[hjmiller]

For the $300 I listed as a rough budget the best I can do off the street is a BIC Acoustech H-100 or Cadence sub-12 (12" drivers and 25Hz extension), or a 8" HSU STF-1. Step up to $380 shipped I could get a STF-2 (10" driver and 25 Hz extension). Spend $480 shipped and I could get a SVS PB-10 NSD (10" driver and 18 Hz extension). $550 would net a HSU VTF-2 MK3.

I'd like to think I could build something that would complete or beat all of these options within my target range but do understand that as you go cheaper the loss of quantity discount and factory building of cabinets diminishes my returns. There is also just the pride of having built something for yourself. I'm sure it drives most of you to keep building new subs more than any need to continue pushing the performance.

That said I would like to go through the design process just to see what could be possible. I looked at the Torrent driver recommended but am slightly gun shy on that one as there seems to be some debate as to whether they have published all the specs for it or if one should use the old db500 parameters to properly model it. It is a great deal at the price, but they don't list Xmax or Xmech. I know some of the threads expressed concern regarding the use of 4 Ohm DVC in that driver which means I couldn't wire it up to a single sub amp output at 4 Ohms as a single driver. The Shiva-X looks great but is quite a step up in cost. Any other worthy drivers to consider?

Another question.

Do you need to isolate the AMP (a separate chamber for it) on the inside of the enclose from the main chamber to prevent damage from vibrations or air leaking through the amp?