Help Getting Started with Build

[nab9524]

I am getting ready build a new sub for my HT. I currently have a ported 10in sub that I built with a old JL Audio 10w6 I had laying around. I also have Def Tech BP7004 towers in front that each have a powered 10in with a 10 PR. All together it doesn't sound bad, but I feel that I am missing out on some of the low end stuff.

My room is 12'W x 19'L x 8'H with about a 6' section on the back side open to the kitchen. I am limited on space so I really don't want to go larger than 5ft^3.

I have been considering a single sealed Mal-X, dual opposed Shiva-X's in a sealed box or tube, and a shiva-x with dual PR's. I am open to suggestions on drivers and configurations.

Like most I was looking at the EP2500 for power but I am concerned about fan noise. I know that there is a thread on switching in a low noise fan, but that seems like it would compromise cooling capacity. Does the EP2500 have a 12v trigger as I don't want to leave it on all the time? Are there any decent alternatives in the that price range?

Thanks for the help.

[Ricci]

I'd go with the Mal X in a sealed box with the EP2500. It's a proven winner. The dual Shiva's would be very nice as well. The EP2500 does not have a 12 volt trigger I don't think.

[tcarcio]

I agree with Josh. Either sub would be great. I did the fan mod on my 2500 and I run two subs with it and it barely gets warm so I wouldn't worry about it staying cool enough. I have yet to hear of anyone who has had a overheating problem after doing the change.

[spanish68]

If you want a 18" sub then I would go with the Maelstrom. On the other hand, if you want a 15" sub, then I would go with AE15X/H subs and as a second choice, the CCS SDX 15" sub.

[nab9524]

Based on what I see when modeling the dual shiva's in winisd, the pair actually have a better response and overall spl than a single mal-x in the same size box. Does that make sense or am I doing something wrong. When you compare total volume displaced, a single mal-x will displace more than 2 shiva's.

For those of you with the EP2500 do you leave them on all the time or do you manually turn them off? I would like to trigger it somehow.

[mayhem13]

I'd do two seperate enclosures of 3.25cuft each sealed each with one Shiva. Cross low at 60hz......should be a nice blend to the DefTechs.

[Jon F]

nab9524 wrote:

For those of you with the EP2500 do you leave them on all the time or do you manually turn them off? I would like to trigger it somehow.

I'm using one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Strip-LCG4-Autoswitching-Technology/dp/B0006Q3B2W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1245524810&sr=8-1

Amazon

I've plugged my receiver into it so that when the receiver comes on the EP2500 and Reckhorn B-1 switch on at the same time. So far no problems with the current draw when they kick on but I can see that being a problem in some circumstances.

[nab9524]

mayhem13 wrote:

I'd do two seperate enclosures of 3.25cuft each sealed each with one Shiva. Cross low at 60hz......should be a nice blend to the DefTechs.

I understand that using two separate enclosures would potentially help smooth out the in room response, but how would the combined output differ from a single box with the 2 shiva's of equal internal volume?

[nab9524]

I am leaning towards dual shiva's at the moment. I have 2 spots in my room where I could put 2 nice end table subs. Is there anyway to model the cumulative result of two separate subs in winisd?
I like the sound of sealed subs but I also like the low end of a properly ported sub. Now i am trying to decide between 2 sealed enclosures like mayhem recommeded, or 2 ported 4^ft enclosures like the small ported design on the Exodus Audio site.

How do I go about measuring the amount of room gain I have? I figure that if I have a large amount of room gain down low it would probably mate up well with a sealed design, and would possibly make the ported design sound too boomy or over exaggerated on the low end.

[Mike P.]

Is there anyway to model the cumulative result of two separate subs in winisd?

Select 2 drivers and double the volume.

How do I go about measuring the amount of room gain I have?

Every room is different, 6 db at 20 hz would be a fair estimate.

[nab9524]

Well I pulled the trigger on a Gen II Mal-x. Now I need to design an enclosure. I am going sealed and have room for ~5cuft. I would like to make it into an end table to keep the wife happy.

I am probably going to go with an EP2500 for power unless someone has a better idea for not to much more money. I don't want to leave it on all the time so I am going to use a relay on the AC supply to the amp that will switch with a 12v trigger form my preamp. Does anyone see any issues with that?

[Mike P.]

Can't beat the EP2500 for the price. Modeling shown with the rated input power of 1800 watts. No high pass filter would be required. Probably 118 db or more at 20 hz with room gain.

[fackamato]

That box would love an EQ...

[nab9524]

I may apply some eq later on, but for now I will see what I end up with after room gain.