DIY or SVS sub

[PSU80]

Hey guys, I really appreciate all your advice on some of my other sub questions. I was getting ready to pull the trigger on an SVS sub but a DIY project sounds interesting. My problem is that for my room (3400 cubic ft) SVS recommended 1st the PB12-ISD/2 or 2nd 25-31 PCi-Plus. The reps at SVS have been great but unfortunately my wife blew a gasket when she saw the price and if I'm going to stay married (I know choices, choices...) I need to spend less. SVS's next choice was a 25-31 tuned to 22Hz which I think I can swing.

I'm pretty handy with tools and wood working and I'm wondering if I could get more "bang for the buck" by going the DIY route. I was looking at the 12" & 15" Titanic sub kits on Parts Express and wondered how they might compare to the SVS line. Would they maybe be comparable to a PB12-Plus? For basically same money I could do the 12" Titanic w/500W or the 25-31 PCi. Thoughts???

Are there any other kits or components to consider?

Thanks

 

[Hi Ho]

I have no personal experience with the Titanic subs but their are quite a few happy owners.

Personally I think you can outperform any retail sub at the same price by going DIY. I went DIY and couldn't be happier. For less than $300 I built a sub that is in the league of $900-$1,000+ retail subs.

Check out Ascendant Audio. Their upcoming drivers are looking very promising. I used an Atlas 12" in my sub. I tuned the port to 16hz and I get a flat response down to 16hz with good output down to around 12hz. It is simply amazing! I cannot imagine what I could have done with the Avalanche 18". I can't wait for the Havoc 18" to come out I just might have to build a sub using one of those. HERE are some pictures of my sub. I never got around to veneering it so it looks ugly but who cares! Function over form...

Then, there is the Tumult line. They may be a bit pricey but they would make an amazing subwoofer. The Adire Tempest and Shiva lines are more moderately priced and still excellent drivers.

I have never heard an SVS subwoofer in person but others that have and also built subs similar to mine report that the DIY is definetly on par with, if not better, than the mid level SVS subs. I doubt my sub would outperform a PB12-Ultra/2 but I wouldn't expect it to with the $1,700 price difference, one 12" driver vs 2, and 250w vs 1000w.

 

[Sheep]

MacManMN said the Titanic can't compete for HT against SVS. But, he feels they are more musical then SVS subs. I trust his opinion, but having good HT performance is more of a concern for me.

It all depends if you have te time, money, and tools to do a DIY sub.


SheepStar

 

[kingdaddy]

DIY rocks, I would never buy a commercial sub, their way too easy to design and build yourself.

MY DIY Projects
http://kingdaddy.linaeum.com/

 

[Mr. Lamb Fries]

Good stuff...Kingdaddy!

What about the WAF???

 

[shokhead]

Hey guys, I really appreciate all your advice on some of my other sub questions. I was getting ready to pull the trigger on an SVS sub but a DIY project sounds interesting. My problem is that for my room (3400 cubic ft) SVS recommended 1st the PB12-ISD/2 or 2nd 25-31 PCi-Plus. The reps at SVS have been great but unfortunately my wife blew a gasket when she saw the price and if I'm going to stay married (I know choices, choices...) I need to spend less. SVS's next choice was a 25-31 tuned to 22Hz which I think I can swing.

I'm pretty handy with tools and wood working and I'm wondering if I could get more "bang for the buck" by going the DIY route. I was looking at the 12" & 15" Titanic sub kits on Parts Express and wondered how they might compare to the SVS line. Would they maybe be comparable to a PB12-Plus? For basically same money I could do the 12" Titanic w/500W or the 25-31 PCi. Thoughts???

Are there any other kits or components to consider?

Thanks

Easy,the SVS and getting the 25 and having it tuned to 22 works pretty good. Thats what i would have done.

 

[kingdaddy]

Good stuff...Kingdaddy!

What about the WAF???

Every girl I've been with knows up front of my DIY obsession and proclivity to put large ugly objects in the living area, IOW, I'm single.

 

[bmccord]

Speeking of big and ugly, check out the sub I am going to start on pretty soon. It sure is big, and using plain old 3/4" MDF, it sure ain't going to be purty.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16901

 

[philh]

I built a MadiSound designed sub and it F* Rocks! It was a fun project, sounds great, and was inexpensive. First amp (ebay) only lasted couple of years. Parts express replacement amp has worked flawlessly for two months now

 

[bmccord]

Which amp did you by chance get?

 

[philh]

Which amp did you by chance get?

Parts Express 300-804

Has plenty of power for the 12" sub. I had the Ebay 250w special cranked up most of the way, had to turn this one way down.

 

[bmccord]

Sorry, not to post jack, but I was lookin at the 300-793 which is 250 watts rms at 4 ohm but it has a remote. I figure for 140 bucks, can't beat it...haha

 

[philh]

Sorry, not to post jack, but I was lookin at the 300-793 which is 250 watts rms at 4 ohm but it has a remote. I figure for 140 bucks, can't beat it...haha

I looked at the -793 too, but went with the -804, based on several emails with their support. It's either a better amp, or has a higher profit margin

 

[Rayzor]

KingDaddy: I took a look through your pics- very impressive DIY setup there! Not only are your speakers impressive to see, I would bet they sound impressive also. You are an inspiration, thanks!

 

[kingdaddy]

KingDaddy: I took a look through your pics- very impressive DIY setup there! Not only are your speakers impressive to see, I would bet they sound impressive also. You are an inspiration, thanks!

Thanks, I'm biased of course, but I do believe they sound as good as any speaker system I have heard to date. However, my room sucks big time, cant wait to move to a better acoustical environment, small square rooms are bad for bass.