DIY VS Internet direct subs

[Shrader]

I am curious to anyone in the know out there, I have just built (2) SI18d4 subs in seperate 22" sealed cubes, powered by an Inuuke 3000dsp,they are positioned 12' apart at the front of the listening area 25'w X 28'L X7.5' high, wondering how these would compare to svs, hsu, etc? in a like room for movies and or music? I am VERY pleased with the results I have, just wondering if they are better/worse and in what aspects? Price was the biggest issue for me, was just all around cheaper to do them myself.

 

[shadyJ]

For the money, nothing commercial compares with them, not manufacture direct and certainly not retail subs. The highest value commercial subs with respect to performance in that price range has to be from either Hsu or Reaction, and your setup would absolutely destroy them.

 

[TheWarrior]

I think you're on the right track, just go out and hear as much as you can! Once you get really addicted, there's a room for every mood!

 

[fmw]

In my own experience the DIY subs are not only less expensive but they sound better. At least that is the case with my own subwoofers. Personally, I would pay more for a DIY just to achieve the better sound. Being able to pay less is a bonus. Shrader, congratulations on choosing superior subwoofers.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Last time I did painstakingly comparison between something like HSU VTF-3 MK5 HP and comparable DIY option and came to conclusion than going DIY could potentially save me couple of hundred bucks, but amount of time it would require and quality of finish might not be worth my time, but each to their own.
I think with such great deals available from few ID brands vs hidden costs of DIY (aka tools, finishing materials and time - lots of it) - DIY is more of a hobby imo, not a great way to save lots of money.

 

[fmw]

My 15" sealed DIY sub cost me $465 including a 300 watt plate amp, stuffing, wires, and paint. Tools and glue were already on hand. I think the total time to complete was about 2 hours. I don't count paint drying time in that total. If there is a quality factory made 15" sub for $465, I haven't encountered it. Basically the DIYer replaces the factory. I could have added $100 and covered it in a walnut veneer and added a grill but it wasn't necessary in my case. That would have added 3 or 4 hours to the project. The time was immaterial because I viewed it as hobby time. It isn't for everybody but it is a way to wind up with great subwoofer.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

fmw. You're basically right, besides Dayton Sub-1500 (i know it's apples and oranges but it does have 15" driver and you could get two of them for price of your single DIY) nothing really comes close, but I didn't said that ID is available as same price as DIY. DIY is indeed cheaper, but not as much as someone not-in-the-know expects.
Arguably better sub - HSU ULS15 MK2 costs $779 (plus shipping, but will be on sale probably closer to xmas)
Another example is PSA XS15 and thought it's no longer available, but probably something will be available at $600-700 sooner or later.
So, the price difference let's say $300 - Your sub amp is not nearly as powerful, doesn't include Q control which HSU has, nor the much longer warranty or cloth grill. Add tools and glue plus "2 hours of work" (only applicable to most basic build - aka sealed and if someone has some experience in woodworking).

Again, Yes - YOU maybe could save few hundred by DIY, but it may not always be the case or 2-3 hours of my time could be spend with family or charging clients for consulting work.
Depends on project/client It may be more economic sense to buy it from ID rather than DIY.

 

[fmw]

My suggestion then is not to get involved with DIY. As I said, it isn't for everybody. The Dayton subs don't compete at all with mine or the OP's. I would venture that the Hsu and PSA don't either but I haven't had either of them here for a comparison.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

As far as OPs SI18 in 6cuft boxes with solid amp, Given their liquidation prices of below $200/driver, unfortunately no longer in production, nothing commercially available in near this price range would able to compete with OP's setup.
Here's is Josh's review - Keep in mind he's using very expensive 6kW amp
http://www.data-bass.com/data?page=system&id=90
Do read his results, but don't expect same out of cheap chinese made amp.

Some of commercially available subs in same performance category:
https://reaction-audio.myshopify.com/collections/subwoofers/products/gamma-18?variant=1107645869
http://jtrspeakers.com/home-audio/captivator-s1/
http://www.powersoundaudio.com/collections/subwoofers/products/s3000i

 

[shadyJ]

Josh is using a 12 kW amp for those tests, remember he is using the K10 in bridged configuration. Keep in mind that when the SI HT18 isn't being pushed as hard, it plays back with lower distortion and compression. As for the subs you listed as being in the same performance category, the OPs dual HT18/iNuke3000 setup should be able to outperform the Gamma 18 with no problem and will easily outperform the s3000i, but the Captivator may be able to match it in some respects. I think the dual HT18 will be able to hold a cleaner sound at normal volume levels, and of course there is the room response benefits of multiple subs. The Cap's main advantage is that beast of an amplifier.

 

[KEW]

I believe subs are the DIY audio project which offers the greatest benefits.
However, there are some caveats/considerations:
1) the SUB-1200 which is currently on sale for $120 shipped to your home is not made of crappy POS components. I am not at all sure you could buy an equivalent amp, driver, and the mdf, etc. for $120. If you can, you are not going to be "earning" much of a wage for your construction time. But this is an "extreme" product. Of course, most people interested in DIY are going to go for something bigger, louder, and deeper.
2) the more construction involved, the greater benefit from DIY (obviously) ... as well as savings from shipping cost (especially a large/heavy sub that exceeds the FedEx/UPS size/weight limits to require freight delivery).
3) one advantage of most ID subs is they have amps designed specifically to work with the driver and cabinet such that if it is driven beyond safe limits, the sub will prevent itself from damaging itself (often from even making any bad sounds). I think it is a substantial task to determine how to do this if you are building a custom design and do not believe this is common in DIY subs. Of course, one solution is to overbuild it such that it never gets pushed to its limits.
4) DIY offers intangible ($ value not available) benefits such as the pride of having made it with your own hands. The enjoyment of building it, if woodworking is a hobby.
5) The learning experience from making design decisions and (if you use something like mini-DSP) tuning the subs characteristics give you a much better understanding of how sound interacts with you room.

The potential is there for great savings, but one of the confusing things is that DIY includes:
1) Buying a kit
2) Buying a flat pack kit
3) Buying the components from a published design and building the needed box.
4) Working with experienced people to create your custom design based on your specific intentions.
5) Designing and building it yourself

I'm sure I have left a lot out, but my point is there are lots of shades of grey to this topic.