DIY Sub guru’s - help!

[CraigV]

I was perusing around craigslist and found two Ensemble subwoofers by Henry Kloss of Cambridge audio . Apparently they were sold with small satellites originally, but this guy was just selling the subs, 2 for $20, so I figured what the hey, might make for a fun little project.
I couldn’t find too much info on them, but one person said they have a built in cut off of 150hz. The subs don’t put out too much bass (currently running them on the “B” speaker outlet of an old Onkyo integrated amp, as they are passive) and I’m wondering if I can increase the lower octaves by adding a port. The outside cabinet dimensions are 21x12x4 ½” inches. I’m not sure how thick the walls are, but they feel pretty substantial.
I’m thinking about location - the front (opposite end of the woofer) the rear (also far end of the enclosure) or even on one of the sides, again along the opposite end.

Any thoughts or suggestions, or should I just leave well enough alone?

 

[TLS Guy]

I was perusing around craigslist and found two Ensemble subwoofers by Henry Kloss of Cambridge audio . Apparently they were sold with small satellites originally, but this guy was just selling the subs, 2 for $20, so I figured what the hey, might make for a fun little project.
I couldn’t find too much info on them, but one person said they have a built in cut off of 150hz. The subs don’t put out too much bass (currently running them on the “B” speaker outlet of an old Onkyo integrated amp, as they are passive) and I’m wondering if I can increase the lower octaves by adding a port. The outside cabinet dimensions are 21x12x4 ½” inches. I’m not sure how thick the walls are, but they feel pretty substantial.
I’m thinking about location - the front (opposite end of the woofer) the rear (also far end of the enclosure) or even on one of the sides, again along the opposite end.

Any thoughts or suggestions, or should I just leave well enough alone?

You will have to measure the TS parameters of the driver to answer your question, and determine port dimensions. However if I know Harry Kloss that will be a high Qt driver and the answer to you question is probably no.

 

[CraigV]

You will have to measure the TS parameters of the driver to answer your question, and determine port dimensions. However if I know Harry Kloss that will be a high Qt driver and the answer to you question is probably no.

Forgive me if I speak blasphemy, but does it matter that much?

 

[TLS Guy]

Forgive me if I speak blasphemy, but does it matter that much?

Yes it matters hugely. Ports have to be precisely aligned, or you will certainly have less bass or 120 Hz boom. You can't pu in any old port!

 

[its_bacon12]

TLS has a lot of great things to say in DIY and holds true here too. You cannot/should not just cut a hole and put in a port of somekind that you don't have the box designed for, nor the driver to work well in that application.

Low qts drivers are good for ported boxes, but since you are not that into DIY at this point in time, you should just leave well enough alone.

 

[CraigV]

Thanks guys - I’ll just go the old fashion route & experiment with placement.

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks guys - I’ll just go the old fashion route & experiment with placement.

Yeah your better off playing with a Infinity Kappa Perfect. I hear some people get nice results from those.