inexpensive subwoofer projects?

[tentaguasu]

I haven't had a lot of luck finding DIY subwoofer kits and those that are out there seem pretty expensive (as compared to something like the recession buster kit at $60 or so).

They also appear to be a trickier thing to build - or is that just my impression?

However, many have said that subwoofers are a particulary good DIY project because of the quality you can get versus a purchased sub.

Anyway - any suggestions for a novice DIY guy who wants an inexpensive (less than $200 all built) subwoofer kit for a home theater? Or is $200 unrealistically low?

 

[annunaki]

I haven't had a lot of luck finding DIY subwoofer kits and those that are out there seem pretty expensive (as compared to something like the recession buster kit at $60 or so).

They also appear to be a trickier thing to build - or is that just my impression?

However, many have said that subwoofers are a particulary good DIY project because of the quality you can get versus a purchased sub.

Anyway - any suggestions for a novice DIY guy who wants an inexpensive (less than $200 all built) subwoofer kit for a home theater? Or is $200 unrealistically low?

It is a bit low in all reality. Once could probably do the Dayton 12" high fidelity driver and a 300 watt plate amp for about that price, but it would be underpowered, not to mention both would use up or exceed your budget.

It would offer reasonably good performance. However, I would suggest finding some quality used components if you are trying to keep the cost down.

You could also pick up the Dayton Sub-120 and do a few modifications to it for experience?? Add some bracing, dampening, and adjust the vent length accordingly (to compensate for displacement adjustments).

 

[lsiberian]

I haven't had a lot of luck finding DIY subwoofer kits and those that are out there seem pretty expensive (as compared to something like the recession buster kit at $60 or so).

They also appear to be a trickier thing to build - or is that just my impression?

However, many have said that subwoofers are a particulary good DIY project because of the quality you can get versus a purchased sub.

Anyway - any suggestions for a novice DIY guy who wants an inexpensive (less than $200 all built) subwoofer kit for a home theater? Or is $200 unrealistically low?

Did you build the box yourself? If so then you have all the tools and could build a sub for 200 bucks.

Look for used QSC amps on craigslist. Sometimes you can get a decent one for less than 100. Pair it with a Infinity 12.1 of ebay or look around on craigslist for drivers. You could do a rythmic build for pretty cheap I bet.

Subs aren't that complex. Especially if you build a sealed one.

 

[j_garcia]

The Rythmik drivers cost more than $200 alone.

Parts Express has the C1500 kit for $319, but if you keep an eye on it, it goes on sale. Last time it was $269.

 

[adwilk]

In all fairness it mostly just depends on your expectations. You could build a sub for around 200 dollars and it will be better than anything you could buy for that price. That doesnt necessarily mean it will be a fantastic sub, but it really could be done. The biggest variable will be obtaining the enclosure. If you can build one yourself, or if you'll have to purchase in some way.

PE has the dayton 240 watt plate amp for 110 bucks right now.

You could get the 10" DVC dayton subwoofer for 40 bucks

Go to lowes and get the concrete forming tube for around 10 bucks

You'll need a vent tube and a couple other various parts but you're in under the budget and the sub will perform well. Much much better than anything you could buy at the price. That particular driver has gotten some nice reviews.

Keep in mind, this is no audiophile sub, but represents excellent bang for buck. You'll know its there....

 

[Matt34]

Too bad Rythmik doesn't have the DS12 in the clearance section anymore. Pick one of those up with a 300w bash amp and build a vented enclosure would get you a very good budget sub.

 

[tentaguasu]

PE has the dayton 240 watt plate amp for 110 bucks right now.

You could get the 10" DVC dayton subwoofer for 40 bucks

Go to lowes and get the concrete forming tube for around 10 bucks

You'll need a vent tube and a couple other various parts but you're in under the budget and the sub will perform well. Much much better than anything you could buy at the price. That particular driver has gotten some nice reviews.

Keep in mind, this is no audiophile sub, but represents excellent bang for buck. You'll know its there....

Thanks for the great idea - any sense of how this compares to another suggestion from another forum - they suggested the Dayton DVC 15" sub with a 115watts into 4ohms plate amp. (In a huge enclosure!)

I'm pretty novice at this and don't understand what the tradeoffs between those two ways of approaching it would be. Any thoughts or guidance?

 

[fredk]

Here's another kit if you can up your budget a little ($319 + shipping). It won't get really loud, but its a quality high excursion driver and will reach pretty low in a small room.

Its a simple kit and relatively small.

 

[lsiberian]

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53822


Here's a great project done by an Alex.