Retrofitting a subwoofer box... how do I fill up the amplfier holes? Advice?

azneinstein · 28th June 2006, 05:19 AM

Hi guys, this is my first time attempting this, I'm more of a car audio guy where things I think are a lot easier. I also do basic car audio installation, and use to sell AV stuff so I know quite a bit already, just not in the DIY department.

I recently acquired a broken A/D/S SW5 subwoofer, but something in the amplifier leaked, so I'm left with the sub and the enclosure. Being a college student, I don't really have all the necessary wood tools to build a whole new box, so I thought it'd good time to dip my feet. The box is actually also very sturdy, should be able to handle 2-400rms easily. However, what should I do about the amp hole? A few ideas that crossed my mind was:
1) get an external amp, and just use a sheet of wood to cover it up

2) get a plate amp that fits the hole, but there are no plate amps that will fit that hole perfectly

3) plate amp, and customized a panel to mount the plate amp on it- but that means I have to find an amp thats smaller than the hole...

What do you guys think? Measurements are below:
Enclosure: 14x17x16.5 thickness: .5inch
Amp hole: 9.5x11.5
Doing the calculations, rough estimates, box is about 2 cubic feet minus the amp- leaving about 1.7/1.8
Pictures:
http://theazneinstein.com/subwoofer/IMGP1759.JPG
http://theazneinstein.com/subwoofer/IMGP1760.JPG
http://theazneinstein.com/subwoofer/IMGP1761.JPG

What subwoofer do you recommend, and what amplifer as well? Please keep a college budget in mind. Thanks a lot, Ken

UNDERSTANDIN · 28th June 2006, 09:10 PM

I don't know what your budget is, so I can't advise on the sub or sub amp. A 12" sub would seem like the best fit. But a box of that size should be at least .75 inches thick. I love to find old boxes and build around them. I'd sand it down to the raw wood so the glue would hole better, then build around it with half inch thick MDF. Attach it with wood glue and a few screws. You can increase the depth to get the internal volume you need. Make a new front and back out of .75 inch MDF or better. The old front and back will act as internal bracing. You are now free to choose the sub and amp that you want, with a very strong and solid box.

28th June 2006, 05:19 AM	#1
azneinstein diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: CA	Retrofitting a subwoofer box... how do I fill up the amplfier holes? Advice? Hi guys, this is my first time attempting this, I'm more of a car audio guy where things I think are a lot easier. I also do basic car audio installation, and use to sell AV stuff so I know quite a bit already, just not in the DIY department. I recently acquired a broken A/D/S SW5 subwoofer, but something in the amplifier leaked, so I'm left with the sub and the enclosure. Being a college student, I don't really have all the necessary wood tools to build a whole new box, so I thought it'd good time to dip my feet. The box is actually also very sturdy, should be able to handle 2-400rms easily. However, what should I do about the amp hole? A few ideas that crossed my mind was: 1) get an external amp, and just use a sheet of wood to cover it up 2) get a plate amp that fits the hole, but there are no plate amps that will fit that hole perfectly 3) plate amp, and customized a panel to mount the plate amp on it- but that means I have to find an amp thats smaller than the hole... What do you guys think? Measurements are below: Enclosure: 14x17x16.5 thickness: .5inch Amp hole: 9.5x11.5 Doing the calculations, rough estimates, box is about 2 cubic feet minus the amp- leaving about 1.7/1.8 Pictures: http://theazneinstein.com/subwoofer/IMGP1759.JPG http://theazneinstein.com/subwoofer/IMGP1760.JPG http://theazneinstein.com/subwoofer/IMGP1761.JPG What subwoofer do you recommend, and what amplifer as well? Please keep a college budget in mind. Thanks a lot, Ken

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28th June 2006, 09:10 PM	#2
UNDERSTANDIN diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: New Jersey	I don't know what your budget is, so I can't advise on the sub or sub amp. A 12" sub would seem like the best fit. But a box of that size should be at least .75 inches thick. I love to find old boxes and build around them. I'd sand it down to the raw wood so the glue would hole better, then build around it with half inch thick MDF. Attach it with wood glue and a few screws. You can increase the depth to get the internal volume you need. Make a new front and back out of .75 inch MDF or better. The old front and back will act as internal bracing. You are now free to choose the sub and amp that you want, with a very strong and solid box.