Compact sub

[DocLorren]

Recently I finished two Solo 103s speakers (http://home.hetnet.nl/~geenius/Solo103.html) that are based around the Fostex 103e and driven by the Death of Zen Amplifier from a Rod Elliott DIY design. Although I am very pleased with the mids/highs and dynamics, of course bass is, at best, fair.
Right now I am looking for DIY plans for a compact sub that can complement these little speakers (these are rated 5Watt RMS, sensitivity approx. 89db/w/m, nothing there below 85Hz).
It does not have to be a killer sub, not at all, just firm tight bass of low to moderate SPL. Quality way above quantity here. Any suggestions are really appreciated. Thx!

DocLorren

[richie00boy]

A 10 inch in a sealed box, or an 8 in a vented as a second best would probably do nicely. In keeping with the efficient theme, I reckon with the right drive unit 100 watts for the sub will be fine even if a little EQ is used. Have a look at car sub drive units.

[DocLorren]

Thx Richie00boy,

I was indeed thinking about an 8" (or 10" at maximum) woofer with an 40-80watt amp, but I was hoping you or anyone reading this thread could provide me with information on projects/plans that have proven themselves as good subs in a small form factor. Again, it is only meant to complement/extent a low-power fullrange speaker system, not to shake the house. Thx in advance,

DocLorren

[RHosch]

Why 8" or 10"? Enclosure size? What do you define as "compact"... from there, it might be easier to recommend specific drivers and alignments that will provide accurate output up to 100Hz.

[joensd]

http://www.visaton-bausaetze.de/hifi/microcube.htm
http://www.visaton-bausaetze.de/hifi/sub20xaw.htm

The 8"-Mivoc chassis gets good reviews.
Nice for a sealed micro sub if you don´t mind with highpass capacitor.
I´m using a Raveland TW-3000 which is also very nice for a sealed sub but you´d need about 40l for best results.

[DocLorren]

Maximum volume 50 liter but preferably less, I would rather have a flat rectangular shape than a boxy enclosure; freq range approx from 45-120hz, max SPL not important, active system. To be made from plywood or MDF (easy material), unobtrusive, cost not that important.
Thanks for your input!

[joensd]

Something like this:
http://www.visaton-bausaetze.de/hifi/ct198.htm

[DocLorren]

Jens,
Spot on, something like that.
But it would be even better if it was a true DIY project by one of the members of course! I will check out if there are some reviews about this interesting sub.

DocLorren

[RHosch]

In 50 liters you can get flat response from the mid teens up to 150+ Hz at high output levels (105dB+), and very low distortion at moderate levels, in a sealed enclosure with minimized group delay. Of course, the approach is probably 180 degrees from what someone having a preference for fullrange Fostex drivers would like, but there are such solutions.

[simon5]

If price is not a barrier, going isobaric with good drivers like Shiva, DPL12, Atlas 12, or the like would be very interesting.