Vintage Optimus II & Yamaha to make subs

[Steve Smewing]

Here is what I have and what I am thinking about doing.

I have a pair of OptimusII speakers that have 15" woofers. I now longer use them due to the floor space but they are in fine shape. I don't see a monetary value to them so I am thinking about using the woofers for subs.

Then I have a Yamaha receiver that got retired due to having only one HDMI input. Model R-V905 which has a monster power supply and plenty of power. My current amp is another Yamaha with the LFE or sub out.

I currently have a powered sub that is pretty nice but uses smallish speakers. It does still vibrate the floor and walls.

I was thinking about taking the 15" woofers and putting them in sealed enclosures and the powering them with the retired Yamaha amp.

I know it "can" be done. So that is not the question. The question is will I be happy when or if I do this with the results and what if anything should I do to increase the happy face I hope to have when done.

I still have to complete my speaker system. It is not all that relevant but the front right left is the TriTrix MTM and the center is the same in the closed enclosure using the plans on the site for building them. But the rear matching speakers still need to be bought and built. I am using some bookshelf speakers for now.

 

[pewternhrata]

I've done similar things before. It's always worked but never as good as purchasing something specifically made for intended use. My guess in your situation is that it will play loud but not low like a dedicated sub should.

 

[KenM10759]

Those old 15" drivers don't have the excursion or magnet structure to support use as a subwoofer. They never reached down where even a decent 12" driver of today can go. Best thing to do is restore the speakers and either use them for the intended purpose or sell them to someone who will.

 

[tyhjaarpa]

Those are woofers, not subwoofers. Like said above those woofers won't work well in sub design due to their limitations.

 

[Steve Smewing]

I kind knew this would be the response I guess. I just haven't seen much market for vintage style speakers. I had years ago replaced the rubber surrounds on the woofers.That is how I found Speaker Express.

There isn't much appreciation, at least as much as is deserved for "Some" of the older stuff. Of all things, I am still mourning the loss of a Phillips amp that died on me. Not a name that tops any list and I can't even remember how I got it. That thing was a monster for sound. 1 or 2 pairs of speakers, it never cared or changed its output. It was perfect for the garage where I had no limits.

Thanks