Upgrading driver in existing sub enclosure....

[superchad]

I have a 10yr old HSU Research 12V sub that works fine...infact it is a surprise how well it works compared to many not only more costly units but newer ones aswell but still I wonder if it could be improoved with a new driver and such but use same cabinet. The sub stats are a 12in Impregnated paper Cone woofer with a 17Hz FS with a 3.75 flared port tuned to 20Hz, Driver Q is 0.28, the current cone will respond down to 16Hz and at 24Hz the cone has +-6mm excursion.
I have a 300w amp I use with its 3 Ohm load and like its basic design and look so I just am curious about increasing performance with new driver and what ever else needed, what do you guys think?
My main speakers go down to 16Hz (-10db) but I still like the sub in the system as I pulled it for two years because of WAF in last house but now with dedicated theater/music room its no issue, I have no need for the Sub for music (obviously) and being that I run tube pre for 2 channel it is not in the loop save for strictly movies...............thanks for your time and thoughts! Chad

[Mike P.]

The net volume of the cabinet would need to be known to determine if there is a suitable driver available for a replacement. What make and model amp are you using for the sub? You mentioned the amp is 300 watts. The original amp that came with the HSU Research 12V was 150 watts.

[Exocer]

I would either stick with the stock driver, or build/upgrade to a newer sub. Reasons being:
1. When companies design subs their amps usually have a built in form of protection (called a highpass) specifically for the stock driver in that given alignment.

2. The enclosure volume is also considered to be the best compromise between size/performance possible for that given situation.

would you at all be interested in building a DIY sub? Why mess with the HSU if it works so well?

[superchad]

Probably will just build a new one in time, there is nothing wrong with it but every now and then I get an itch to try something new.