Stealth, Cheap Subwoofer (1 Viewer)

[landcrshr]

So after installing the four Polk Audios in the doors and putting a 4x30W amp behind them, I found that these have great bass all on their own. Enough that the little factory sub-thingy was now completely useless.

What I needed next was a "true" subwoofer, one that would produce the first octave of human hearing (20-40Hz). Okay that's hard to get so I'll settle for 25-50Hz, which will dovetail nicely into the lower limits of the Polks.

What is needed for that kind of low frequency extension is a large, sealed enclosure. I looked into the area where the factory sub was and found that there just wasn't enough room to hide it so I decided I needed to use the cargo area. But how to make it stealth? And cheap?

Here's what I came up with:

Action Packer - $5.00 from the thrift store.
Particle board shelving - Free (dumpster find).
8" long-throw woofer - $27.00 www.mcmelectronics.com
Connectors - About $15.00

Here it is in stealth mode, just another action packer:



When in use:



This where I decided to mount the sub-amp. Maybe others have done this, I dunno, I thought it was pretty clever.



This looked like a safe place to put the speaker connector:



Same connector on the box:



BTW, the sound is just what I was aiming for, amazing.
Plus, I can remove it easily and the system still sounds great!

 

[Wheelingnoob]

That is a great idea, i love the fact that its stealth also easily removed when needed and its in a protective case for garage storage.

 

[landcrshr]

Right, it won't hurt to get rained on either while I'm camping.

 

[2fpower]

Brilliant.

 

[landcrshr]

Thanks,

Some early readings: 100db @ 22Hz !!!

 

[murf]

cool!

 

[coldstone]

That's a great idea.

 

[Roc Doc]

Hate to rain on your stealthy parade, but there is no way that thing is reproducing any 25hz signal with any fidelity, plus a flimsy action packer is the opposite of what you want for a sub cabinet.

If it works for you fine, but I wouldn't recommend that setup.

 

[landcrshr]

The box is inside of the action packer, maybe I didn't make that clear.

Fidelity at 25Hz? Well, even the highest-end commercial subs still put out as much as 10% distortion at the lower end. It's more of a tactile thing in that realm.

Besides, where you find these frequencies is with electronic music mostly so, you know, fidelity is pretty much not of concern.

 

[moneytimetycoon]

I likey. Easily removable, kid proof, I'm on it.

 

[kenscs]

Thanks for sharing. Installing Sub this weekend. What about filling the sides of the cooler with concrete? That would give it some serious cabinet heft. I have built some home theater sub cabinets by pouring concrete into a form. The punch pick-up versus MDF is notable.

For a less messy version, you might want to pour in sand. Just drill some top holes on edge of your cooler, pour and plug.

A little overkill I know, but hey, this is a fun hobby!

 

[landcrshr]

Yeah, that would do the trick, but I decided I wanted it on the lightweight side after herniating a lumbar disc this summer.

I settled on using internal bracing for rigidity. Besides I don't need the lowest frequencies to be super loud, I just need them to be there.

 

[landcrshr]

I should also note that I optimized the box for low-end extension at great cost to power handling ability. (the box is larger than ideal for the woofer I chose)

The internal volume came out to be 1.1 cu. ft., probably better suited to most 10" woofers, which would give it a flatter response (lower "Q") if you're looking for more output while using a higher crossover point.

 

[86tuning]

Only thing I'd change is the banana plug, those are fine for home stereo, but because they're non insulated are a no-go for mobile setups. I prefer the ones with set screws that won't short out if something metallic falls on them. Like a seatbelt buckle or whatever.

Stealth and easily removed. I like!

 

[landcrshr]

I know what you mean about the banana plugs, but I didn't find any of the set-screw type that accommodate heavy gauge wire.

Do you have a source?