DIY advice Sealed or Ported

[BrianC]

So I've got a large room to fill, about 4100cuft, open to upstairs. I like building, and have the tools and experience to build the enclosures. Here's my main questions.

I am 50/50 ht vs music, but I definitely care more about music sound quality. I'd ultimately like to build 2 subs, and go opposite corners. I can't afford more space than what a "12 sub demands. Do I need ported subs to fill this space? I would like to feel some punch.

Also, what subs and amps (brands) should I be looking at? I will build one at a time, and my budget for amp/sub combo is $600 max. Is Dayton as legit as many others?

For a reference to my perspective, I was thinking of going SVS pb2000 or 12"HSU vtf. Will my budget match these commercial subs?

 

[GranteedEV]

Is your budget 600/sub or 600/pair of subs? That makes a huge different.

On the former budget, you pretty much have to go ported to get decent extension and output. On the latter, either, or can work pretty well.

 

[BrianC]

$600 per sub, and that budget is really just for amp and woofer. I have all the other materials already.

You think I can build a pretty nice sealed sub with that budget?

Any brand recommendations?

 

[GranteedEV]

I think so, though at that price I wouldn't really expect infrasonics in movies without going ported.

Something like a pair of Dayton RSS460HO each in ~3-3.5 cu ft sealed powered off of the two stereo channels of a Crown XLS2500 (775WPC) should be pretty sweet though. You'd need Linkwitz Transform if you want deep extension in that large room though - F3 @ 40hz is pretty typical for a sealed build.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

As an alternative - SI 18 HT (dual 2ohm coils)
http://stereointegrity.com/product/ht18-18-subwoofer/
You could check out both Dayton and SI subs in sealed boxes, performance measured thoroughly here:
http://www.data-bass.com/home

For EQing subs - Imo best to go with MiniDSP and not go for amps with built-in DSP.
MiniDSP is much more versatile, common (aka supported better) and easier to configure (and even auto-configure with $70 measuring mic and free REW software)

 

[GIEGAR]

$600 per sub, and that budget is really just for amp and woofer. I have all the other materials already.

You think I can build a pretty nice sealed sub with that budget?

Any brand recommendations?

Brian, check out what's on offer at Rythmik Audio. Their kits include driver and Direct Servo amps that enable you to build a DIY version of their completed subs.

The Single DS1501 kit builds an F15. It is right on your budget when ordering two kits ($1210 shipped) and according to Rythmik:

Two DS1501 CI Kits can handle easily a room till 6000 cuft, so you should be fine. As you said, two DS1510 CI Kits are overkill.

Best Regards,

Enrico Castagnetti
Rythmik Audio - Tech Support

... so output will be more than adequate in your room volume.

Here's a nicely documented design (however the OP lost interest documenting the build): Home Theater Shack | DIY Rythmik DS1501 4cu ft. Sealed (Plans included). (Note: The kit is actually suitable for box volumes from 3 to 4ft^3.)

Have a good build... whatever you choose!

 

[annunaki]

I think the real question to ask here is how large of an enclosure are you willing to deal with?

The Dayton Ultimax 12" vented would still allow for a reasonable size enclosure. The 15" or 18" will push the limits of comfort with a vented enclosure.

The CSS SDX 12 is also a great option for vented and keeping the size down some. The SDX with passive radiator kits may also be something worth looking into.