Just to clarify, since I am starting this build from scratch, I want to ensure the system is physically capable of extending down to 5 Hz. I know most LFE tracks rarely drop below 10–12 Hz, but I want that ultra-low headroom built into the design from day one.
I am completely open to your suggestion of increasing the enclosure size. Because these boxes haven't been built yet, going larger will only cost me an extra sheet or two of the 3/4" Baltic Birch veneer plywood I plan to use.
Enclosure Volume & Driver Mechanics
While I noticed the higher output gains offered by the 8.2 ft³ box, I also see that it increases driver excursion. I am trying to determine how critical this is for a 5Hz-capable system. Moving from the 6.2 ft³ box to the 8.2 ft³ box bumps the Xmax by 3.5mm—bringing it to 26.5mm, which is getting uncomfortably close to the driver's 29mm limit. That said, I appreciate that the larger air volume is easier on the driver, creates less voice coil heat under heavy loads, and yields a deeper, more natural bass.
On this note, I have two specific technical questions:
- Xmax Specifications: Can you clarify how you calculated a 34mm Xmax, compared to the manufacturer’s listed 29mm spec? I am trying to understand that discrepancy.
- Mid-Bass Impact: How will transitioning from a 6.2 ft³ to an 8.2 ft³ enclosure affect the "punchy" mid-bass frequencies from 40 Hz and up? Will the punch increase, decrease, or remain relatively unchanged?
Cabinet Dimensions & Construction
For construction, my original plan was a 24" x 24" x 24" cube featuring a double-thick front baffle, a central window brace, extensive interlocking bracing throughout, and a dedicated support ring for the driver basket. I will absolutely post build photos once sawdust starts flying!
If I move to the 8.2 ft³ net volume, I will spec the gross internal volume to 8.6 ft³ to account for the 0.4 ft³ displacement of the driver and bracing.
- A 26" x 26" x 26" cube achieves this, but I am wondering if it would be structurally superior to keep the face at 24" x 24" and extend the depth to 31" instead?
- Changing the depth to 31" would actually fit significantly better in my dedicated room layout.
Current System Layout
For context, here is the rest of the audio chain I am integrating these into:
- Receiver: Anthem MRX 1140
- Front L/R: Paradigm Premier 8000F
- Center: Paradigm Premier 600C
- Side Surrounds: Paradigm Monitor 7 v5
- Rear Surrounds: Paradigm Monitor 11
- Atmos: 4x Paradigm Pro PR-80R (In-Ceiling)
- DSP: MiniDSP Flex HTx
- Subwoofers: 4x Sealed FTW-21 drivers
- Amplification: CVR D1004 rack amplifier (capable of 1700W RMS @ 4 ohms, dialed back to 1200W)