Quick advice on which direction to take this build

kgb_m3 · 29th December 2009, 05:47 AM

Hello, I recently sold my Logitech z-2300 and started building a new 2.1 setup for my gaming PC.

So far I have 2 Polk audio monitor 30 that will be ran by a typical LM3886 stereo home made amp. (parts on order) and I would like to add a subwoofer to the setup.

What are my best options, to grab a passive subwoofer/enclosure, build my own sub amp? If so which chip amp would be good for a decent little 8" or 10" sub. Another option was to buy a self powered sub such as a Polk 10".

Any ideas would be great!

pacificblue · 29th December 2009, 06:28 PM

In general a chip amp is not the best choice to drive a subwoofer. It depends of course on the way you use it and your expectations.

You could add the option: grab a passive subwoofer/enclosure and add a plate amp.
If you want to build a subwoofer amplifier, you need active filters, A mixer to convert the stereo signal into a mono signal, a phase-shifter, protection circuits, a remote start/stop or automatic signal detector. A plate amp usually has all that on board and for an 8" or 10" woofer you can use the smallest version with something like 80 W or so. Usually they cost less than the components you need to build your own amplifier without all those add-ons.

kgb_m3 · 29th December 2009, 06:45 PM

Thanks for the advice, I actually just remembered that I have a spare Onkyo skw-200 powered sub that I can use meanwhile. Unless the plate amp and "fill in the blank" sub will be a better option. If so, would anyone recommend a decent 8 or 10" sub and plate amp? I would imagine Dayton sub will be suffice with a decent plate amp.

lanchile · 30th December 2009, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kgb_m3

Thanks for the advice, I actually just remembered that I have a spare Onkyo skw-200 powered sub that I can use meanwhile. Unless the plate amp and "fill in the blank" sub will be a better option. If so, would anyone recommend a decent 8 or 10" sub and plate amp? I would imagine Dayton sub will be suffice with a decent plate amp.

Check parts express!. They have good ones.

mikje · 30th December 2009, 03:45 PM

About half way down this page is a plate amp. I haven't used one, but I've heard good things about it.
(BTW... no affiliation on my part. Is this a required statement?)

NHT drivers and electronics surplus sale

Mike

29th December 2009, 05:47 AM	#1
kgb_m3 diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2009	Quick advice on which direction to take this build Hello, I recently sold my Logitech z-2300 and started building a new 2.1 setup for my gaming PC. So far I have 2 Polk audio monitor 30 that will be ran by a typical LM3886 stereo home made amp. (parts on order) and I would like to add a subwoofer to the setup. What are my best options, to grab a passive subwoofer/enclosure, build my own sub amp? If so which chip amp would be good for a decent little 8" or 10" sub. Another option was to buy a self powered sub such as a Polk 10". Any ideas would be great!

29th December 2009, 06:28 PM	#2
pacificblue diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2008	In general a chip amp is not the best choice to drive a subwoofer. It depends of course on the way you use it and your expectations. You could add the option: grab a passive subwoofer/enclosure and add a plate amp. If you want to build a subwoofer amplifier, you need active filters, A mixer to convert the stereo signal into a mono signal, a phase-shifter, protection circuits, a remote start/stop or automatic signal detector. A plate amp usually has all that on board and for an 8" or 10" woofer you can use the smallest version with something like 80 W or so. Usually they cost less than the components you need to build your own amplifier without all those add-ons. __________________ If you've always done it like that, then it's probably wrong. (Henry Ford)

30th December 2009, 03:45 PM	#5
mikje Soakin' up the Sound! diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bismarck, ND	About half way down this page is a plate amp. I haven't used one, but I've heard good things about it. (BTW... no affiliation on my part. Is this a required statement?) NHT drivers and electronics surplus sale Mike __________________ Marantz PM8003 amp, HRT Music Streamer II DAC, Squeezebox Touch, DIY Krystals

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29th December 2009, 06:45 PM	#3
kgb_m3 diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2009	Thanks for the advice, I actually just remembered that I have a spare Onkyo skw-200 powered sub that I can use meanwhile. Unless the plate amp and "fill in the blank" sub will be a better option. If so, would anyone recommend a decent 8 or 10" sub and plate amp? I would imagine Dayton sub will be suffice with a decent plate amp.

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