http://www.hometheatershack.com/for...ts/48481-dayton-ib385-8-15-sound-quality.html ....(this link will take you to my thread "Dayton IB385-8 sound quality?" which is a precursor to this IB Fi18 build, it explains how I derived at these drivers)
Here's my IB sub build almost done, still doing the finishing work now.
Just wanted to get some pics up as soon as I could, will add more pics and more writing soon:
IB sub in attic, 2 FI IB318 drivers.
SUB BOX BUILD:
-dimensions,, exterior is 22.5" on all sides
-double layer of OSB
It's not a very pretty box, the only tools I had was an electric drill, a circular saw, and a sawzall. I didn't care too much about it's looks because I plan on covering the opening with fabric.
Normally a 24" box is made to sit on top of the rafters, but my attic doesn't have enough room to accommodate a box this size to be moved around. So I had to cut a hole in the living room ceiling the width of the rafter spacing (22.5") and push the box up into place.
AMPLIFICATION/WIRING:
-450w from ATI AT1506 amp
-2 drivers wired in series
Before firing the new system up, I was just going to use the ATI amp temporarily, I didn't think 450w feeding 2 drivers would be enough. But after the calibration I found that to get proper SPL levels, the LFE gain control (LFE volume) in the Onkyo AVR only had to be set to 0 (neutral). So 450w is obviously enough power. Also, having my main amp control the sub works well because it is always on when the system is being used. Both of my older subs that have built-in amps with auto on-off circuitry have trouble staying on when getting lower volume signals.
EQ/SETUP:
-Rane ME 60 graphic equalizer (1/3 octave, 25-20KHz)
-Audyssey MultiEQ
-main/center speakers crossed over at 80hz
I placed the IB sub at the center of the room (ceiling). This location gave me the most equal SPL readings around the room. Placing the box toward the side wall (where the blue "X" is on the ceiling) would have yielded alot of room gain and would have been very impressive sounding at the listening postion, but the SPL's dropped off significantly when listening toward the opposite side of the room. I am into proper/accurate/level sound, so the middle of the room was the best placement for me. Now I can walk around anywhere in the great room and it mostly sounds the same (I definitely could not say that when using my old subs).
EVALUATION:
Of course it sounds great and accurate. There is a huge difference in sound and feeling between this IB sub and my other regular boxed subs. I would have to say the IB sub is a little less exciting, it has a great feeling of sound pressure with light rumbling. The regular boxed subs have great rumbling and add much more drama when watching movies. Much of the difference is because the IB sub has 2 drivers facing each other, cancelling out most vibrations. The regular boxed subs have single drivers facing the floor and they really shake/vibrate everything, no need for butt-kickers on the couch with those. Musically, the IB sub really shines.
But this isn't to say that I am disappointed with the IB sub. I am very happy and will not go back to the regular boxes.
...More info at posts #4 and #5...
Here's my IB sub build almost done, still doing the finishing work now.
Just wanted to get some pics up as soon as I could, will add more pics and more writing soon:
IB sub in attic, 2 FI IB318 drivers.
SUB BOX BUILD:
-dimensions,, exterior is 22.5" on all sides
-double layer of OSB
It's not a very pretty box, the only tools I had was an electric drill, a circular saw, and a sawzall. I didn't care too much about it's looks because I plan on covering the opening with fabric.
Normally a 24" box is made to sit on top of the rafters, but my attic doesn't have enough room to accommodate a box this size to be moved around. So I had to cut a hole in the living room ceiling the width of the rafter spacing (22.5") and push the box up into place.
AMPLIFICATION/WIRING:
-450w from ATI AT1506 amp
-2 drivers wired in series
Before firing the new system up, I was just going to use the ATI amp temporarily, I didn't think 450w feeding 2 drivers would be enough. But after the calibration I found that to get proper SPL levels, the LFE gain control (LFE volume) in the Onkyo AVR only had to be set to 0 (neutral). So 450w is obviously enough power. Also, having my main amp control the sub works well because it is always on when the system is being used. Both of my older subs that have built-in amps with auto on-off circuitry have trouble staying on when getting lower volume signals.
EQ/SETUP:
-Rane ME 60 graphic equalizer (1/3 octave, 25-20KHz)
-Audyssey MultiEQ
-main/center speakers crossed over at 80hz
I placed the IB sub at the center of the room (ceiling). This location gave me the most equal SPL readings around the room. Placing the box toward the side wall (where the blue "X" is on the ceiling) would have yielded alot of room gain and would have been very impressive sounding at the listening postion, but the SPL's dropped off significantly when listening toward the opposite side of the room. I am into proper/accurate/level sound, so the middle of the room was the best placement for me. Now I can walk around anywhere in the great room and it mostly sounds the same (I definitely could not say that when using my old subs).
EVALUATION:
Of course it sounds great and accurate. There is a huge difference in sound and feeling between this IB sub and my other regular boxed subs. I would have to say the IB sub is a little less exciting, it has a great feeling of sound pressure with light rumbling. The regular boxed subs have great rumbling and add much more drama when watching movies. Much of the difference is because the IB sub has 2 drivers facing each other, cancelling out most vibrations. The regular boxed subs have single drivers facing the floor and they really shake/vibrate everything, no need for butt-kickers on the couch with those. Musically, the IB sub really shines.
But this isn't to say that I am disappointed with the IB sub. I am very happy and will not go back to the regular boxes.
...More info at posts #4 and #5...