[Topp]

I might be jumping the gun here, since my basement/theater room isn't complete. But with the SI preorder deal going I am trying to decide if I should preorder some or go with Daytons or something else.

Options I am debating
A) 2 18" SI HT's
B) 2 Dayton Audio RSS460HO-4 18"
C) 2 or 4 15" SI HT's
D) 2 or 4 Dayton Audio RSS390HO-4 15"

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

My theater room will be about 11' by 19' by 8.5' tall. Which I believe is on the smaller side, so not really sure how much/many subs I will need. At this point I don't have an Amp I would want to use, so any input on that is welcome too.

Thanks,
Topp

 

[theJman]

Depending upon what you're looking to achieve -- and how the sub will be used -- will be determining factors for what recommendations you end up getting. In a room that size dual 15" would probably be fine for the vast majority (if not all) situations you're likely to encounter. The amp is going to be a big factor too. Did you want to use a plate amp or an external one?

 

[Topp]

I will probably go with an external amp. I probably will only use them to watch movies. Don't seem to listen to music all that much at home anymore. Initially I figured 15's. But then with the SI preorders the 18" weren't all that much more expensive.

 

[Mike P.]

What would be an acceptable box size for you?

 

[Topp]

The plan is to have a false wall about 2 feet so they should be out of site. However, I would like them to be small enough to be carried down the steps or through the double windows. I was thinking for them to be 8 ft3 or less. Of course if there is a good reason to bigger I might be persuaded.

 

[Mike P.]

This is the estimated SPL (before any room gain) of a pair of Stereo Integrity HT 15D4's. Each would be in 7 cu.ft. tuned to 20 hz with a 6" diameter flared port. The subs would be wired in series for a 4 ohm load and powered by a single Behringer EP4000 in bridged mode. You will also need a Hi-Pass filter at 18 hz.

 

[Topp]

For multiple subs in winisd, do you double the box size, to show 2 boxes? Also, for the signal do you put the total wattage or per driver wattage?

Wouldn't the EP4000 be putting 4,000 watts to the sub? Which aren't they only rated to 600 watts?

Thanks,
Topp

 

[Mike P.]

Yes, For multiple subs you select 2 drivers, double the box size, and enter the total wattage. The EP4000 is 4,000 watts peak, but 1800 watts long term which is what I used. The driver is rated at 600 watts but that is conservative, 900 watts isn't a problem.

​

 

[Topp]

Is there a reason to go with 15's vs 18's? Also, are the SI's better then the Daytons?

Thanks,
Topp

 

[Electrodynamic]

Is there a reason to go with 15's vs 18's? Also, are the SI's better then the Daytons?

Thanks,
Topp

It really depends on what you are after and what your final goals are. The Dayton does have more shorting rings than the SI does which lowers inductance comparatively but SI also has 53% more linear stroke. The Dayton also costs 25% more even considering the SI 18" at the normal price of $199. But the Dayton can absorb more power mostly due to its larger 3" diameter coil.

 

[Mike P.]

This is a single box comparison. The SI HT 18D2 needs a bigger box tuned lower, the advantage would be in the low end compared to the 15.

 

[Topp]

Mike P.,
This might be a stupid question, but how are you finding these box sizes and tuning frequencies? Are they automatically calculated or a trial and error? I have always just tried different size and frequencies, and just decide based on that. But I am wondering if there is a better way.

Thanks,
Topp

 

[Mike P.]

WinISD defaults a specific box size depending on what you select from the Available Alignments tab. From there you adjust the box size, tuning frequency, power input, and in the case of ported, a HPF and port size. You switch back and forth between the SPL, Port Air Speed, and Cone Excursion graphs and make adjustments until it all comes together for that specific driver.