Box size is not critical (as long it's reasonable - not looking for refrigerator sized horn sub)

another option I guess could be Dayton 18" HO Ported similar to build like Haoleb is doing, but I'm not confident with bare panels just yet. Kit or flatpack seems like easier choice.

Again I rather not spend a much more than $600 all in. I have some clamps and I could pick few HF as needed. Wood Glue is not terrible expensive either. Other basic tools I should have.

Suggestions are welcome.

 

[ATLAudio]

HSU VTF 2 Mk 4, I believe is $580 shipped.

DIY? Can't help ya. Some folks swear by them, and I've heard others get burned.

What's your room's cubic footage?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

HSU VTF2 is not bad deal, but b-stock Outlaw new 12" sub for $599 is a tad more robust.
As for room - like i said it very large and open to the rest of the house.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

calling on experts: @lsiberian, @TLS Guy and @annunaki

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Dare I say - I'm seriously considering building Tuba HT at 3ft side (if Wife approves this monster).
I wish they sold flatpack for it thou. I don't think I could possibly get more bass on my budget.
http://www.billfitzmaurice.com/THT.html

 

[Matt34]

I had a Tuba and it is massive (as in 3x that of my 4.5cu/ft LMS ultra box I had) and a bit more complex build to jump off into the DIY world.

I would try the Dayton 18' Ultimax kit with a Crown XLS 1500.

http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-18-ultimax-subwoofer-and-cabinet-package--300-7099

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=crown+xls+2000&_from=R40&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR2.TRC1.A0.H0.Xcrown+xls+1500.TRS0&_nkw=crown+xls+1500&_sacat=0

I'm running the 15" version with that amp bridged and barely get into it before it's trying to structurally rearrange my house.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Thanks Matt. I will have to consider it seriously. Sealed sub is really easy to build.
I know it's idiotic question, but if had to estimate differences between 4cu sealed 18" and the vented 4cu 15" sub i linked above?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Btw: ltd was nice enough to give me model plot for DIYSG dayton 15rs in vented 4cuft box at 500w tuned for 21hz :

 

[walter duque]

Within the next few weeks I am picking up a pair of HV/S-12/400. I am having them build passive and gonna drive them with a QSC amp (500 watts 8 Ohms). I am gonna use them as rear subs. They cost me $550.00 each. http://www.sourcespeaker.com/-_HVS_subwoofers_7-27-09.doc.pdf
Just can't pass them up for that price.

 

[annunaki]

How much space are you actually talking about?

What are your goals for HT (pressurized room, "feel it", etc)?

There are tons of options out there so a bit more info can help with a recommendation.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Within the next few weeks I am picking up a pair of HV/S-12/400. I am having them build passive and gonna drive them with a QSC amp (500 watts 8 Ohms). I am gonna use them as rear subs. They cost me $550.00 each. http://www.sourcespeaker.com/-_HVS_subwoofers_7-27-09.doc.pdf
Just can't pass them up for that price.

$550 for driver alone is way above my budget. This number is at least should cover costs driver, box and amp

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

How much space are you actually talking about?

What are your goals for HT (pressurized room, "feel it", etc)?

There are tons of options out there so a bit more info can help with a recommendation.

Room volume would be hard to estimate since like i said its open concept family room opens to kitchen, dining and living room.
Family room is approx 2700cuft and kitchen is about another 2700cuft and its just the beginning - through open walkways it's opening to 2 story foyer and 2nd floor hallway. Pressuring it would be impossible on my budget. What love to get is a definite improvement in bass. Pa120 just doesn't seem to do much in new house.

It's hard to explain, but Ideally i would love to get the feeling of cold chillies during the low bass passages.

 

[walter duque]

$550 for driver alone is way above my budget. This number is at least should cover costs driver, box and amp

It is the driver and the box, I just don't need the amps.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

It is the driver and the box, I just don't need the amps.

I see. Ill take a look, but even with humble dayton bash 500w plate, it puts me $200 over budget.

 

[annunaki]

If you can deal with a really large enclosure folded horns would be ideal as you can get a ton of output from a single driver.

What physical limitations exist for the enclosure itself?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Tentatively i got green light from wife for 27 cuff folded horn. Just need to make sure it fits doors openings. Might have to build it more narrow

 

[annunaki]

Wow, some wife. 27ft^3 is huge. Have to start taking into account it's own displacement in the room at that point.

I would look into some Bill Fitzmaurice designs to start. I admit that horns are not my specialty so probably have to defer there.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Well Matt had one and yea - my wife is great (not sure she fully realizes the size of this monster)
Yea, Bill's Tuba HT is where I got this crazy idea from.

Matt says building tuba from scratch is not easiest project to start DIY with, on the other hand if I seriously f-up tuba box, I could always order the flatpack for vented 4cuft box from DIYSG I linked above and use same driver.

This output for about $500 is un-freakin-believable

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I think I will have to reconsider 27cuft box. The "smaller" 18cuft should be more than enough. 36" width doesn't agree with my door, even 30" would be impossible to move to basement later on.

 

[slipperybidness]

I think I will have to reconsider 27cuft box. The "smaller" 18cuft should be more than enough. 36" width doesn't agree with my door, even 30" would be impossible to move to basement later on.

C'mon, you gotta build that beast in the room!

Getting out of there one day, well just sell it with the house