Reservations Concerning a Recent Purchase

[indulger]

I posted this on the Ascend Forum, but they have light traffic today, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to post here also.

I need some suggestions on a recent purchase which I'm having reservations on. I recently purchased a D15SE sub because of all the fabulous reviews and of course I wanted it. Then, after the purchase, I came across some comments about down firing subs on hard wood floors. I have a cement slap foundation with wood floors on top. I read about down firing subs having a bad acoustical effect on wood floors.

The D15's are currently out of stock so I may have a day or two to possible change my mind and get a front firing sub. I looked at the subdudes and gamma pads as a possible solution, however, their sizes do not match the configuration of the D15's. Any and all comments or suggestions are welcome.

Thanks.

 

[nibhaz]

The problem with some wood floors and subs only exist if there is hollow space underneath the wood flooring which allows the floor to resonate at certain frequencies.

If your wood floor is laid directly on top of concrete slab, it should not be an issue for you.

Furthermore, changing from down firing to front firing will have no effect as both configurations will interact with room in the same manner at these frequencies. (Omnipolar) So with that being said, if you do find that your floor resonates (it shouldn’t) then Auralex grammas or subdudes may be your solution.

 

[lsiberian]

The problem with some wood floors and subs only exist if there is hollow space underneath the wood flooring which allows the floor to resonate at certain frequencies.

If your wood floor is laid directly on top of concrete slab, it should not be an issue for you.

Furthermore, changing from down firing to front firing will have no effect as both configurations will interact with room in the same manner at these frequencies. (Omnipolar) So with that being said, if you do find that your floor resonates (it shouldn’t) then Auralex grammas or subdudes may be your solution.

As a subwoofer builder I can tell you he's spot on with this post.

 

[Jeff R.]

Buy a Auralex Subdude off Amazon, $50.

 

[indulger]

Thanks everyone for the info. I didn't see where there was an Auralex pad in the size I needed. However, I have been informed of the Great Gamma which I have been told may stick out at most 6", but that is better then having vibrating floors. Again, thanks for the input. That's what makes these forums so good, all the experience in one location.

By the way, has anyone ever bought a Great Gamma and put a table saw to it to narrow down the portion sticking out?

 

[walter duque]

I put my downfiring sub on a piece of marbe tile with sanding blocks under each corner and it did improve the SQ.

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks everyone for the info. I didn't see where there was an Auralex pad in the size I needed. However, I have been informed of the Great Gamma which I have been told may stick out at most 6", but that is better then having vibrating floors. Again, thanks for the input. That's what makes these forums so good, all the experience in one location.

By the way, has anyone ever bought a Great Gamma and put a table saw to it to narrow down the portion sticking out?

You can't do that. It's got feet on it's side.

If you wanted to build your own that could work too though.

 

[indulger]

Oh well, 2 outta 3 isn't bad. My three favorite sounds:
1. Good music
2. Good movie
3. Power tools

Oh yeah, and the one my wife makes when her toes curl