DIY C1500K vs Polk PSW505?

[collegeaudio]

I'm considering offloading my PSW505 and building this Parts Express sub:
Dayton Audio C1500K 15" Powered Subwoofer Kit 300-770

I realize these are two different animals, but what can I be expecting in terms of quality on the 15" sub? Will it be sluggish, as the polk is? The polk can definitely rattle the room, and everyone has been impressed, but I really don't like how sluggish it is for music and would much rather just turn it off for everything but HT.

 

[j_garcia]

Normally I would say anything is better than Polk's PSW subs, but while that sub is likely to perform better in the upper range, it actually doesn't go much lower than the 505 with a -3dB of 25Hz (vs. 28hz). At that price point, you are close to some subs that will likely be better than that one such as the Cadence CSX-12 MkII or even the CSX-15 MkII.

**Edit, I just checked and looks like they are either on sale or they dropped the prices, but the 15 is only a little more than that kit and should perform better; the 12 is well below that kit's price.

http://www.cadencesound.com/products/CSX15-Mark-II.html

 

[collegeaudio]

Are there DIY options that will be a significant step up? I have a background in woodworking if building a cabinet would save significant cost. And, as per the username, budget is the name of the game.

EDIT: Would the step up to Epik's Legend be significant? On sale this week for $400.

http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/legend.html

 

[j_garcia]

The Legend would be a HUGE step up, but those subs have had some amp issues unfortunately. I'd say it is sort of hard to say, because I LOVE my Empire, but the amp issue would weigh on my mind to whole heartedly recommend it.

I do think at $400, you should be able to build something that would STOMP that Polk sub into dust.

 

[collegeaudio]

Are there any good definitive plans or part lists for various DIY subs? How can I get more info on that?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Are there any good definitive plans or part lists for various DIY subs? How can I get more info on that?

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/diy-corner-tips-techniques/81671-musical-sub-12-infinity-1260w.html

The old Favorite was Kappa Perfect project, but I believe they stopped selling these subs (you still might be able to get a used on on ebay) and I don't know if there is a suitable replacement

 

[j_garcia]

If you really want to do DIY, I'd start a thread in the DIY area. A lot of the kit subs I've seen that are along the lines of what you want are probably $500 and above. While that will give you excellent performance for the price, you should be able to get good tips on how to meet your goals for less than that. There are a LOT of sub threads in the DIY area, such as the one above.

I guess one of the questions would be, do you have the ability to build the cabinet? Tools, space to do it, etc... as that will probably make the biggest difference in total cost.

Parts Express has a lot of "projects" that use parts from them, that are not sold on their site as kits, but the projects have parts lists.

http://www.parts-express.com/project-gallery/index.cfm

 

[collegeaudio]

Will do. I'm likely over-qualified with machinery, I could build the whole thing on a CNC mill if I wanted to! Connections through work...

Thanks for the advice.

 

[collegeaudio]

Not to bump this again, but I was offered a new CSX15 MarkII for $350 (or CSX12 for $250). Is this price near what I can achieve in the DIY world? As much as I think I would enjoy the project, the price is right and if the performance is there, I'll be happy.

 

[j_garcia]

I don't think you could build something better than the CSX-12 MkII for $250 unless you already had the amp or a decent driver. Based on the AH review of the 15, they gave it a small room recommendation. I tested the 12 in my large room and it did surprisingly well. How big is your room?

 

[collegeaudio]

It'll be in a room anywhere from 16x16x10 to a livingroom open to the rest of the house (not even sure what the cubic space would be... a lot).

Is the 15 worth the additional $100 over the 12? Space is not an issue.

 

[j_garcia]

In the 16x16x10 room the 12 would be fine. In the open space neither will probably be enough to fill it really well IMO. If it will be in the small room mainly, I'd go with the 12. Neither will get much below the mid 20s.

 

[collegeaudio]

I have read about them not digging deep, but I think I'm okay with that. The sub will most likely spend more time in the larger room. Would you recommend the 15 over the 12 due to the large room? Are there disadvantages to the larger driver (other than space/cost?)

Thank you again.

 

[j_garcia]

I have only heard the 12 of the MkII, not the 15. Here is my review. I liked it. Here is the AH review of the 15. In a large space, they will struggle with the lowest notes, but should have decent output higher up.

 

[monkish54]

You said you had a connection from work. Can you get free/cheap MDF, Bamboo, or Baltic Birch?

 

[collegeaudio]

Unfortunately not... just machinery. That would be ideal!