I'm a newb. Should I 'DIY'?

[qrrb]

(I wasn't sure if this belonged here or in the "I'm a noob, lol" section, so if a mod wants to move it, feel free. That said, I'm a newb, so please be nice...)

I recently got a pair of Audioengine 5 bookshelf speakers, which I am now using for computer speakers / stereo system, and it suffices to say they make me very happy. I use them at point-blank range, literally 2 or so feet from my face. However, while they can get kinda low, I want to go lower.

Rather than buy a factory subwoofer and settle for whatever they give me, I'm considering trying my hand at making my own "solution". Here are my requirements:

• max of $200, but $100 would be better
• high clarity at medium to low volume levels at fairly close range
• avoids phasing issues wherever possible!!
• less "boom" in the base drum and more smooth bass lines
• plateaus from 35Hz to 70Hz, fairly flat up to 200Hz
• two of them for stereo maybe?

The problem is, while I'm addicted to hi fidelity sound and music, I'm not the engineering type; I make things look pretty. I'm also a student, so I have next to no money. I do however have a friend that has offered to help me with the process, but I thought I should pick your brains first.

Based on what little I know, an air suspension design sounds most appealing to me. Thoughts/suggestions? Where do I begin? (Or should I not?...)

I know I'm probably asking for it with this one, but be nice please?

 

[lsiberian]

(I wasn't sure if this belonged here or in the "I'm a noob, lol" section, so if a mod wants to move it, feel free. That said, I'm a newb, so please be nice...)

I recently got a pair of Audioengine 5 bookshelf speakers, which I am now using for computer speakers / stereo system, and it suffices to say they make me very happy. I use them at point-blank range, literally 2 or so feet from my face. However, while they can get kinda low, I want to go lower.

Rather than buy a factory subwoofer and settle for whatever they give me, I'm considering trying my hand at making my own "solution". Here are my requirements:

• max of $200, but $100 would be better
• high clarity at medium to low volume levels at fairly close range
• avoids phasing issues wherever possible!!
• less "boom" in the base drum and more smooth bass lines
• plateaus from 35Hz to 70Hz, fairly flat up to 200Hz
• two of them for stereo maybe?

The problem is, while I'm addicted to hi fidelity sound and music, I'm not the engineering type; I make things look pretty. I'm also a student, so I have next to no money. I do however have a friend that has offered to help me with the process, but I thought I should pick your brains first.

Based on what little I know, an air suspension design sounds most appealing to me. Thoughts/suggestions? Where do I begin? (Or should I not?...)

I know I'm probably asking for it with this one, but be nice please?

Pulling that off on your budget will be difficult. You will need to look long and hard for a cheap driver that fills your needs. Material costs will force you to use MDF. But I believe it's possible. You will need a driver, but with your requirements of extension only to 35hz you have a lot of drivers out there to use. My JL Audio 8w6s can extend that low in a sealed small box. So look around you may find something. Model them in WinISD.

Sealed will be simpler, but if you want to go up to 200hz you will have issues. I suggest a lower cutoff point since most speakers can handle down to 100hz with little distortion.

 

[avaserfi]

I wouldn't recommend it - if you are looking to spend about $100 look into the Dayton Sub 100 on parts express. Get two and use them in stereo with your speakers for high quality, seamless, integration.

I highly doubt you will be able to build a superior woofer for the same cost.

 

[lsiberian]

I wouldn't recommend it - if you are looking to spend about $100 look into the Dayton Sub 100 on parts express. Get two and use them in stereo with your speakers for high quality, seamless, integration.

I highly doubt you will be able to build a superior woofer for the same cost.

I use one of these and it's got very nice sound. I need to sell it actually send me your zip code and I can see if it's worth shipping. I'm building a sub and have no need for this one anymore.

 

[sawzalot]

Pulling that off on your budget will be difficult. You will need to look long and hard for a cheap driver that fills your needs. Material costs will force you to use MDF. But I believe it's possible. You will need a driver, but with your requirements of extension only to 35hz you have a lot of drivers out there to use. My JL Audio 8w6s can extend that low in a sealed small box. So look around you may find something. Model them in WinISD.

Sealed will be simpler, but if you want to go up to 200hz you will have issues. I suggest a lower cutoff point since most speakers can handle down to 100hz with little distortion.

I know this might sound funny but here goes,I was at a yard sale looking for some vintage stuff,one never knows, and I was staring at two smaller side tables they looked exactly like my kappas, same color and just about the same size a wee bit smaller.They were solid 3/4 inch hardrock maple and perfectly square,15.00 dollars each.I noticed that instead of drawers they had doors,one single door each they opened opposite of one another hence left and right.Then after I got home it hit me all they needed to have done,a new 3/4 front attached and routered out for a driver some rockwool inside and wire em up two sealed enclosures for 30.00 dollars.I went back to get em but they were gone.I dont know if I would have tried to make subs out of them or not but they matched my subs and were very close to becoming an experiment.I guess I am just saying material for cabinets is easier and cheaper to find than most people think.

 

[Warpdrv]

Everyone should check out this thread.....

Not sure if these deals are still available, but certainly and option if they are...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1142817

 

[Dr. Noisewater]

I agree with Andrew. $100 isn't really enough to do a DIY right.

 

[sawzalot]

Everyone should check out this thread.....

Not sure if these deals are still available, but certainly and option if they are...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1142817

A diy'er can't buy the material that cheap ,nice find I hope some builders use these and let us know.

 

[lsiberian]

A diy'er can't buy the material that cheap ,nice find I hope some builders use these and let us know.

i've considered getting one to try out my TC Sounds sealed, but gluing in the box is supposedly difficult.

 

[qrrb]

Pulling that off on your budget will be difficult. You will need to look long and hard for a cheap driver that fills your needs. Material costs will force you to use MDF. But I believe it's possible. You will need a driver, but with your requirements of extension only to 35hz you have a lot of drivers out there to use. My JL Audio 8w6s can extend that low in a sealed small box. So look around you may find something. Model them in WinISD.

Sealed will be simpler, but if you want to go up to 200hz you will have issues. I suggest a lower cutoff point since most speakers can handle down to 100hz with little distortion.

Fair enough. Is what I'm trying to do possible at all? How much $ would it take for nice hi-fidelity bass? I'm really not keen on buying new unless it meets my sound requirements. Also, don't get me wrong, it doesn't need to be flat all the way up to 200Hz. Just going down to at least 35Hz (lower if possible), peaking at like 60Hz or something, and then maybe half or quarter as loud up to 200Hz.

Also, what about "smooth" vs "boomy"? I'll be listening mostly to jazz and Pink Floyd. Would it be worth the money for the difference I'd get in sound quality?

I'll look in to the software, but I'm on a Mac so I'll have to install Windows.

 

[just-some-guy]

i think its doable.

friends and/or craigslist for a driver or 2, and for a reciever(amp). then look around for wood. i got a partial sheet of mdf for free 1 week ago.

heck, i have 2 older 12" 3way boxs i would give you

being patient, resorcefull, and doing research is key.

your not going to get great results. but with some luck, you will do real good.

but, short of this. the 2 10" daytons would sound great nearfield.