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Another Subwoofer recommendation thread

mhedges said:
I can't do the bucket sub. Sorry guys. But the PE kit looks interesting. Which one is it? They have a couple on their website.
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Don't discount the buckets just because of the looks - they are too good to be ignored! I have two in "ipod white" :). My bigger standard black box sub I have in another room looks quite ugly imo while the bucket subs are so small they easily hide behind the couch and my equipment rack. In other words, they should be heard - not be seen.

They won't win any SPL contests at low frequencies and I wouldn't use them for HT since they will not go deep enough or "pressurize" the room for the rumbles and explosions. However, not being able to do that is actually a plus in my book for 2 channel stereo. If you want a super fast/clean sounding sub to fill in the low end, you should try them out. They dig deep when needed and you willl hear the details of the kickdrum, low piano and bass guitar type of instruments. It even does great with electronic type music as long as you don't prefer the bass to stand out like it does on most larger sealed box subs. As PG has said in other posts, you don't realize that a sub is on until you turn it off. The key to get them to work is plenty of power and a 24db lowpass since you will be pushing the drivers outside their normal operating range. I originally had planned to get one or two Dayton subs, but then I read some good reviews of the buckets, and figured that for $66 for driver plus supplies it was worth a go. I'm glad I did.
 
mhedges said:
Thanks.

I see they have a 10" and 12" unit model in the same line for only a little more $$.

It was always my plan if I ever needed a subwoofer to do one of these kits. But now that I'm in the market for one I'm just not sure I have the time, with three young kids and some other projects already in queue.
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If not the time then why not let Dayton do the work for you, the 1200 is just over a C-note so two are easily affordable. I'm running two in my living room system and the gain on the subs are only 1/4 of the way up, the low pass at about 50hz and the bass is phenomenal, these are never stressed. I'm not sure my house's concrete foundation could withstand the sound pressure levels it would take to stress these babies.
 
I've seen uglier gear.

But I'm on the lookout for some black 5 gallon buckets.

You could say building a pair is on my bucket list.

bucketsub003_zps5d5425ea.jpg
 
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mhedges said:
I am looking to add a subwoofer to my two channel mostly music system. The goal is to reduce some major room related suckouts (most noticably at 40 hz and it's multiples) by distributing the bass. Some details:

Budget: $300; could maybe go a little higher if really worth it
Room size: 19'x17', flat 8' ceiling
Main speakers: NHT Classic Fours

I am OK with buying used. Kind of tempted to look for an older NHT Classic sub since it would match my speakers, but they are ported and I'm wondering if a sealed unit might be better for me. What do you guys think?
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Just picked up and integrated it into my system (ProAc Response 1SC's) a used HSU STF-1. Picked it up for less than $200 and was able to calibrate it in my room using a Rives Audio Test CD and a Radio Shack Sound Level Meter.
 
I know you (OP) said you can't do the buckets - I assume for aesthetic reasons/WAF - but they can be painted black (or whatever) so they don't look quite so obtrusive. Yes, it's true that the paint will not "grip" the bucket material very well but it will work fine assuming you are not banging it around/scuffing it up against items. IOW, the paint won't "fall off." Also, if you scuff the bucket with 400 Wet/Dry paper the paint WILL hold reasonably well though that adds a step to the construction.

Also, as noted, if they can be obscured/hidden, that's ideal.
 
The bucket subs look neat but can soem one point me to a good explanation of what a "plate amp" is? (as opposed to a regular dedicated amp)?

Thanks.
 
I acquired a Boston Acoustics Power Vent 12 subwoofer recently. It is a non-powered sub with 2- 6" woofer speakers. Each in it's own chamber and each with it's own port (they exit side-by-side ). I am using my Buschhorns that I built 10 years ago with Fostex FE108ez drivers. I decided to stick the sub in my system just for shits and giggles. It actually blends in quite well. I was able to tune it a little by moving it to/away from the wall. My Buschhorns are tuned down to 50hz, the sub helps fill in the lower registers without muddying the sound. I would like to find an owners manual for this thing, can anyone help? Thanks in advance.
 
Odal3 said:
Don't discount the buckets just because of the looks - they are too good to be ignored! I have two in "ipod white" :). My bigger standard black box sub I have in another room looks quite ugly imo while the bucket subs are so small they easily hide behind the couch and my equipment rack. In other words, they should be heard - not be seen.
Click to expand...

MexicoMiike said:
I know you (OP) said you can't do the buckets - I assume for aesthetic reasons/WAF - but they can be painted black (or whatever) so they don't look quite so obtrusive. Yes, it's true that the paint will not "grip" the bucket material very well but it will work fine assuming you are not banging it around/scuffing it up against items. IOW, the paint won't "fall off." Also, if you scuff the bucket with 400 Wet/Dry paper the paint WILL hold reasonably well though that adds a step to the construction.

Also, as noted, if they can be obscured/hidden, that's ideal.
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I'll admit - looks are part of it. But I see what you are saying in that they are smaller than most typical subs.

But the real reason is because I have 3 young kids. That means 1) I have no time for projects and 2) I really need tamper resistant one box solutions. They would have those things on their sides rolling around through the house in about 5 minutes.
 
Ziradog said:
The bucket subs look neat but can soem one point me to a good explanation of what a "plate amp" is? (as opposed to a regular dedicated amp)?

Thanks.
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It's an amp built on a steel plate, no box, controls on one side, guts on the other. It mounts onto the sub usually flush with the back and the guts on the inside or you can build your own box. The link above to the Yung model is excellent value for a plate amp.
 
Ziradog said:
The bucket subs look neat but can soem one point me to a good explanation of what a "plate amp" is? (as opposed to a regular dedicated amp)?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Here are two plate amps on the left. They are the same amps that are usually built into a subwoofer enclosure but in this case they're in their own DIY open bottom frames.

PB030005.jpg
 
Well I wound up getting the Velodyne. Very pleased so far. I did a super quick 10 minute setup and it seems to blend in pretty well, and makes a huge difference. I'll take some measurements with and without.
 
It's at WI-Q 12. Built in wireless, auto EQ. 12" driver.

I'm using the wireless connection. I think it may have been causing problems with my music steaming via airport express but I changed the WIFI channel and the problems went away.
 
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