speaker setup

[oakey81]

Hi, my name is john. I am an aviation mechanic who came across this site and am very eager to get into DIY speaker builds. There is so much information about speaker building that I would not try to do too much without the help of those who have the experience and knowledge. My plan is to build a setup for music and movies. I am not looking for perfection but a good listening experience. Would this following setup be in the right direction?
I just purchased a pioneer vsx-43 to go along with 2 Dayton rss315HF-4 12, powered by 2 Bash 300 plate amps. I would like to make a ported box that meets the 4.54 spec. with a F3 of 22. This was the spec from the Dayton spec sheet. I am guessing if you build to that you can’t go wrong? As for the center and rear speakers, I will probably go with ones that have good ratings from the website.

Thank you for any advice.

[Jay1]

Re: speaker setup

Sure you could just build the recommended size, but I dont get the 22 hz tuning point. Anything in the 4 ft3 - 4.5 ft3 range with this port at its full length will get you a nice sub paired with a 300 watt amp.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=268-352

[johnastockman]

Re: speaker setup

Welcome to the forum. I've been around for over 13 years now, and for me, I've learned not to rely on the provided charts & generic "recommendations" for box volume...especially the ones for crossovers (XO). There's simple-to-use programs that will offer a much better/accurate recommendation for your enclosure size. One is WinISD:

http://www.linearteam.dk/default.aspx?pageid=winisd

The other is Unibox:

http://www.pvconsultants.com/audio/boxmodel/unibox.htm

All you need are the T/S parameters from the spec numbers, like Qts, Fs, Vas and the other numbers. Enter the numbers in the appropriate place and the program will render a suggested volume for both sealed and ported enclosures. They will also calculate the correct port diameter and length. I've used them to successfully build many different sealed and ported subwoofer cabinets, along with 2/3-way speaker cabinets and MTM designs. The programs also allow you to change the results (tuning frequency, box volume, port diameter) so you can see how it will affect the response/tuning, positively or negatively. Like if you have an already-built box, how a particular driver will perform in that box. They're much more useful and informative than the "chart" suggestions. Are you going to build your own cabinets? If you have the tools and space to construct your own enclosures, that's a distinct advantage...if you enjoy the woodworking aspect of it. Before you buy anything else, or consult any other "tables/charts", go to this link:

https://sites.google.com/site/undefinition/diy

Read everything under "Resources" at the right. Paul has done a great service to the DIY speaker community with those series of questions/answers. It won't take very long at all and you'll come away with a good foundation to start with. Easy to understand, it will not only answer ?'s, but dispel the hyperbole, myths and misconceptions surrounding building your own speakers. And the BS that name-brand speaker companies have wanted you to believe for decades. Don't hesitate to ask any questions if something isn't clear; no ? is too dumb or redundant.


John A.

[oakey81]

Re: speaker setup

Thank you John and Jay for your input. I do plan on building my own cabinets which I think will be a fun experience. I have never made anything involving this particular build, but have much experience with home remolding and various metal works.
There seems to be several speaker building programs out there and I was a little worried on the amount of variation from one program to another. It appears that a number of people in the DIY community use WinISD, so I will input the driver specs in this program and build according to the outputs.

[Jay1]

Re: speaker setup

Thank you John and Jay for your input. I do plan on building my own cabinets which I think will be a fun experience. I have never made anything involving this particular build, but have much experience with home remolding and various metal works.
There seems to be several speaker building programs out there and I was a little worried on the amount of variation from one program to another. It appears that a number of people in the DIY community use WinISD, so I will input the driver specs in this program and build according to the outputs.

Just dont be afraid to change the initial recommended box they show you. If you go with the first vented option in winisd for your driver, c4/sc4 alignment, it will give you a 6.5 ft3 box tuned to 20hz. You can play around with the volume and tuning point as much as you want, as long as the curve looks good it'll still work. Just make sure you try and keep port air velocity under at least 30 m/s at max power, and that you add your plate amp's 18 hz high pass filter under that tab.

[pnoneal...]

Re: speaker setup

The subs tuned that low in that big of a vented box will probably reach xmax (max cone excursion) with a few watts. You can buy a DSP 2x4 handheld device to send the LFE into it and put a high pass filter on both subs at say 20hz. LR4 would probably be the best bet. This will let you power it to it's rated power in most cases. All you need is some decent monitors like the RS150-8. I'm building some right now with a proven crossover. They can reach 105db in a sealed box with a 100hz HP Filter. I haven't checked that BASH amp though to see if they have subsonic filters in place but probably not. Be a good idea to check though. I'll be making sawdust tomorrow so I'll throw some pictures up where everyone can see.

[Jay1]

Re: speaker setup

All of the plate amps PE sells have a HPF. The bash is around 18hz.

[kevin007]

Re: speaker setup

The box size for that tuning would be huge. Is that what your looking for? if you are interested in a sub that is tuned to 20hz and is much smaller the digger 8 is hard to beat. I just built one and the LFE is off the hook for movies and music sounds awesome too.

If you have any questions Johnny is always happy to help.

Kevin