Replacing oem driver with new, should I expect improvement?

Hi there,

Would you happen to know the volume of the box?

16"h x 16"w x 15.75"d

Is it a powered sub? If it is, do you know how much power it is capable of producing at a 4ohm load?

Also, if it is powered, I've always felt projects like this (driver swaping in commercial subs)were risky since there is no way to determine whether or not there is any form of EQ going on, there usually is. Each part of a pre-built sub is designed specifically to work with the original parts. If you can ball-park the internal volume you'll know just a little of whats necessary to have a good sounding sub.

If its just a driver in a box, replacing the driver would be way less risky. You'll have the option to choose between many aftermarket amps.

It is a powered sub with, i believe, a 125w amp. I've been kinda concerned about some preset EQ within the amp. I'm assuming that Kyle, with Acoustic-Visions took all this into consideration when he recommended the Shiva.

As a non-DIYer, some of your terms (LT) are lost on me. However, I think I can make the chart out a little if I cock my head a certain way and wiggle my ears.:whistling:

well, LT stands for linkwitz transform, something you never even mentioned...I got a little confused and mentioned it here on accident lol.

As you can see, i removed that comment all together as it just didn't apply here.

If you're curious read about it here http://sound.westhost.com/project71.htm, a quick google search brought that site up.

EQ aside, I didn't think that you could use the same box with a different driver. The volume of a box is determined by the Thiele-Small parameters. Since these drivers are different, I'm pretty sure the box will have the incorrect dimensions for the new driver.

Here is a link to Unibox -- and WinISD. Both sites have a free download that can help you figure out the correct internal volume for a given driver. In either case, you will need the T/S parameters.

JCD

JCD said:

EQ aside, I didn't think that you could use the same box with a different driver. The volume of a box is determined by the Thiele-Small parameters. Since these drivers are different, I'm pretty sure the box will have the incorrect dimensions for the new driver.

Here is a link to Unibox -- and WinISD. Both sites have a free download that can help you figure out the correct internal volume for a given driver. In either case, you will need the T/S parameters.

JCD

Click to expand...

Thanks for the links JCD. I will play around with these things when I get back from a weekend trip to engage in my other hobby, photography.

I was sure hoping things wouldn't get complicated. I was considering dishing out $1200-$2000 for a couple of wonderful sounding REL subs I heard. But, I talked myself out of that with the lure that I could probably improve my sound enough with a $125 Shiva. I like the sound of my sub now, I just want a stronger woofer and if some improvement comes with it, I'll be happy.

Well, if you're willing to buy the driver, you could always just cannabilize the parts from the old sub and build a new enclosure... :whistling:

JCD

JCD said:

Well, if you're willing to buy the driver, you could always just cannabilize the parts from the old sub and build a new enclosure... :whistling:

JCD

Click to expand...

Regress to cannibalism in this civilized age?:yikes: Hhm...:scratch: ...well, I do like to try new things.

If the Shiva doesn't work satisfactorily in my current enclosure then perhaps I'll see if some of those tools I have actually work.:flex:

Glad to hear from someone having the same sub, I have this sub in perfect condition because I never used it, sitting home most of the time. I love this sub because its one of the best sub available in Montreal area.

I am an experienced car audio installer. I want to follow up this tread with other ppl who own this sub.

JCD said:

EQ aside, I didn't think that you could use the same box with a different driver. The volume of a box is determined by the Thiele-Small parameters. Since these drivers are different, I'm pretty sure the box will have the incorrect dimensions for the new driver.

Here is a link to Unibox -- and WinISD. Both sites have a free download that can help you figure out the correct internal volume for a given driver. In either case, you will need the T/S parameters.

JCD

Click to expand...

I totally agree that using the box from a commercial sub with an aftermarket driver is risky. However, in this situation the shiva classic looks pretty **** good in a box this size, which i've already shown in the above graph (which takes T/s parameters into the account). Not only is it capable of decent output, it does so with acceptable Qtc, all it needs is some acoustic stuffing. I'd say covering the walls at least.

Add 2 lbs of fiberfill, slap a shiva in there and pound away! Sealed subs are very forgiving and adding a shiva will help with the lower extension. Also, with the Shiva, you can later upgrade the amp, then maybe a bigger box. i think you will like the results. Good luck.