My DIY Sub!

[derekbannatyne]

Hey I just finished building my first DIY sub! It sounds alot better than my previous htib sub, but this thing is heavy. Here are some of the details:

Design Thread: http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=17748
Design: Ported, tuned to 17hz
Enclosure: 7.77 cubic foot box after subtracting braces, etc.; 24.5 x 24.5 x 33 external dimensions
Driver: Dayton 15" DVC
Amplifier: Rythmik Audio 250w Plate Amp with a 16hz rumble filter
EQ: None yet
Cost: around $320 total
Prior Experience: 1 - built some half decent speakers for a science fair
Summary: This was a really fun project to make. The whole process probably took about 6 months including all the research, ordering of the parts, and actually constructing the enclosure. This thing gets loud and low, but it still sounds good for music. I haven't tested it's full limits yet, but I've never heard it bottom out or anything. The finish is Duplicolor truck bed lining, I used a quart for basic coverage and then used a spray can to get a more even finish, holding the can about 2 feet away while I sprayed. The side panels are 22 x 24.5, and are covered by aluminum flashing that you can find at any Home Depot for about $10 for a 2'x10' roll.

 

[j_garcia]

Nice man!! The little silver arc on the side gives it a little "art-deco" feel to it in a way, sort of that Outlaw RR2150 feel. I use the A350 Rythmik amp with a 14Hz ss filter, also tuned to 17hz.

 

[Ron Temple]

Congratulations Derek...bet it sounds great, nice look too.

 

[derekbannatyne]

Thanks! So how do you like you're Tempest sub, I heard that the DVC is pretty much a clone of it. I don't really have any retail subs to compare it to, how do you think your sub stacks up to some of the ones you've heard? Yep, it sounds really nice, kinda scary sometimes actually.

 

[j_garcia]

I'm very happy with this guy. The very pricey 15" I heard recently would be pretty embarrassed by this guy, size aside (it doesn't exactly win any WAF points ). This guy definitely goes loud and low, but where it really surprises me is that it is still able to handle music in a detailed, clean manner; something I didn't expect from a 15".

 

[derekbannatyne]

What sub would that be? It would be nice if it were a Velodyne DD-15! What are some good records to test the sub for music? I think it sounds pretty good for music but I've never really listened to it with a quality recording. What should I listen for to tell if it's adept with music or not?

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Derek,

Man, that's a huge sub! When I first saw the pic, I thought you reproduced a PB10ISD. Then I got to reading the ingredients! That's a heck of a deal for $320.

What should I listen for to tell if it's adept with music or not?

You're asking a bass head. I'm sure the guys here have their favorites. I've been doing this so long, I have a bunch of 'em. Sorry if they're outdated - I'm just old!

The Talking Heads - Girlfriend is Better.
Dire Straits - Ride Across the River.
Metalica - Sad but True, and Wherever I May Roam.
Morphine - Honey White.
Nickleback - Never Again
The Police - Spirits in the Material World.
The Rippingtons - Smooth Jazz Cafe.
Trapped - Headstrong, Lie Awake, and Perfect Dream.
Yes - Owner of a Lonely Heart (the first 30 seconds)
ZZ Top - Rough Boy and Velcro Fly.
Three Six Mafia - Late Night Tip.

 

[mulester7]

.....real nice, Derek........

 

[Sheep]

Hezus christo! That thing is huge!

That subwoofer is PA certified.

SheepStar

 

[Tom Vodhanel]

Yeah, looks like a PB10 on "the juice".. (and fancy side panels)

With a good 15, 250w, and a big flared port...it has got to perform very well! Good stuff Derek.

Tom V.
SVS

 

[---k---]

That isn't that big! You guys must have gotten use to seeing wimp little subs. If you want to see big, take a look at what Stevenn recently built.

And let's not forget about the Steve Callas's Tower of Power and all the clones. Here is Jon's recently finished clone:

Now those are BIG! Derek's is just about the right size if you ask me.


(Steve and Jon, I hope you don't mind me posting your picture. Let me know if it is a problem.)

 

[Sheep]

I want specs, right meow!

SheepStar

 

[j_garcia]

That's like an supersized version of my sub DAMN Stevenn's sub is definitely ginormous.

What type of music do you listen to normally? I've got a wide variety, so it depends mostly on my mood as to what I test out the sub with. I have some stuff that is brutal bass-heavy, and I have stuff that is more on the detailed, mellow side.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Steven and Steve obviously are either single, or soon to be single. Geeezus.

 

[craigsub]

Steven and Steve obviously are either single, or soon to be single. Geeezus.

I can remember Stevenn asking me if the waf rating on an ACI Maestro was ok ...

 

[derekbannatyne]

Hm i'm not sure how Jon's sub would fit in my basement considering it's ceiling as right at 7'! Actually seriously listen to pretty much anything. I just listened to Late Nite Tip, it's pretty much a continuous low bass tone. I could never hear the bass line with my old sub.

 

[bandit]

Wow !!!

First - Derek, looks like a great job on your project. If it sounds half as nice as it looks you've won !!

Second - those are the biggest subs I have ever seen!! Kind of reminded me of the comment about the size of the castle in Shrek. I am wondering if the people who track earthquakes have picked up on them.....

 

[derekbannatyne]

Thanks! I'm happy with the way it turned out, sounds very nice too. I thought my sub was big, but it's puny compared to those monster subs.