My music preference is about Disco, Dance, Electronic, etc. I own ADS L1590 speakers. They are floor-standing with dual 10” woofers configuration in sealed enclosures. I listen to them and I have ideas towards them. Firstly, they have excellent midrange and high. Secondly, they have very natural tone. Finally, unfortunately, they lack bass when compared to bass-reflex speakers or even modern sealed enclosure speakers. Regarding my listening preference stated earlier, I found their competitor from the same era; JBL L222 Disco, are passive radiator system and I believe their name clearly states what genre of music they were made for.
I just wonder if I could modify my L1590 speakers. Is it interesting and acceptable if I’m going to convert them to PR system? But, sure, I’m not going to destroy the original cabinets but build a new pair with same details and two new 10” holes at both sides and bottom of the cabinets to install the passive radiators there.
Next question is about the PR used. Assume I could find some L1590’s woofers, can I simply remove the magnets and voice coils from the units and use them as the passive radiator drive units? Because the remaining parts; cone, surround, suspension, and frame, should be identical to those woofers being used in the speakers. Is it that easy? Or does it require to redesign the cabinet dimension for PR system?
I just wonder if I could modify my L1590 speakers. Is it interesting and acceptable if I’m going to convert them to PR system? But, sure, I’m not going to destroy the original cabinets but build a new pair with same details and two new 10” holes at both sides and bottom of the cabinets to install the passive radiators there.
Next question is about the PR used. Assume I could find some L1590’s woofers, can I simply remove the magnets and voice coils from the units and use them as the passive radiator drive units? Because the remaining parts; cone, surround, suspension, and frame, should be identical to those woofers being used in the speakers. Is it that easy? Or does it require to redesign the cabinet dimension for PR system?
Typical rule of thumb is 2x cone area for passive radiator for low distortion.
Or depends on actual Xmax of the passive.
You can just buy modern passive units.
Since they will include T/S specs and you would calculate and add the weight needed.
Easier solution if you like deep hits with electronic music.
Is add a sub. Or subs
Just stereo 2x 12"
No passive crossover.
Just use active 2 way.
Sub is crossed around 80 Hz then your main speakers can have 80 Hz high pass
the highpass will reduce the bass extension of your current speakers and clean them up.
Midbass will be very nice and accurate sealed.
Or depends on actual Xmax of the passive.
You can just buy modern passive units.
Since they will include T/S specs and you would calculate and add the weight needed.
Easier solution if you like deep hits with electronic music.
Is add a sub. Or subs
Just stereo 2x 12"
No passive crossover.
Just use active 2 way.
Sub is crossed around 80 Hz then your main speakers can have 80 Hz high pass
the highpass will reduce the bass extension of your current speakers and clean them up.
Midbass will be very nice and accurate sealed.
Firstly, evaluate T/S parameters of those 10" woofers, originally in a sealed cabinet. Then return with data so you can
receive further advice. Passive radiators present a solution when there is lack of cabinet volume to accommodate vents.
receive further advice. Passive radiators present a solution when there is lack of cabinet volume to accommodate vents.
Hey Presscot, You've been asking a lot of hypotheticals in these forums. I'm curious if you've actually taken on any DIY projects in the last couple of months and what your results were.
Converting them to PR would not be worth it. Keep the speakers as-is and invest in a subwoofer.
Since they supposedly have a bass cutoff of 28Hz (-3db), you shouldn't have much trouble with sub integration.
Since they supposedly have a bass cutoff of 28Hz (-3db), you shouldn't have much trouble with sub integration.
Sure, I now have two projects in my hand. I will post soon.Hey Presscot, You've been asking a lot of hypotheticals in these forums. I'm curious if you've actually taken on any DIY projects in the last couple of months and what your results were.
This is the first project: Floor-standing 8” woofers passive radiator 3-way system. Unfortunately, my car audio system needs its Canton pullman tweeters back. So I have to return them leaving the holes on these speakers.


The second project is 3-way dome midranges and dual 10” woofers in sealed system. They’re complete and used daily in my bedroom.




The second project is 3-way dome midranges and dual 10” woofers in sealed system. They’re complete and used daily in my bedroom.


- Home
- Loudspeakers
- Multi-Way
- Conversion of sealed to passive radiator system