Another Sealed Mal-X Build

[Navydoc]

Screwed the driver in the box today and let her rip. Just did a fast and dirty level matching with the Radio Shack SPL meter. First I played some bass heavy music (Bela Fleck and the Flecktones - Flight of the Cosmic Hippo; Stanley Clarke - Lords of the Low Frequencies; and Metallica - One). First observation was system sounded a little bass shy, then the deep bass movements kicked in and I had to reassess! Wow!!!!

Then put on a couple of DVDs (U571 - Depth Charge scene; Pearl Harbor - Attack scene; and all of Pirates of the Caribbean - Curse of the Black Pearl). Bass was palatable! This is what I was missing with my old 12" Paradigm sub (PDR 12).

Will need to get an amp soon, my older Adcom GFA555 running bridged (with forced air cooling) had the clipping light flicker during the depth charge scene at THX ref level (sub is NOT set hot, rather is equal to all other channels based on the receivers [Onkyo TX 805] internal test tone). Once backed off to -10dB the Adcom was warm, but not hot, after the entire Pirates movie.

Overall I am satisfied with the project! Future additions to the sub are a professional amp and the SMS-1.

Photos - Top is covered with 4 12"x12" black granite tiles to add some visual appeal and mass. I am planning on adding a metal grill from http://www.reliablehardware.com/cust...ker-grill.aspx soon. Planning on using 3152 (5/32" diameter staggered holes, 62.4% open area, semi-gloss black powder coat finish)

[Navydoc]

Thank you to all who post on this board (and AVS) for guidance and input during this project. It was primarily Willy D's build thread (and NEO-Dan's cut sheet) that led me to a building a DIY sub over purchasing a MFW-15 off the internet.

Big thanks to Kevin, who answered many emails along the way. I am thrilled to have purchased the Maelstrom-X from Kevin, he seems like a great guy and it was a pleasure to buy from him. Hopefully I can control my developing bass fetish and won't end up building 3 more!!!!

SWN

[nab9524]

I really like the way your build turned out. Is the oak trim along the top of the box wider to create the recessed area for the granite? If not how did end up with the recessed area without throwing off the look of the box? Is the granite fastened down at all? Does your box seem to be free of vibrations?
Sorry for all the questions but I will be starting my build on Monday and want to do something very similar.

Have you decided what you going to get for an amp? I am leaning towards the Ep2500 for cost reasons.

[Mike P.]

Nice sub, glad to hear you're enjoying it!

Hopefully I can control my developing bass fetish.....

Not possible!

[Navydoc]

nab9524 wrote:

I really like the way your build turned out.

I am very happy with the final results. I was going to put oak veneer over the birch plywood (11-ply, furniture grade) but decided to see how well they matched with only stain. I think it turned out well so I am glad I did not add the veneer.

nab9524 wrote:

Is the oak trim along the top of the box wider to create the recessed area for the granite? If not how did end up with the recessed area without throwing off the look of the box?

The oak trim along the top and bottom are the same width as the side, but due to the side having another 3/4" trim piece glued to it I had to have the top and bottom pieces be 3/4" above/below the front plinth to keep the front looking square. All the trim pieces were stock oak pieces from Lowes and cost about $70.00. Top and bottom trim pieces are 1/2" thick and the side pieces are 3/4" thick. I think it gave a nice Mission-style look.

nab9524 wrote:

Is the granite fastened down at all?

No, I put a 24"x24"x5/8 piece of oak plywood (pre-sized material from Home Depot) down first so that the thickness of the granite tile would be flush with the trim pieces. I am planning on securing the 5/8" oak piece to the sub box via wood screws and silicon caulk.

nab9524 wrote:

Does your box seem to be free of vibrations?

During deep bass scenes (depth charge scene from U571) played at THX reference level I could feel vibrations when touching the box. No spurious noise could be heard. The box is very solid so it does not creep or wobble. I have read about completely inert boxes, but I think the amount of damping material would have to be significant for a driver as powerful as the Maelstrom. I have 4 cheap polyfill pillows from Target in the box.

nab9524 wrote:

Have you decided what you going to get for an amp? I am leaning towards the Ep2500 for cost reasons.

I have not. I wanted to buy the Crown XLS-802D while they had the $100 rebate, but was vetoed by the wife. Looks like I will have to wait until fall. I am trying to stay under $400 delivered. Looks like the new Behringer (EP2500 replacement) may be the one - but I hate the little switches on the back. Seems like a good way to mess up during setup. The Crown and Crest amps don't have the little buggers.