Ultimate Musical Sub?

[cyclotronguy]

A mental exercise...... perhaps.

The only limitation is that I want to keep this to conventional drivers in cabinets under 350 liters total internal volume.

Other than that, no limitations. Very low THD and time delay.... etc.

OK, so whats the ultimate musical subwoofer, cost be dammed???


Cyclotronguy

[sdclc126]

I don't know if you'll find a general consensus on this, and there are a lot of very good ones out there. Assuming you mean individual drivers, rather than an entire design, the Peerless line should definitely be considered - SLS, XLS, XXLS, etc. If by musical you mean low distortion and accurate sound reproduction, these would be a good choice.

A little more budget priced but perhaps nearly as good and definitely well reviewed would be the RS subwoofers by Dayton.

Expect many more recommendations to follow!

[cyclotronguy]

So far I am thinking twin Precision Devices 21 inch woofers per side in a sealed box with eq and amplifier HP to suit.

But, I'm sure a number of people here can dream more impressive dreams than that.

For what it's worth the 4 PD2150 woofers are doable.

[bigwill]

Big PA woofers in open baffle

[BHTX]

The good ole' McCauley 6174 is my current interest. Speaking of which..
Where to buy McCauley 6174?
http://www.mccauleysound.com/compone...iew.cfm?ID=126

[sdclc126]

Originally posted by cyclotronguy
So far I am thinking twin Precision Devices 21 inch woofers per side in a sealed box with eq and amplifier HP to suit.

But, I'm sure a number of people here can dream more impressive dreams than that.

For what it's worth the 4 PD2150 woofers are doable.

Well, more impressive in what way? Bigger isn't necessarily better. What is it you really want them to do? "Ultimate musical subwoofer" perhaps needs a clear definition here.

[ScottG]

Originally posted by cyclotronguy
So far I am thinking twin Precision Devices 21 inch woofers per side in a sealed box with eq and amplifier HP to suit.

But, I'm sure a number of people here can dream more impressive dreams than that.

For what it's worth the 4 PD2150 woofers are doable.

Quite possibly.. BUT that will increase distortion considerably at lower freq.s.

Resident GENIUS (aka Tony Gee), is working on this at this moment:

http://www.humblehomemadehifi.com/News.html

An alternative would be the Hartly 21"s (..better linear distortion, worse non-linear distortion.)

After looking over the PD's spec.s - in a large enclosure there is no practical value for reflex vs. a sealed (the qe is very low).

I then looked at the 12" RS HiFi sub from Dayton.. 4 of those in a 350 liter sealed box doesn't "net" you a substantial difference from PD driver (at least with respect to efficiency at the lowest freq.s). However, the Dayton drivers in the same cabinet but reflex vented and tuned for 15 Hz - does net you a substantial difference at low freq.s.. Anyway, you can reduce non-linear distortion by simply placing it in the corner of your room (..but don't use it to high in freq.).

[navin]

Originally posted by bigwill
Big PA woofers in open baffle

WIthin the definaitons of WAF and normal listening rooms and SPL needs I agree. The next best I assume would be a TL.

Originally posted by ScottG

Quite possibly.. BUT that will increase distortion considerably at lower freq.s.

An alternative would be the Hartly 21"s (..better linear distortion, worse non-linear distortion.)

I then looked at the 12" RS HiFi sub from Dayton.. 4 of those in a 350 liter sealed box ...the Dayton drivers in the same cabinet but reflex vented and tuned for 15 Hz - does net you a substantial difference at low freq.s.. Anyway, you can reduce non-linear distortion by simply placing it in the corner of your room (..but don't use it to high in freq.).

Actually if there was a volume restriction I would consider isobarik versions. Yes you need twice the power for half the SPL but the restrictions here were primairly box volume. With the advent of Class D, amp power has become rather easily available.

[el`Ol]

A bit OT, because not DIY, but the most musical sub according to the german hifi press is this:
http://www.wilson-benesch.com/torus/...20Brochure.pdf

[noodle_snacks]

The biggest problem for getting good bass in practically any listening room is the large number of room modes etc. Multiple subwoofers with optized placement, and stuff like dipoles that don't excite the modes as much as monopoles do are they way to go imho. Room treatment, and to a certain extent equalisation will help improve matters as well. In short, positioning and sub type are more important than the selection of drivers.