Home Theater Shack Forums
Epik Subwoofers manufactures world-leading high performance subwoofers for die-hard home theater and music enthusiasts who won't settle for anything less than the best.
PacParts, Inc.: Since 1969, PacParts has been supplying quality replacement parts & accessories from the most recognized manufacturers in the Consumer Electronics Industry.
GIK Acoustics: Home audio acoustics at its best... especially when you have help from the owners right here at the Shack!  Check out their very affordable acoustic panels!
Discount Merchant:  If you need a replacement bulb for your video device... look no further... save big!
ReliableHardware.com: A Reliable Source for Case, Cabinet and Acoustical Hardware!
Fi Audio: Infinitely amazing balanced high end musicality designed drivers!
SVSound: The Sound Authority in speaker and subwoofers as well as the astounding AS EQ1 Subwoofer Equalizer!
Elite Screens offers the finest in affordable projection screens.
Creative Sound Solutions: Loudspeaker kits and components for subwoofers, midwoofers, woofers and full range speakers!
Emotiva is your Home Theater Component Source for Audiophile Quality Home Theater Equipment at Factory Direct Prices
RAM Electronics: Audio, Video, Home Theater and Computer Cables.
Ultimate Home Entertainment: Providing home theater seating and accessories such as popcorn machines and signage... at very affordable prices!
Go Back   Home Theater Systems - Electronics and Forum - HomeTheaterShack > DIY Speakers and Subwoofers > Creative Sound Solutions
Room EQ WizardBFD Guide
Forgot Password?
Favorites Home Theater Links Donations Image Gallery

Creative Sound Solutions

Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit

Discuss Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit in the DIY Speakers and Subwoofers forum; Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit I had been thinking of building a small sub for the A/V system in our work out room at home. ...


 Reply     Post New Thread
Views: 6981 - Replies: 57  
Thread Tools
Old 02-13-09, 10:48 AM   #1
Shack Administrator
Platinum Supporter
Alias: Mike
Loc: Chitek Lake, Sask. Canada
User: #8033
Since: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,417
  Mike P. is offline    
Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


I had been thinking of building a small sub for the A/V system in our work out room at home. Space is limited so it had to be a small sub. The sub will be used for 50/50 HT and music, so a ported sub is what I wanted. CSS had just introduced a line of small subs with Passive Radiators, and after looking over the various kits, I choose the QUARTET10 subwoofer kit.
The kit comes with the SDX10 subwoofer, 2 APR 10 Passive Radiators, a 300 watt Bash amp, 4 cabinet spikes, and all mounting hardware. The kit is priced at $379, a quick check shows the individual parts total $475, the kit is definitely an excellent value. I ordered the kit and 4 days later it arrived. The kit arrived in two boxes.

Name:  P2050006.JPG
Views: 2933
Size:  44.4 KB

The first box contained the amp, the chart of boost tables for changing the high pass filter, the cabinet spikes and the mounting hardware.

Name:  Bash300.JPG
Views: 2848
Size:  47.9 KB

The second box contained the SDX10 subwoofer and the two 10 inch Passive Radiators.

Name:  P2050012.JPG
Views: 2934
Size:  42.1 KB

The PR's were well packaged, with recessed firm foam top and bottom protectors to prevent the PR from moving around in the box.

Name:  P2050014.JPG
Views: 2942
Size:  48.2 KB

Each PR comes with 20 45 gram tuning washers, a lock washer and a wing nut to hold them in place.

Name:  P2050015.JPG
Views: 2937
Size:  38.6 KB

The SDX10 was equally well packaged, with the same firm foam top and bottom protectors.

Name:  P2050017.JPG
Views: 2934
Size:  44.1 KB

Here's a couple pics of the sub. It's well built and the quality shows.

Name:  P2050021.JPG
Views: 2915
Size:  36.4 KB
Name:  P2050019.JPG
Views: 2914
Size:  53.4 KB

This is everything the kit comes with.
Name:  Kit.JPG
Views: 2798
Size:  50.9 KB
Name:  P2050024.JPG
Views: 2900
Size:  66.9 KB


We're all in this together!

Members DIY Subwoofer Database

Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Alt Advertisement
Old 02-13-09, 10:49 AM   #2
Shack Administrator
Platinum Supporter
Alias: Mike
Loc: Chitek Lake, Sask. Canada
User: #8033
Since: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,417
  Mike P. is offline    
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


Here is some modeling of the sub. The recommended cabinet size is a cube with an external measurement of 18 inches, so the net volume will be 66 liters or 2.3 cu.ft. Adding 270 grams of mass to each PR will tune the cabinet to 22 hz.
Name:  SPL.JPG
Views: 2376
Size:  78.6 KB

Here is the SDX10 cone excursion with 300 watts input, a high pass filter at 20.4 hz, and 1 db of boost form 31 to 35 hz.
Name:  New Xmax.JPG
Views: 2415
Size:  56.7 KB

Here is the Passive Radiator excursion.
Name:  New PR.JPG
Views: 2395
Size:  57.9 KB


We're all in this together!

Members DIY Subwoofer Database

Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-09, 11:24 AM   #3
Shack Administrator
Platinum Supporter
Alias: Mike
Loc: Chitek Lake, Sask. Canada
User: #8033
Since: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,417
  Mike P. is offline    
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


The next month or so will be busy for me with work and family commitments, hopefully by the middle of March I'll be able to get this project going. I'm definitely looking forward to it.


We're all in this together!

Members DIY Subwoofer Database

Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-09, 02:46 PM   #4
Elite Shackster
Platinum Supporter
Alias: David
salvasol's Avatar
Loc: Fontana, CA
User: #3627
Since: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,046
  salvasol is offline  
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


Congratulations!!! ...

I'll be waiting for your new build thread


Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-09, 04:01 PM   #5
Shackster
Alias: Canadian_Dude
Loc: Edmonton, AB
User: #15927
Since: Jan 2008
Posts: 71
  Canadian_Dude is offline  
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


What are the box dimensions you are going to use?


Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-09, 04:22 PM   #6
Shack Administrator
Platinum Supporter
Alias: Mike
Loc: Chitek Lake, Sask. Canada
User: #8033
Since: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,417
  Mike P. is offline    
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


I haven't got that far yet. I still need to find out the displacement of the sub and PR's.


We're all in this together!

Members DIY Subwoofer Database

Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-09, 10:57 PM   #7
Senior Shackster
Platinum Supporter
Alias: Rodny
Rodny Alvarez's Avatar
Loc: Millbrook AL
User: #158
Since: Apr 2006
Posts: 818
  Rodny Alvarez is offline    
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


I have the same sub in my truck, tuned to 28hz with 300 watts and it rocks, by far the best sounding sub that I have heard, really nice subs, I'm thinking about doing a 15" for my living room.

Cant wait to see the results!!

Good luck!


Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-09, 03:20 PM   #8
Shack Administrator
Platinum Supporter
Alias: Mike
Loc: Chitek Lake, Sask. Canada
User: #8033
Since: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,417
  Mike P. is offline    
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


Finally got some work done on the sub. Dimensions worked out to a 18 inch cube. Here's a couple pics of the box. All cut outs done and Hurricane nuts installed.

Name:  1.JPG
Views: 2721
Size:  39.5 KB
Name:  2.JPG
Views: 2717
Size:  36.0 KB

I mounted all the components so I could figure out the bracing.
Name:  3.JPG
Views: 2716
Size:  39.9 KB
Name:  4.JPG
Views: 2723
Size:  56.6 KB

I used hot glue around he perimeter of the Hurricane nuts to ensure they don't come loose. Although I've never used it, Gorilla glue works well also from what I've read.
Name:  5.JPG
Views: 2718
Size:  59.1 KB

Some general pics of the sub.
Name:  6.JPG
Views: 2706
Size:  42.1 KB
Name:  7.JPG
Views: 2698
Size:  45.4 KB
Name:  8.JPG
Views: 2704
Size:  40.4 KB


We're all in this together!

Members DIY Subwoofer Database

Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-09, 04:11 PM   #9
Senior Shackster
Platinum Supporter
Alias: Rodny
Rodny Alvarez's Avatar
Loc: Millbrook AL
User: #158
Since: Apr 2006
Posts: 818
  Rodny Alvarez is offline    
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


Nice!!!

That looks like a nice set up, cant wait to hear your thoughts!!


Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-09, 04:21 PM   #10
Senior Shackster
Alias: TC
Loc: Worcester Mass.
User: #9814
Since: Jun 2007
Posts: 830
  tcarcio is online now  
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


Looks great.....


Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-09, 04:36 PM   #11
Senior Shackster
Alias: Glen
Loc: West Texas
User: #34808
Since: Mar 2009
Posts: 485
  ironglen is offline  
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


Quote:
tcarcio wrote: View Post
Looks great.....
I 2nd that! Really want to see how you decide to brace it with the four walls occupied.


Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-09, 07:02 PM   #12
Shack Administrator
Platinum Supporter
Alias: Mike
Loc: Chitek Lake, Sask. Canada
User: #8033
Since: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,417
  Mike P. is offline    
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


Bracing made easy. Use the width of the wide end of a framing square to draw a "I" on a 16.5" x 16.5" square.
Name:  1.JPG
Views: 2682
Size:  34.2 KB
Name:  2.JPG
Views: 2684
Size:  34.5 KB

The cut out brace.
Name:  3.JPG
Views: 2679
Size:  30.9 KB

The brace installed on the driver and amp side.
Name:  4.JPG
Views: 2699
Size:  44.0 KB

Add 4 pieces from the center of the "I" brace to the top and bottom of both PR sides.
Name:  6.JPG
Views: 2671
Size:  48.8 KB
Name:  5.JPG
Views: 2668
Size:  47.6 KB


We're all in this together!

Members DIY Subwoofer Database

Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-09, 08:44 PM   #13
Shack Administrator
Platinum Supporter
Alias: Mike
Loc: Chitek Lake, Sask. Canada
User: #8033
Since: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,417
  Mike P. is offline    
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


Cabinet lined with egg crate foam. This is my own personal choice, the foam is not included with the kit. The purpose (supposedly) is to damp the back wave of the sub so it doesn't have a "hollow" sound to it. Some people say it has no effect on the sub, some say it does. More testing is needed to verify the benefits or lack of. I have always lined my subs with foam, this one is no exception.
Name:  1.JPG
Views: 2674
Size:  48.6 KB

Foam has to be cut away from the Hurricane nuts. If not, the bolt will snag the foam and the foam will wrap around the bolt and cause binding.
Name:  2.JPG
Views: 2657
Size:  38.5 KB


We're all in this together!

Members DIY Subwoofer Database

Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-09, 09:42 PM   #14
Senior Shackster
Alias: Pinhead
User: #30763
Since: Dec 2008
Posts: 133
  Pinhead-227 is offline  
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


That's some pretty impressive work there. One question about the bracing, wouldn't it be advantageous to support the PR's with a brace between the two to cancel out each others' vibrations?


Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-09, 08:30 AM   #15
Shackster
Alias: John
Loc: SE, PA
User: #31752
Since: Jan 2009
Posts: 78
  jmuir is offline  
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


Looks good Mike!


Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-09, 01:15 PM   #16
Shack Administrator
Platinum Supporter
Alias: Mike
Loc: Chitek Lake, Sask. Canada
User: #8033
Since: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,417
  Mike P. is offline    
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


Quote:
wouldn't it be advantageous to support the PR's with a brace between the two to cancel out each others' vibrations?
Since the PR's are mounted opposed to each other I don't think vibration will be an issue.

I have the cabinet completed and all components mounted for a test run.
Name:  Completed.JPG
Views: 2647
Size:  52.9 KB

It's time to tune the Passive Radiators. The sub design calls for 270 grams to be added to each PR. The PR's come with twenty 45 gram washers, so 6 washers need to be added to each PR. With the CSS PR's tuning couldn't be simpler. First unscrew the cap on the PR's center tube.
Name:  1.JPG
Views: 2621
Size:  57.1 KB

Add the required washers.
Name:  2.JPG
Views: 2626
Size:  59.4 KB

Tighten down the supplied lock washer and wing nut.
Name:  3.JPG
Views: 2632
Size:  65.1 KB

Replace the center cap. It's that simple!
Name:  4.JPG
Views: 2625
Size:  55.3 KB

With 270 grams added to each PR the box tuning will be 22 hz. Since changing the weights on the PR's is external, I be experimenting with different tuning just because it'll be so easy! Listening test will be next.


We're all in this together!

Members DIY Subwoofer Database

Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-09, 03:13 PM   #17
Senior Shackster
Alias: Glen
Loc: West Texas
User: #34808
Since: Mar 2009
Posts: 485
  ironglen is offline  
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


Thanks Mike for taking the extra time to share your progress with us! (Makes contemplating a build easier as well as great ideas)


Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-09, 06:41 PM   #18
Shack Administrator
Platinum Supporter
Alias: Mike
Loc: Chitek Lake, Sask. Canada
User: #8033
Since: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,417
  Mike P. is offline    
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


I did a quick listening test on the sub. Testing was done is a 15' by 30' room that is open to other areas. I must say I'm impressed! Music was a Celine Dionne CD that has some demanding bass tracks. The sub had no problem producing loud levels in such a large room. Test tones from 15 hz to 80 hz show what this sub can do. This little guy digs deep! The sub was not corner loaded, it was in the center of the 15' wall and about 2 feet away from the wall. Very impressive performance for a 10 inch sub. I will post a frequency response vs. SPL graph as soon as I get a chance.


We're all in this together!

Members DIY Subwoofer Database

Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-09, 06:48 PM   #19
Shack Hillbilly
Owner

Alias: Sonnie
Sonnie's Avatar
Loc: L.A. (Lower Bama)
User: #1
Since: Apr 2006
Posts: 13,113
  Sonnie is online now    
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


I am beside myself. That is one very nice kit and your work is super impressive...

Now... the "workout" part... I don't know if I am buying that.


Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-09, 05:34 PM   #20
Shack Administrator
Platinum Supporter
Alias: Mike
Loc: Chitek Lake, Sask. Canada
User: #8033
Since: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,417
  Mike P. is offline    
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


I did some SPL tesing today to see what the sub is capable of. The sub was placed in a corner of the room with the SPL meter one meter away on a tripod stand. I used the R.S. 33-2055 Digital Meter and applied the correction file to the readings.

10 hz - 104 db
12 hz - 106 db
16 hz - 101 db
18 hz - 103 db
20 hz - 104 db
22 hz - 100 db
25 hz - 102 db
30 hz - 103 db
35 hz - 108 db
40 hz - 113 db
45 hz - 110 db
50 hz - 103 db
55 hz - 101 db
60 hz - 98 db
65 hz - 96 db
70 hz - 95 db
75 hz - 96 db
80 hz - 95 db

The SPL meter was set to fast response and "C" weighting. The effects of room gain are obvious in the 10 -12 hz range, as well as a room interaction issue in the 35 - 45 hz range. I'll get REW setup on my laptop and post a graph, hopefully next week when I get home from work. All in all, I'm impressed with the performance of this 10 inch sub.


We're all in this together!

Members DIY Subwoofer Database

Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-09, 03:16 AM   #21
Senior Shackster
Alias: robert
Loc: new orleans
User: #15421
Since: Jan 2008
Posts: 293
  robertcharles123 is offline  
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


The way the mass is loaded is fantastic. That is a truly unique design. Nice job on the build.

Good luck,

Robert


Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-09, 06:13 PM   #22
Shackster
Alias: Wild
Wildcard26's Avatar
Loc: Trinidad and Tobago
User: #9110
Since: May 2007
Posts: 81
  Wildcard26 is offline  
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


I am impressed with just the look of that little bad boy. Cheers!


Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 03-25-09, 01:54 PM   #23
Senior Shackster
Alias: OJ
Owen Bartley's Avatar
Loc: Toronto, Ontario
User: #3144
Since: Oct 2006
Posts: 716
  Owen Bartley is offline  
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


Mike, you work fast! I almost completely missed this thread! I knew about halfway through that you would be happy with this little sub, it really is impressive for a 10 incher. Great work on the design and build. I can't wait to see it finished and with the spikes.


Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 03-25-09, 02:25 PM   #24
Shack Administrator
Platinum Supporter
Alias: Mike
Loc: Chitek Lake, Sask. Canada
User: #8033
Since: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,417
  Mike P. is offline    
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


Yes, I'm very impressed with this sub. After seeing Rodny's fantastic piano black finish, I'm not sure how I'm going to finish mine. Maybe I'll do a "Canadian Piano Black", spray on truck bed liner!


We're all in this together!

Members DIY Subwoofer Database

Forum Rules Reply With Quote
Old 03-25-09, 02:41 PM   #25
Shack Moderator
Platinum Supporter
Alias: Josh
Ricci's Avatar
Loc: Louisville, KY
User: #9132
Since: May 2007
Posts: 1,478
  Ricci is offline    
Re: Creative Sound Solutions SDX10 Sub Kit


Quote:
robertcharles123 wrote: View Post
The way the mass is loaded is fantastic.

Robert
+1. That's really convenient.


Forum Rules Reply With Quote
 Reply     Post New Thread

« Home Theater Shack > DIY Speakers and Subwoofers > Creative Sound Solutions »

« Previous Thread   Next Thread »

Bookmarks

Tags
creative, solutions, sound
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads... You may not post replies... You may not post attachments... You may not edit your posts

BB code is On... Smilies are On... [IMG] code is On... HTML is not allowed!




Parts Express: The #1 Internet source for all your DIY and electronics needs!

Ultimate Home Entertainment



This site is best viewed with a screen resolution of 1280 x 1024 or higher!

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:30 PM.



Powered by vBulletin
Copyright ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Vendor Tools vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.

Copyright ©2006 - 2009, Home Theater Shack, LLC.
John Mulcahy and Sonnie Parker - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!



Projector Screens   AV Carts   Lectern   WhiteBoards   Audio Video   HDMI Cables   Multimedia   AV Blog
Massage Chairs   Wall Fountains   Bath Vanities   Electric Fireplaces   Bunk Beds
Dish Network





Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.3.0

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327