Your favorite woofers (subs, too)

[Paul Carmody]

Talking about tweeters turns into a wine-tasting review all-too-quickly. So let's talk about things that go "thump" instead. I haven't been into this hobby very long, but I've already discovered that there are some woofers that can really make some magic. I'm interested what others have found to be their favorites, and why. Nothing is taboo to me; don't feel ashamed if you like the sound of paper cones or harmonic distortion--or no distortion whatsoever.

I'll even start.

Dayton DC160 - surprisingly deep bass in a relatively small box
Dayton SD215 - if you can tune the box right, it digs deep
SS 15S/8530 Revelator - magically deep bass extension, great midrange, fun to watch
Vifa XG-18 - clear and sweet midrange
Dayton RS270 - effortless low-distortion bass, not necessarily made for LFE but very musical

um... that's all I can think of for now :D

[terryo]

My all-time favorite was the Avatar/Adire Audio "Shiva" which really started the DIY Subwoofer movement. Designed by Dan Wiggins to be the "Official Bass List Subwoofer," it was an absolutely phenomenal driver that not only left just about everything else in the dust, but was quite a bit less expensive than anything available at the time,

Many may not be aware, but Exodus Audio has just introduced the Shiva-X, Tempest-X and Malestrom-X Sub drivers. They have been improved with better baskets, terminal connectors, etc., and in the case of the "Shiva-X" now have XBL2 motors with even less distortion than their predecessors.

Here's the Website: www.diyCable.com

Best Regards,
TerryO

[philiparcario]

In no particular order only ones I have owned.

Focal5k4011

Focal7w4411

Dayton rss390 hf-4

NHT1259

Jordan JX-92 not 92s. Yeah it is a fullrange it only goes down to 75hz, but thats in a sealed 7 liter box. cross it at 80hz to a sub and highpass all the way up to 5000hz

scanspeak23w .75cu ft box sealed plays to 33hz no eq.

totem acoustics sub from the lightning subwoofer built by focal 8 inch super musical from 40hz to 200hz. I purchased 6 of them NIB on ebay. really nice woofer. I still have one sitting in a box.

[Chris Roemer]

I also really love Dayton woofers.

The DC160S (295-306) plays as low as the -305, but in a box 2/3 the size.
The 8" Classic was one of the 1st Dayton drivers I ever used. Below 30 Hz in a vented 1.7 cf box.
I've never gotten the 10" to play as low. I think it wants a large (3cf?) box.
My 12" Quatro sub (3cf, vented) is no slouch, either.
And the SD series are awesome, especially for the money.

[the kid]

I have been succesfull at impressing myself with an early Infiniti Kappa 10" sub for the car. One of the plain green ones. This thing intergrated extremely well into my 87 fire-buzzard. Impressive handling of techno thru
fleetwood mac music.

I custom tweeked it during installation by slipping with the screw gun and punching a bit sized hole in the cone. Then after extensive research and calculations I integrated a small amount of Liquid Nails clear silicone into the hole. Plays like new...sort of. Still, to this day it is going strong.

[ejohnson]

My all-time favorite was the Avatar/Adire Audio "Shiva" which really started the DIY Subwoofer movement. Designed by Dan Wiggins to be the "Official Bass List Subwoofer," it was an absolutely phenomenal driver that not only left just about everything else in the dust, but was quite a bit less expensive than anything available at the time,

Many may not be aware, but Exodus Audio has just introduced the Shiva-X, Tempest-X and Malestrom-X Sub drivers. They have been improved with better baskets, terminal connectors, etc., and in the case of the "Shiva-X" now have XBL2 motors with even less distortion than their predecessors.

Here's the Website: www.diyCable.com

Best Regards,
TerryO

I have a MKII Shiva in a 22" cube tuned low for HT and a MkII Tempest in a 5 cuft ported fiberglass enclosure in my car ;) "What did you say officer? I can't hear you! Wait ... let me turn it down."
I have also been looking at the new line and almost went for a new Tempest to use in one of BillF's THT's. 27MM xmax for both shiva-x and tempest-x for a decent price.
Some of the Dayton subs look like they're related to the old Adire stuff but maybe not.
I like my RS180's and RS28A's so far. I'll be trying out the DA-175's soon too.

[msk]

I am also a Dayton fan: 10" titanic, 15"titanic(Kits) several sets of RS180-4 and RS180-8, the 'ol Dayton 6 1/2's, but the Usher line of 7"woofers are the most excellent! Also had a Paradigm 15"servo sub, that was OK for the time too..my .02 worth
Mark

[jbruner]

Most people will probably say they like what they already own, since their experience with other choices is limited. Kind of like religion- we congratulate ourselves for choosing the right one on the first(or second) try.
I'm not much different, so here goes,

50-500 Hz. RS225
80-1500 Hz. RS180
100-2000 Hz. RS150
All sealed.
Best Value 60-1500 Hz DA175
Favorite woofer I've never heard RSS265HF-4
Classic mid CA17RCY

[Deward Hastings]

Favorite "old timer" . . . NHT-1259

Favorite replacement for . . . RSS315HF

(both crossed low . . . LR4 below 120 Hz.)

For the mid-woofers it's hard to beat the RS series (expecially considering current prices) . . . I'd disagree with the post above ony in calling both the RS180 and the RS150 80-1600 Hz. drivers, with the difference being the extra 6dB max SPL available from the RS180. Both sealed . . . for bass extension use a bass driver, not a resonant box.

And of course I have to put in a good word for both the Seas W22EX001, and Peerless 830452 used in ORION . . .

[Wolf]

RSS315HF
HiVi M5N
TB W6-1139
TB W8-1363
SS 15W/8530K00
Soundstream EXACT10
Dayton DSQ12
Vifa PL18
RS225
SS 21W/8857T
HiVi F6
HiVi SP10 (on looks alone)

Later,
Wolf

[Jed K.]

Dayton RS270 - effortless low-distortion bass, not necessarily made for LFE

When you heard the RS270 was it ported and what size box? I'm thinking of picking up some to try. Too bad the cost went up again this last week.

Jed

[jbruner]

For the mid-woofers it's hard to beat the RS series (expecially considering current prices) . . . I'd disagree with the post above ony in calling both the RS180 and the RS150 80-1600 Hz. drivers, with the difference being the extra 6dB max SPL available from the RS180. Both sealed . . . for bass extension use a bass driver, not a resonant box.

. . .

I was referring to my use of these drivers, not my recommendations.

It may be even more useful to list the drivers we have been unhappy with, but that would need a new thread, I guess.

[Jed K.]

It may be even more useful to list the drivers we have been unhappy with, but that would need a new thread, I guess.

It's pretty tricky to objectively rate an individual driver as I've found that a specific application or crossover topology may not have worked well given the intended system. Lots of trial and error. I do think it would be interesting to see a "things I tried that didn't work out so well thread." That way we can learn from each others mistakes and possibly build on the strengths.

Regards,

Jed

[badman]

It's pretty tricky to objectively rate an individual driver as I've found that a specific application or crossover topology may not have worked well given the intended system. Lots of trial and error. I do think it would be interesting to see a "things I tried that didn't work out so well thread." That way we can learn from each others mistakes and possibly build on the strengths.

Regards,

Jed

Agreed.

And I really like the 123A/2213A from the old L100/4312 speakers. Great Alnico drivers, basically subwoofer specs (.5 Qts, 25Hz, 7mm 1-way xmax, 225L Vas) but with extremely strong motors driving relatively heavy cones with flat response up to several kHz. Pretty sweet for $150 a pair or less (smart shopping pays off!)

Optimized enclosures are quite large, but they're well suited to open baffles with minimalist XOs. Guess how I'm using them ;)

[ktaillon]

love the RS225

I get great bass from an old buy out at PE, they are Peerless 7" woofers with a poly cone. Can't remember the part #. I wish I had more, here's a pic.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1141/838367930_17f97a35ca.jpg

[natediggidy]

My favorite sub is a Cerwin-Vega V-Max 15DVC. It's a car sub, but it models like very, very good home sub. In a 5.63 cu-ft box, it goes deep enough (-3 @25hz, before room gain) and hits hard enough for HT use. For music, it's so clean and tight, you never hear it. It just makes your mains sound like they've been given a massive dose of steroids.

Just for a size reference, that is a regular size washing machine that the sub is sitting on :eek:.

http://Nate-Diggidy.smugmug.com/photos/3563445_QSx5k-M.jpg

[natediggidy]

Going in the other direction, size wise, is the Dayton Classic 6 1/2". Not the best mids in a 6 1/2", but hey, were talkin' woofers here. Many projects made with this one, even a sub. If you want a quick, easy, inexpensive small sub, the Bitty-Boom is your answer. How quick, easy and inexpensive? Check the pic. That's your basic, unassembled Bitty enclosure ;).

http://Nate-Diggidy.smugmug.com/photos/21794596_2JjJK-M-1.jpg

[Todd G.]

Ditto on the NHT 1259 and Shiva. Both excellent. Major props to the RS line. The 315/390 are really nice and a great value.

How about a hand for the Bully. Most any Lambda driver should score highly. Several of the Blue Print drivers were excellent. Sad to see BP go away so soon.

And the best for last, the JBL1500SUB. What a beast, and musical like all get out. I've got two of them and they're not going anywhere.

[aarongilbert]

love the RS225

I get great bass from an old buy out at PE, they are Peerless 7" woofers with a poly cone. Can't remember the part #. I wish I had more, here's a pic.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1141/838367930_17f97a35ca.jpg

Hey ktaillon,

Those look just like my 7" CSX woofers, part number 850122. It's such a shame they are no longer available - they are really excellent drivers. Mine are still working like the day I got them, I also wish I had more.

[aarongilbert]

My all-time favorite was the Avatar/Adire Audio "Shiva" which really started the DIY Subwoofer movement. Designed by Dan Wiggins to be the "Official Bass List Subwoofer," it was an absolutely phenomenal driver that not only left just about everything else in the dust, but was quite a bit less expensive than anything available at the time,

Many may not be aware, but Exodus Audio has just introduced the Shiva-X, Tempest-X and Malestrom-X Sub drivers. They have been improved with better baskets, terminal connectors, etc., and in the case of the "Shiva-X" now have XBL2 motors with even less distortion than their predecessors.

Here's the Website: www.diyCable.com

Best Regards,
TerryO

Terry,

Completely agree on the Shiva. Mine's still shaking the car! It's been through four or five different amplifiers (I can never make up my mind), but the woofer stays the same. :)

I indeed was unaware that DIY Cable had introduced new descendants to the Shiva/Tempest/Maestrom. That's most excellent! It coincides nicely with a new addition to my home theater. You see, my former receiver had a nice function that limited maximum output to the subwoofer. The new one does not, and I've come to find out that I have way too much power available for my meager Dayton Quatro 15" - which is a great woofer, by the way. It has almost as much swept volume as a Shiva, but apparently that's not enough.

I just placed an order for a Tempest-X today! Is it really only the Shiva-X which has XBL^2 though, as you suggest above? Because the Tempest-X page at DIY Cable specifically says that it also features XBL^2.

Cheers!

[vasyachkin]

so far the best woofers i used were BEYMA and the best subwoofer was TC SOUNDS ( now Audiopulse )

[martyh]

I just fired up a new design this afternoon using the Dayton SD215. That little beauty is digging a trench across my living room right now - wow! For $28.50 it's a steal!!

They're part of a 3-way MTM. I have it in a 1.4 cft box using a 3" downfiring port @ 15". My 'design guru' says that gets us down to 29hz. We paralleled the voice coils and are running one per speaker. Fantastic!

[johnastockman]

Talking about tweeters turns into a wine-tasting review all-too-quickly. So let's talk about things that go "thump" instead. I haven't been into this hobby very long, but I've already discovered that there are some woofers that can really make some magic. I'm interested what others have found to be their favorites, and why. Nothing is taboo to me; don't feel ashamed if you like the sound of paper cones or harmonic distortion--or no distortion whatsoever.

I'll even start.

Dayton DC160 - surprisingly deep bass in a relatively small box
Dayton SD215 - if you can tune the box right, it digs deep
SS 15S/8530 Revelator - magically deep bass extension, great midrange, fun to watch
Vifa XG-18 - clear and sweet midrange
Dayton RS270 - effortless low-distortion bass, not necessarily made for LFE but very musical

um... that's all I can think of for now :D


My list includes:
-SD series (SDVC drivers)...kicks the wee outta much more expensive retail subwoofers.
-The Quatros have a huge value/performance ratio. I've used the 10" and 12".
-The DC130, DC160 & DC200 for non-sub apps. Again, amazing when compared to similar commercial speakers. The D8 MTM's totally amazed me and the guy I built them for.
-Vifa P17 with the Focal TC90 tweeter in my ported .75 ft3 2-way (XO designed by Dick Morgan).
-DA175...the value/performance thing.
-Focal Polyglass series...incredible in Joe D. designs.

After hearing countless comparos with commercial speakers, these would be my favs for value, SQ. There are a few others, but some are NLA or pretty expensive, like the Scans.

John A.

[Brian Steele]

My all-time favorite was the Avatar/Adire Audio "Shiva" which really started the DIY Subwoofer movement.

Actually, I'd give that credit to the NHT1259, which Ken Kantor (NHT) made available to members of the DIY Loudspeakers's Mailing List. Dan's Shiva came on the scene some years afterwards.

I purchased two of the original Shivas from Dan many years ago. They were destroyed last year when my car was totalled by my mechanic (grumble). I haven't found replacements that offer the same performance at a similar price.

[Sooper]

Hey ktaillon,

Those look just like my 7" CSX woofers, part number 850122. It's such a shame they are no longer available - they are really excellent drivers. Mine are still working like the day I got them, I also wish I had more.

Here's another shout out to the range of Peerless CSX drivers, the 5-1/2"ers were certainly no slouches either. My 1st real build were the "more-pees" that used MDT-20's, it's the project that hooked me for life on speaker building. I really really really hate they're no longer available.

[johnnyrichards]

I'd have to echo the NHT kicking off the high quality DIY subwoofer movement. Ken Kantor has always been a friend of the DIY community. In fact, the earlier NHT designs were ridiculously good for commerical designs, and their new stuff isn't too bad either. Not by a long shot.

However, I think proper credit is due Radio Shack for making DIY bass available to public at large...

How many of us built our first project with Realistic drivers? Come one now, let's be honest...

I built a 2.1 system with a pair of the 40-1011A 6.5" polypropylene woofers, a pair of the 1-3/4" cone tweeters, and a 12" dual voice coil subwoofer. I wish I had the subwoofer yet. Turns out this was one of Radio Shacks finer offerings, it clocked in at a 21Hz FS with something like 12 or 14 mm xmax. The later versions had like 2 mm of xmax.

I still have the 6.5" woofers (plus four more).

I digress... My favorite midwoofers seem to be the poly offerings from Peerless, and my favorite sub is the TC Sounds OEM unit I have. A close second is the Kappa Perfect 10.1's in my car.

[philiparcario]

Actually, I'd give that credit to the NHT1259, which Ken Kantor (NHT) made available to members of the DIY Loudspeakers's Mailing List. Dan's Shiva came on the scene some years afterwards.

I purchased two of the original Shivas from Dan many years ago. They were destroyed last year when my car was totalled by my mechanic (grumble). I haven't found replacements that offer the same performance at a similar price.

I am still using a pair of nht1259's as woofers in my ht they run from 50hz to 100hz. a dayton rss390hf-4 runs from 18hz to 50hz. this 3 driver combo is the best bass i have ever heard in a ht at home. cost under 800 for amps xovers and the drivers

[Pete Schumacher ®]

I once built a 6 cubic foot box tuned to 24Hz with a pair of 3" ports, that housed a pair of Peerless 850146 10" CSX woofers. I drove it with a 300W amp. However, that was a bit much for the pair. But the sound was just incredible when in the linear range. Deep and clear.

They got replaced by Adire Audio DPL-12 subs. Very clean 1st octave reproduction. Best crossed low.

NHT1259. What's not to like really?

I've heard, or built, with the 10", 12" and 15" RSS lines. What tremendous value they are. Great performance all around.

DA175 from Dayton of course. Great bass in the right enclosure, and smooth mids where the DC160 ails a bit.

And another shout out to the Peerless line of CSX based woofers, including the HDS line. Those were some really nice sounding drivers.

[LouC]

Based on stuff I have used (or heard)

RS225-8 Nice for music, tight & clear.

RS150 - Versatile, great bass for the box size

Tangband W51138S - Not a mid, but good to around 1000. A lot of bass in a small box, in pairs this little beast is great


Old School:
Peerless 831858 DVC - Nice compromise of box size and reach. Does great in sealed box. Flexible in use

ACI SV10/Meniscus SW1084 - Great 10" sealed sub in a small box, gobs of power needed & used

[DS-21]

(Mid)woofers:
Tannoy Dual Concentric (all, 8" and larger)
KEF Uni-Q (4th gen and up)
B&C 8NDL51
Peerless CSX/HDS
B&C 15TBX100
JBL 2035
JBL 2235H
Aura NS12-513A

Subwoofers (car or small home systems):
Peerless SLS-8
Peerless XLS-8

Subwoofers (home main system)
Cabasse 55ND
Exodus Audio Maelstrom-X
JBL W15GTi
JBL SUB1500
JBL 2235H (presumably 2245H, too, though I've not knowingly heard one)
Aura NS12-794A (I assume the 15" and 18" ones are even better, but have never heard one)
Peerless XLS12

Most intriguing one I haven't heard: TangBang's underhung line.

[Eric.DeYoung]

I'm going to bump this thread back up- I've been looking around for future projects (as if I don't already have enough!! :-D) and just for fun looking at subwoofer drivers for 100% music duty, 2 of them for stereo bass. So, with no home theater super low frequency required, and the main criteria being low distortion and superb accuracy and punch, what would you guys and gals pick for < ~ 250 dollar driver? Just curious :-) I've been looking at peerless XLS and XXLS 10's and 12's and have only been drooling a little bit :-D

Eric

[Pete Schumacher ®]

I'm going to bump this thread back up- I've been looking around for future projects (as if I don't already have enough!! :-D) and just for fun looking at subwoofer drivers for 100% music duty, 2 of them for stereo bass. So, with no home theater super low frequency required, and the main criteria being low distortion and superb accuracy and punch, what would you guys and gals pick for < ~ 250 dollar driver? Just curious :-) I've been looking at peerless XLS and XXLS 10's and 12's and have only been drooling a little bit :-D

Eric

AE Speakers TD12H (http://www.aespeakers.com/drivers.php?driver_id=6) is an incredible woofer with an extremely low distortion design. They sounded incredible at the InDIYana event in April.

http://www.aespeakers.com/images/drivers/TD12H-front.png

[johnzimmerman]

I've been looking at the TD10H as a woofer in a 3-way, it looks like it can go from sub frequencies and cross to a mid. Do you know anybody that's used one this way?

JohnZ

[Eric.DeYoung]

Still been looking at the peerless drivers- anyone have the 830845 12" XXLS in a sealed box? Looks like in a 90L box it would have an f3 at about 35 Hz - and I love the sound of sealed enclosures :-)

[aarongilbert]

Actually, I'd give that credit to the NHT1259, which Ken Kantor (NHT) made available to members of the DIY Loudspeakers's Mailing List. Dan's Shiva came on the scene some years afterwards.

I purchased two of the original Shivas from Dan many years ago. They were destroyed last year when my car was totalled by my mechanic (grumble). I haven't found replacements that offer the same performance at a similar price.

Well if you're going to go that far back, I would also include the Audio Concepts DV12 woofer, c. 1990 or so. Incredible driver for the price. I don't think it ever really had a 'following' like the Shiva or even the NHT, but A.C.I. certainly did cater to the DIY speaker building community.

[PWR RYD]

Well if you're going to go that far back, I would also include the Audio Concepts DV12 woofer, c. 1990 or so. Incredible driver for the price. I don't think it ever really had a 'following' like the Shiva or even the NHT, but A.C.I. certainly did cater to the DIY speaker building community.

Does anyone have any information regarding the Audio Concepts DV12? I still have a pair I bought from Madisound back around 1992. Thanks!

[badman]

JBL 2213/123A for pure woofer/mids

Creative Sound Trio 12 for sub.

[LQ1Z34]

Hell yes, the Radio Shack dvc 12 was a beast. Had them firing into 5 gallon buckets when I was a teenager. Not the best cabinet but they would shake the bejesus out of my bedroom.

[gc1]

Either don't know or remember part numbers, just names;
KEF 9x12
Focal
PHL
Klipsch-Horn
OHM-1 sub
Frazier-11 woofer/sub
Nesterovic subs
and many other that have slipped from my memory

[abn1701]

Peerless CC line 831727 10" driver

[lasse]

Hello,

anyone putting their 2 cents on the 11" woofer in AR 3a/LST ?

(I´m planning a sub based on that driver. Fs 15 Hz!)

Regards//lasse

[Brent_S]

Does anyone have any information regarding the Audio Concepts DV12? I still have a pair I bought from Madisound back around 1992. Thanks!

What kind of info are you looking for? I should still have some of the ACi paper literature for the DV12s, maybe even the manual for the Sub-1...you know pre-interweb day stuff. ;-) I also have a pair of DV12s of roughly the same vintage, but they've not been used in nearly 15 years.

Are you sure you have ACi DV12s, though. I don't remember them being sold anywhere except direct from ACi.

-Brent

[J_Shea]

The first woofer that I really liked was the Nakamichi sp1010. I first used it years ago (20 maybe?) in a sealed sub for apartment use because all I had room for was little bookshelf speakers crammed in next to a tv. Those cheap small speakers were all I could afford at the time, and they had no bass whatsoever. All I was looking for really was something to add warmth or depth or whatever you call it to the classic rock that is my preferred genre, but what happened was I found out that there is detail and articulation in deep bass possible, not just the thumping or muffled rumbling that I was used to. That will always be my favorite (sub)woofer because it opened up a whole new area of enjoyment in recorded music for me. It's a warm nostalgic feeling.

[PWR RYD]

What kind of info are you looking for? I should still have some of the ACi paper literature for the DV12s, maybe even the manual for the Sub-1...you know pre-interweb day stuff. ;-) I also have a pair of DV12s of roughly the same vintage, but they've not been used in nearly 15 years.

Are you sure you have ACi DV12s, though. I don't remember them being sold anywhere except direct from ACi.

-Brent

Brent,

I'm not positive they are ACi. They have the double stacked magnets, ribbed paper cones with some sort of dampening on the back side, rubber surround, and have a sticker on the magnets that says "Audio Concepts" and black ink printing that says "1174894/DV12". Mine have fairly beefy stamped steel baskets with 8 mounting holes. I am positive that I purchased them from Madisound around the 1992-1995 era.

I'm looking for any information on them. Thanks. I can take some pictures of them and measure them with my WT3 and post that.

[PWR RYD]

What I am thinking about is a pair of forward firing bass bins using these 12 inch Audio Concepts woofers (powered by a pair of Bash 300 plate amps) with a set of MTM's sitting on top. Probably actively crossed between the bass bin 12's and the MTM's and passively crossed within the MTM's. I would also like to explore doing something different with the bass bins other than vented or sealed. Maybe a tapered TL or ML-TL (not sure if these 12's are well suited for that). For the MTM's I have several candidates already on hand... I have 4 of the Klipsch 6.5 buyouts and 4 of the Audax Maxfidelity 5.25 buyouts. For possible tweeters I have a pair of Dynaudio D-28/2 and a pair of Dayton RS28AS-4. Does this sound reasonable? Any ideas are very welcomed. Thanks!

[ocdSCHACK]

I don't have a collection of subs, but my 15" Dayton RS HO(meant for sealed boxes) is a beast in its' ported box. Probably not the best money can buy, but rattling-walls kick in before it starts to struggle. By the way, my RS 12" HF is a major disappointment compared to the 15" HO...at least for sub use.

[johnnyrichards]

What I am thinking about is a pair of forward firing bass bins using these 12 inch Audio Concepts woofers (powered by a pair of Bash 300 plate amps) with a set of MTM's sitting on top. Probably actively crossed between the bass bin 12's and the MTM's and passively crossed within the MTM's. I would also like to explore doing something different with the bass bins other than vented or sealed. Maybe a tapered TL or ML-TL (not sure if these 12's are well suited for that). For the MTM's I have several candidates already on hand... I have 4 of the Klipsch 6.5 buyouts and 4 of the Audax Maxfidelity 5.25 buyouts. For possible tweeters I have a pair of Dynaudio D-28/2 and a pair of Dayton RS28AS-4. Does this sound reasonable? Any ideas are very welcomed. Thanks!

FWIW, I really like how the Audax worked out in Driscoll but I am also intrigued by the Big K buyout. I think the Klipsch will be a technically better driver, but... There is something to the paper cone that appeals to me - maybe it is the distortion, maybe it is psycho-acoustics, who knows?

I still can't believe those Audax woofs set me back all of $6 apiece, or less. Score of the year for me.

[PWR RYD]

FWIW, I really like how the Audax worked out in Driscoll but I am also intrigued by the Big K buyout. I think the Klipsch will be a technically better driver, but... There is something to the paper cone that appeals to me - maybe it is the distortion, maybe it is psycho-acoustics, who knows?

I still can't believe those Audax woofs set me back all of $6 apiece, or less. Score of the year for me.

That is exactly along the lines that I was thinking Johnny! I mean, if I have a solid 12" driver doing bottom end duty well, then do I really need a pair of aluminum cone 6.5"s to do mid bass and mid range? I think the pair of 5.25" mid basses will easily handle that range and might even play smoother, and a bit higher. I am not bashing the Klipsch buyout drivers at all... just that a smaller paper cone driver might integrate better. I am hoping for any and all opinions. Maybe this should be a truly passive 3-way with one big amp...

[scholl]

Beyma 12BR70 used up to 1500hz
AE TD15S used up to 400hz
AE TD15M used up to 800hz

[xavier]

Sonic Craft SCC300: unobtanium 12" woofer that worked great in a sealed box (my preference if the driver allows for it), went low enough, and reached up to about 300Hz w/o complaint. All this and it was about 90db sensitive. Very "punchy", especially for a 12" driver that went so low.

Accuton C95: Not my favorite driver for a 2 way, but as the midbass in a 3 way, it's astonishing. Amazing mid and upper bass articulation.

Subs:

Dayton RSS265HF-4 10" with the BASH 300. I've built 3 of these and love them.

Best (not loudest, or b a l l busting) sub-bass I've ever heard are the Rythmik Servo Subs.

[johnnyrichards]

Craig, the Audax will be easier (and cheaper) to work with, and with a nice active 12" filling in the bottom end there really is no reason why the extra output of the Klipsch is necessary.

Whether it is needed or not is a different story :D

Favorite woofer? I really liked the NHT1259 back when I had one a million years ago. I also liked what I have heard of the Dayton reference subs so far.

[Brent_S]

Brent,

I'm not positive they are ACi. They have the double stacked magnets, ribbed paper cones with some sort of dampening on the back side, rubber surround, and have a sticker on the magnets that says "Audio Concepts" and black ink printing that says "1174894/DV12". Mine have fairly beefy stamped steel baskets with 8 mounting holes. I am positive that I purchased them from Madisound around the 1992-1995 era.

I'm looking for any information on them. Thanks. I can take some pictures of them and measure them with my WT3 and post that.

If you've got a WT3, I doubt I could offer any more information that is really relevant. I ordered my pair a year or two apart and the published T/S parms did change as well as some of the cosmetics on the basket itself.

ACi used the DV12 in their Sub-1 product back in the day...enclosure volume was a little over 2 ft^3 IIRC, aperiodic loading along with a passive contour network of some sort...otherwise, the Q=.7ish sealed box was more like 4 ft^3. Sub-1 had the driver downfiring. Google may turn up a Stereophile review of the Sub-1 along with a pair of the ACi mains (Sapphires? Emeralds?...it's been a while).

Both Madisound and ACi are in Wisconsin so I guess it's possible the DV12 could have been fulfilled through Madisound at some point. Madisound did have their own driver that strongly resembled the DV12...1252DVC maybe?

A BASH300 will be serious overkill for a DV12. I think it has 8mm of Xmax and that's likely using the (coil-gap)/2 method rather than the 70% Bl point.

I'll try to find time to dig my pair out of the closet this weekend, but I just learned last night we're hosting the family T'giving this year so there's some cleanin' chores to be done.

-Brent