Dayton RSS390HF-4 Isobarik Vented

[Petriej]

I am planning to make a Sonotube sub using a pair of RSS390HF-4's (in isobarik config.) and I was wondering what I can power these monsters with. Right now I am looking at the Behringer A500, bridged for 500w into 8ohms but I am not sure if that is 500w max or rms.

I have not looked around too much, and I was hoping I could get a few suggestions. Right now I have a 500w BASH plate amp for my sealed sub, but for this sonotube configuration I don't think I'll have room on the sub for 2 of them, and I don't really want to make a separate box for the plate amps. I also would like some built in PEQ and low pass filter. My bash amp has both, and in winISD I modeled the FR and excursion with those in mind, as well as a High Pass filter I would build later on, as can be seen in my screenie.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'll continue looking for solutions.

[BHTX]

Cheapest amplifier options:

ButtKicker BKA1000-4A - 1000w @ 4 ohms, and about 1900w @ 2 ohms. Has volume control and a variable 40-150Hz lowpass filter (4th order Linkwitz Riley), and a switchable 20Hz highpass. I bought a pair of these new on eBay some time ago for $175 each with shipping...awesome deal! Definitely don't pay MSRP for any of this stuff...it can be had for much cheaper.

With just about anything else besides the above or a plate amplifier, you'll of course have to find separate units for EQing, filtering, phase adjustments, etc.

Another good option would be any of the QSC RMX clones. The Behringer EP series are in that group, but they're by far the most inferior. On the other hand, the Mackie FR series uses better parts than ANY of the others (even the QSC RMX's!), including a much beefier transformer. I recently purchased 3 of these amplifiers from Guitar Center here in Dallas, one of each model. They were running a special for $100 off the regular price. So, I got the FR-800 for $199, FR-1400 for $299, and FR-2500 for $399. Helluva deal for a set of great amplifiers.

The ButtKicker amps are by far the most power for the money, and also include the variable 4th order xover and stuff. But the parts aren't particularly high quality, as they were designed to simply power the ButtKicker LFE's, but they work just as well for subwoofers too. Just watch the amount of power going to the input on the ButtKicker amp, as I've noticed that it only seems to take a fairly small amount before the output becomes distorted. If you go this route, simply connect the amp to a full-range speaker or your subwoofer and flip the switch on the front of the amp to bypass the crossover and run it fullrange, then adjust the input volume as high as you can until you notice a bit of distortion in the output, then back it down just a tiny bit. Afterwards, adjust the volume control on the front of the ButtKicker amplifier as needed.

If you go the pro amp route, a Behringer DEQ or something similar would be easy to implement (XLR connections) for making EQ adjustments for room modes.

I'm curious as to what's available for changing phase and adjusting delay on a subwoofer without using a plate amplifier. Any ideas?

[Petriej]

Wow, quite a bit of great info there, thanks.

I was looking at rack amplifiers and I found a Pyle Pro unit (PT3200 or PT2400) that might work, that I could put into the top endcap of the sonotube, and would be a fun project to mount all the connections for, but it is in the 3-500 dollar range. I'll take a look at that buttkicker amp. If push comes to shove I'll get another shelf/ rack unit for the EQ, etc.

Also, it may be a while before I actually put any of this together. Right now I am just sorting out a plan to see if 1) it is viable; 2) I can afford it; and 3) I actually want to do it.


Thanks again!

[geoffstgermaine]

One note about the buttkicker is that it's power appears to be much lower than published (or at the very least the %THD of the spec'd power is extraordinarily high).

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...&#post11032546

[Petriej]

Nice link, thanks. I looked into it a bit more and it sounds like the buttkicker is a little prone to bursting into flames! Not something I want to fool with, especially if I get it used. The stories I read all end well, with the item returned and a new one supplied. Not sure if I can get that situation if I go through *B**.

There is a Guitar Center not too far from where I live, so I'll go check them out to see if I can get a deal. They're always advertising sales, so who knows, I may nab a nice one for cheap from them, with good service in case sh*t hits the fan.

[BHTX]

That's odd. I could have sworn I read a review or two a long time ago before I bought my two ButtKicker amps, and the tests showed it to perform quite well and up to its specifications. But according to that info on AVS, it's pretty awful. I've never heard of them catching fire. As far as heat is concerned, i've never felt either of mine get much above room temp, and i've pushed them pretty hard several times. But I suppose I was correct at guessing the inferior parts/design at least.

Regardless, they'd push your subs to the limits, I think. And for $150-$200 each, it's not all that bad at all. I've actually decided to sell one of mine tho and just power the ButtKickers with them...since I have these Mackie FR amps and all..

As far as Guitar Center, that was the first time I'd ever been in there. Unfortunately, my car's battery mysteriously died that day just as I was trying to leave to buy those amps, and I nearly didn't make it before they closed. I didn't get to spend much time in there. Was pretty much in and out with all three amps within less than 5 minutes. So, I didn't get to look around or talk to anyone. They did have a ton of stuff tho. Like you, I'm always hearing the ads on the radio. I'd been looking at the Tapco Juice amps, and then found the Mackie FR's that were the same (and better looking IMO). A few weeks later, I hear the advert on the radio for Guitar Center, $100 off all Mackie amps! Couldn't resist. It worked out perfect! So far, at least. In the meantime, I've still got several thousands of dollars worth of stuff to sell.