Dayton 18" for subwoofer

[Ludo]

Is this a decent 18" driver for a light duty, PA subwoofer - seems like a steal for under $100

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=295-036

Model shows 40Hz f3 in a 6.5cu-ft enclosure tuned to 38Hz, and 122dB of x-max limited ouput.

[wg_ski]

Re: Dayton 18" for subwoofer

Cheaper alternative to Omega Pro 18 with almost identical capability. Back when I bought *mine* they were only $100 as well. Ok as long as you don't use anything bigger than an RMX2450 (non-bridged).

[Ludo]

Re: Dayton 18" for subwoofer

Cheaper alternative to Omega Pro 18 with almost identical capability. Back when I bought *mine* they were only $100 as well. Ok as long as you don't use anything bigger than an RMX2450 (non-bridged).

Thanks, so that's a 500Wpc into 8-ohms, amp. I'd be using a 375W bridged, Stewart Audio Amp so it should be ok.

Are you satisfied with the Omega Pro 18?

[wg_ski]

Re: Dayton 18" for subwoofer

They're fine for their intended purpose, but I'm spoiled. I'm used to subs with a whole lot less distortion these days. I still keep them as loaners.

[Ludo]

Re: Dayton 18" for subwoofer

They're fine for their intended purpose, but I'm spoiled. I'm used to subs with a whole lot less distortion these days. I still keep them as loaners.

I haven't had the opportunity to get spoiled yet so I'm seriously considering getting one of these subs.

By the way, I was wrong about my Stewart Amp; it's actually rated at 700W into 8-ohms, bridged. Might be a bit much for this driver then?

[AMC]

Re: Dayton 18" for subwoofer

I haven't had the opportunity to get spoiled yet so I'm seriously considering getting one of these subs.

By the way, I was wrong about my Stewart Amp; it's actually rated at 700W into 8-ohms, bridged. Might be a bit much for this driver then?

Run 2 in stereo! or just be sensible on the levels.

[billfitzmaurice]

Re: Dayton 18" for subwoofer

By the way, I was wrong about my Stewart Amp; it's actually rated at 700W into 8-ohms, bridged. Might be a bit much for this driver then?

Does your rig not have any volume controls?

[wg_ski]

Re: Dayton 18" for subwoofer

Might be a bit much for this driver then?

Depends if you're going to let a DJ anywhere near it. :D "Light duty PA" can have a broad range of meaning.

[Ludo]

Re: Dayton 18" for subwoofer

Does your rig not have any volume controls?

Yeah, for sure ;)

Just need to keep an eye on the kids if they decide to switch iPods when I step away to get another cold one. My "gigs" are all with friends and family so control of the sound system is pretty losely regulated.

I'd probably run the single sub on one channel then; just to have a little piece of mind.

[Ludo]

Re: Dayton 18" for subwoofer

I've been using the Dayton PA460 in a 7cu-ft enclosure for about two months now and although I am pleased with its output, it sounds kinda muddy on some material. Tuning is to 35Hz via 6 x 3.25" x 13" ports.

Listening within a foot of the driver, I hear some random sounding background noise, distortion perhaps, even at modest volume. Any suggestions, or is this to be expected from a driver at this price point and if that's the case, any recommendations on a driver upgrade < $350?

[AMC]

Re: Dayton 18&quot; for subwoofer

I've been using the Dayton PA460 in a 7cu-ft enclosure for about two months now and although I am pleased with its output, it sounds kinda muddy on some material. Tuning is to 35Hz via 6 x 3.25" x 13" ports.

Listening within a foot of the driver, I hear some random sounding background noise, distortion perhaps, even at modest volume. Any suggestions, or is this to be expected from a driver at this price point and if that's the case, any recommendations on a driver upgrade < $350?

At reasonable levels you shouldn't be having to much distortion. One possibility, are you using a high pass filter? If not some of content below the 35Hz (there is not much, but there is some) will be nothing but distortion. Also, (putting by biologist hat on) ears distort also. As you get closer, the SPL goes up, and distortion can set in, in you.

[Ludo]

Re: Dayton 18&quot; for subwoofer

At reasonable levels you shouldn't be having to much distortion. One possibility, are you using a high pass filter? If not some of content below the 35Hz (there is not much, but there is some) will be nothing but distortion. Also, (putting by biologist hat on) ears distort also. As you get closer, the SPL goes up, and distortion can set in, in you.

I'm using a DBX 2-way, stereo x-over, set to 100Hz LP and have the 40Hz HP filters switched in; L/R are summed out in mono to a Pyle PT2000 set to bridged mode.
I should probably measure the distortion to see whether its reasonable.

Louis

[Sydney]

Re: Dayton 18&quot; for subwoofer

Listening within a foot of the driver, I hear some random sounding background noise, distortion perhaps, even at modest volume.

How much excursion do you observe when this occurs?
( doesn't sound normal to me )

[Ludo]

Re: Dayton 18&quot; for subwoofer

How much excursion do you observe when this occurs?
( doesn't sound normal to me )

The cone is barely moving and the ports are generating almost imperceptible air flow.

Ok, I'm really puzzled now and will run some tones through it tomorrow and measure the harmonic levels.
The TS parameters measured fine; attached WT3 plot below.

[Sydney]

Re: Dayton 18&quot; for subwoofer

The cone is barely moving and the ports are generating almost imperceptible air flow.

I'd say something is amiss.
I would sweep tones at increasing power levels to try to isolate the spurious content.