Subwoofer amplifiers in the uk?

[sammydee]

Wow I can't believe manufacturers like Rel who make such a big deal of their special exclusive technology for better sound actually just use the same cheap chinese amps as everyone else.

This is interesting food for thought... If I can pick up a very cheap sub second hand I can rip the amp out of it and use that... hmm...

I will see what I can find on ebay and the local classifieds. Thanks for the help! Maybe building my own enclosure can still be reasonably cost effective, as long as I can find some way of finishing it nicely...

Sam

[Grumpy_Git]

I have been led to believe that the BASH amps at parts express can be modded to 240V.

You can but ask.....

Nick.

[sammydee]

Well presumably it's a case of rewinding the transformer coils... Not sure I really want to open up an amp and start rewinding coils by hand though...

I'll ask on partsexpress.

sam

[richie00boy]

CPC sell the same amps as those plate amps from Parts Express, but are a longstanding UK company. From memory they are abotu £100.

However, the BK amps really are much better.

[sammydee]

Would the BK amp likely be any better than the amp found in a rel quake or something similar?

I'm really just trying to work out whether it is more cost effective to build my own sub or find one second hand here. The problem with building my own is that I'm not especially skilled at woodworking, and I want it to look at least acceptable. Does anybody sell enclosure kits in the uk? All I need is a solidly built mdf sealed enclosure about 1 cubic foot - I'm sure it can't be too hard to put some sort of pine vinyl covering on it or similar to make it look nice - can it?

Sam

[AndrewT]

you'll be struggling to get Sub-bass performance from 1cub ft.
You could get reasonable bass performance from 1cub ft if you choose an appropriate driver and adequate, but not excessive, EQ.

[sammydee]

Andrew:

I'm in total agreement about the sub-bass performance from a small driver and small box. However, with such a limited budget, I'm not sure I really have much choice in the matter.

Of course I'd love a 15 inch 1000 watt monster, but if I want any sort of decent sound quality rather than one big boom, I'm never going to get close to that sort of size with my current budget. I'm not looking for house shaking earthquake-level bass here. Just a nice tight bass that fills in the bottom end of the music is good enough for me.

Plus any bigger than 1-2 cubic feet and it gets seriously difficult to carry around - this sub has to come with me to uni and back three times a year.

Sam

[sammydee]

Hang on the EQ circuit isn't included in the amplifier?

If I build my own subwoofer do I need to also design my own EQ circuit?

Sam

[AndrewT]

Originally posted by sammydee
If I build my own subwoofer do I need to also design my own EQ circuit?

design is the operative word.
Do a bit of research on Linkwitz transform.

[dangus]

Originally posted by AndrewT
Hi,
a add on sub for a university dorm may be the best way to get evicted.

Don't dorms still have STEREO WARS on the weekends? I wish I could loan my 18 year old self an amp or two and a couple of Adire Tempests... with the horn loaded cabinet plans.

The plate amps are convenient, but not always the best value for money. Thanks to "made in China", semi-pro power amps have become much cheaper, and if you can find one used they can offer incredible boom for the buck. Try music stores, pawn shops, Craigslist, and maybe eBay (for nearby sellers, since the cost of shipping may limit enthusiasm by other bidders).