DIY Sub Help

[tgeorge34]

So I figured I would start a new thread, instead of continuing to ask questions on other peoples threads.

So I have decided to do 2 mach 5 diy subs using the flat packs from diysoundgroup. Still debating on 15 or 18". I emailed diysoundgroup about the ported box and he said it should be made soon.

I am going to be using the ep4000 for the amp.

Questions I have are..

1. Since the amp takes an xlr input, all I would need is an rca to xlr adapter to plug it into the back of my receiver?

2. Do I need a DSP? Or will Audyssey be enough to make it sound good? Does it need be xt 32, or will the mulitEQ (what I have, Denon 3310ci)be sufficient? I am also debating on buying a new receiver, but if I don't need the XT32, then I won't spend the extra money.

3. I would prefer ported subs, but would two sealed 15"s or 18"s still give me a huge improvement over my VTF-15h?

4. How did you guys wire your subs...down to what ohm?

Thanks.

Tyler

[Topend]

As you are building two subs, I would recommend a MiniDSP to dial them in. It comes in a RCA and balanced version and can PEQ up to four individual subs.

Dave.

[Gary Cook]

I run a 17" driver in a 145 litre 100% DIY enclosure dual ported for 25 hz. Up until recently I powered it with a DIY power amp with 400 watts @ 4 ohms. I never found it deficient in power in any way, plenty of slam, rattle the walls, shake the pictures off their hooks, pound the chest, move the marrow in your bones etc. The room is large, wide open spaces with cathedral ceilings, but the listening area itself is small in comparison. Filling the space is one of the advantages of a ported design, lots of SPL from not a lot of watts. Last week I changed the sub amp to an XPA-100 (also 400 watts @ 4 ohms) as I wasn't looking for extra sound quantity, more a step up in sound quality particularly for music. Review found here; emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/35611/xpa-100-sub-amp

I have easy access to plenty of pro amps and, despite years of trying, I could never find one that gave the quality of sound that I was looking for. Plenty of grunt of course, but just not quite there in quality. Pus the fan noise annoys me. So if you use the sub/subs almost exclusively for HT, and don't mind the fan noise, then a pro amp will do the job just fine. However if you use the subs a lot for music, then I'd suggest trying a few alternatives.

To answer the cabling question, an RCA to XLR adaptor usually does the job just fine, but be aware of a small possibility of ground loop hum.

Cheers
Gary

[Deleted]

www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/3110SB-05W-B20-E00/P14751-ND/2615564

you can replace the stock fan with this one it is way quieter and keeps the amp very cool
just hook the amp up as you would normal stereo speakers, one sub on channel 1 and the other on channel 2 this will keep it at 4 ohms and should keep you from overpowering the driver and clipping the amp. I've never used audyssey of any sort but either one should do the trick...... give it a listen before you buy extra "gadgets".

[tgeorge34]

So I have been doing a little more research on this DIY Sub box. I have checked out this link. www.avsforum.com/t/1516724/martysub-flatpacks. Would the "martycube" 2x2x2 be big enough for the Mach 5ixl 18". Seems pretty easy to do since all of the measurements have already been done.

[stsandhu]

I would post this at AVS. There's a wealth of knowledge there and numerous guys who have made the various diy subs, including the fella selling the Martycube flatpacks.