very interested in the kappa build, but what woofer options?

[Sounds Good]

i looked on crutchfields web site and they no longer have a kappa perfect... what are some other woofers that can be used in the kappa DIY box ?

 

[just-some-guy]

ebay has em.

 

[sawzalot]

i looked on crutchfields web site and they no longer have a kappa perfect... what are some other woofers that can be used in the kappa DIY box ?

E-Bay hookedontronics has em packaged up in a two fer sale they have very decent CS also.

 

[fast1]

try amazon to see if they have some discounts or on deal forums to see if they got discount coupons.

 

[WmAx]

i looked on crutchfields web site and they no longer have a kappa perfect... what are some other woofers that can be used in the kappa DIY box ?

Really, the Kappa Perfect VQ should be used. It is an extraordinary driver and will provide you with incredible SQ. But there are some other drivers that will work in the cabinet - I actually cross-designed the alignment for a certain other driver, even though I have never disclosed this before. The cabinet is designed to be upgraded to the JL 12W7. Yes, it does cost more than 2x than the Kappa driver, but it is a significant upgrade in terms of output ability. You may have to cut the installation whole to be a bit bigger to fit it, but the internal volume and port are designed to provide -3 dB point around 20Hz with the 12W7 and the large port will allow for huge output SPL with very little compression. You should double check the depth to the first back brace to make sure the 12w7 will fit - as I did not inform avaserfi of this when he designed his particular 'simple' perfect cabinet CAD drawings. But I believe his design has plenty of clearance (12W7 mount depth is 9.5", Kappa 12VQ is 7").

-Chris

 

[lsiberian]

Really, the Kappa Perfect VQ should be used. It is an extraordinary driver and will provide you with incredible SQ. But there are some other drivers that will work in the cabinet - I actually cross-designed the alignment for a certain other driver, even though I have never disclosed this before. The cabinet is designed to be upgraded to the JL 12W7. Yes, it does cost more than 2x than the Kappa driver, but it is a significant upgrade in terms of output ability. You may have to cut the installation whole to be a bit bigger to fit it, but the internal volume and port are designed to provide -3 dB point around 20Hz with the 12W7 and the large port will allow for huge output SPL with very little compression. You should double check the depth to the first back brace to make sure the 12w7 will fit - as I did not inform avaserfi of this when he designed his particular 'simple' perfect cabinet CAD drawings. But I believe his design has plenty of clearance (12W7 mount depth is 9.5", Kappa 12VQ is 7").

-Chris

I figured this out already modeling the JL Audio 12w7. I hadn't realized it was intentional, but this box type design works great for many subs i've modeled. One can easily adjust the dimensions to fit your internal volume and size. Folding ports are a great way to get deep tunings while keep port air velocity low.

If you are on a tight budget the 12.1 paired with a single 300w base amp(100 from PE) Could be used for around 200 dollars in combined cost(driver and amp). I would only suggest this for a single sub poor-man's build. Some have even used MDF to cheapen the materials. Though I would stick with Birch. But in a budget build it may be sufficient.

 

[Sounds Good]

If you are on a tight budget the 12.1 paired with a single 300w base amp(100 from PE) Could be used for around 200 dollars in combined cost(driver and amp). I would only suggest this for a single sub poor-man's build. Some have even used MDF to cheapen the materials. Though I would stick with Birch. But in a budget build it may be sufficient.

i am more concerned on the accessibility of items to do this project the correct way.. i know the wood and other materials will never change.. but the amp and woofer availability could become an issue, and appears it already has...

i was just trying to cost compare between the DIY and something from SVS.. obviously the DIY might give me better performance, but is it worth my time... i guess thats what it boils down to... cost wise they seem close...

 

[WmAx]

i am more concerned on the accessibility of items to do this project the correct way.. i know the wood and other materials will never change.. but the amp and woofer availability could become an issue, and appears it already has...

i was just trying to cost compare between the DIY and something from SVS.. obviously the DIY might give me better performance, but is it worth my time... i guess thats what it boils down to... cost wise they seem close...

The closest thing SVS makes comparable to the Kappa Perfect project built to spec is the Ultra 13(Ultra will actuall output a little more than the Kappa over 35Hz). That is nearly 3x the price of the Kappa Perfect project combined with the O Audio BASH500 plate amplifier. The $500-$600 range SVS subwoofers that match the price of the Kappa project are not even remotely comparable in performance. Kappa Perfect VQ is still available form several sources. If you want to wait another year, then perhaps it will become difficult to get the driver....

-Chris

 

[Sounds Good]

The $500-$600 range SVS subwoofers that match the price of the Kappa project are not even remotely comparable in performance.

oh wow that is defiantly less then i had first thought...

i guess i kind of expected to buy the ep2500 and dcx2496 to "get my moneys worth"

here was my mental break down...

ep2500 - $300
dcx2497 - $300
woofer - $300
material - $100
extras (vanier, binding posts, gramma riser ) $150

thats where i come up with my compare-o Vs SVS products...

 

[WmAx]

oh wow that is defiantly less then i had first thought...

i guess i kind of expected to buy the ep2500 and dcx2496 to "get my moneys worth"

here was my mental break down...

ep2500 - $300
dcx2497 - $300
woofer - $300
material - $100
extras (vanier, binding posts, gramma riser ) $150

thats where i come up with my compare-o Vs SVS products...

Kappa Woofer: $180
O Audio amp: $230
Material: $100
Extras: $150

Total: $660

The O Audio amp puts out a true 450 watts or so and has the adjustable subsonic filter needed to protect the driver under port tuning.

If you want to spend the budget you posted above, you could get all the stuff you listed, change driver budget to $450, and get JL 12W7 and have a unit that will stomp the Ultra 13 into the ground. The Kappa Perfect cabinet design will work perfectly with the 12W7. That would have a grand total of around $1200-$1300, and produce 2x the output of the Kappa Perfect, and about 1.5-1.7x the output of the Ultra 13, and still come under at less cost than an Ultra 13. In addition, the DCX gives you incredible abilities if you run your mains through it.

-Chris

 

[Sounds Good]

Kappa Woofer: $180
O Audio amp: $230
Material: $100
Extras: $150

Total: $660

The O Audio amp puts out a true 450 watts or so and has the adjustable subsonic filter needed to protect the driver under port tuning

i like that price range... IMO thats it the exact point of a DIY project.. you put a bit of your personal time, a small amount of money and end up with above average results...

and again, going by my original plan it came really close to SVS prices.. so in that instance i deemed it not worth my time...

but with this new insight... i might do the plan you proposed only use a 2ch amp bridged and that leaves me the flexibility to later upgrade amp and woofer and keep the box. that way i could also turn what was my sub amp into a zone 2 or 3 amp...