[BaSiCEvil]

I manage a retail electronics store and I am looking to add some low end umph to the 1080P HD Display that we recently put up.

Right now the display is strictly Plasma, LCD and DLP Televisions, but I am looking to put in a decent 5.1 system to wow the customers.

At this point, I have no clear direction in which I am planning on heading, but figured I would start with a bit of the BASSics if you know what I mean...

Looking for suggestions on something that will definitely wow the customers when it is powered up. If anyone has any suggestions on the other speakers that I will need, I am more than open to hearing some suggestions.

I am at the startup stage, so definitely looking to build something good.

 

[brent_s]

This is the DIY forum. Are you looking to build something for a retail demo room? :huh:

 

[ccdoggy]

Well if you are going to build it and really wanna wow some customers, build 2 LLT 18" subs. that would do it no problem.

Although if you are lookin at retail depending on budget i strongly suggest the JL fathom. best sub i have ever heard.

 

[bonehead848]

how much space do you have in the area to use?

 

[BaSiCEvil]

This is the DIY forum. Are you looking to build something for a retail demo room? :huh:

Yes. We don't really sell complete HT component systems, but I figure that the display wall can be enhanced a little with a HT System.

how much space do you have in the area to use?

The wall that all the flat panels are mounted to is 12ft wide and has a 9ft height, with open ceiling above that. This area is in no way closed off from the rest of the store. The entire electronics display area is 14ft x 18ft.

I would like a sub that can get down low, but not be the focus of the display.

I hope that this makes sense to someone other than me.

 

[ccdoggy]

I think the biggest question is are you willing to DIY, and what is the budget?

 

[BaSiCEvil]

Definitely willing to do DIY. I think it best considering the fact that I do not plan to sell the sub. Seeing that the enclosure will not be marked, it may lessen the amount of people asking if they can buy one from me.

Budget, $500 - $750 for amp and sub.

 

[Maceo23]

If the size of an LLT doesn't bother you, you could do a pair of Tempest-x subs at $350 a pair . As for amp, the EP2500 seems to be the bang for the buck favorite, and can be had for about $250. That puts you at $600 plus shipping, which leaves you about $100 for building materials.

 

[bonehead848]

One idea is you could build a small wall behind the seating. Ive seen this in many retailers and its just to kind of isolate the area. You could do the same only it wouldnt just be a wall... This would allow it to be really large and not the center of attention like a huge sono would be.

For ease of setup you may want to go with a plate amp, if that doesnt matter go with the ep2500.

 

[BaSiCEvil]

How big of a box do they require?

Anyone out there want to model one for me?

 

[BaSiCEvil]

If the size of an LLT doesn't bother you, you could do a pair of Tempest-x subs at $350 a pair . As for amp, the EP2500 seems to be the bang for the buck favorite, and can be had for about $250. That puts you at $600 plus shipping, which leaves you about $100 for building materials.

I've been trying to model a box for the Tempest, but no matter what parameters I change I can't get the curve to drop down low. Any suggestions?

 

[Maceo23]

Well,
I just finished my own 300L Tempest Sonotube. I hooked it up on Saturday but have not had a chance to REW it yet. Hopefully in the next day or two I'll get it done and post back.

 

[looneybomber]

I've been trying to model a box for the Tempest, but no matter what parameters I change I can't get the curve to drop down low. Any suggestions?

Just how low are you wanting to go? With two Tempests, each in 30ft enclosures tuned to 13hz and 400w supplied to each driver, WinISD shows 117db+ from 12hz on up. 60ft will require a "stage" to be built because the sonotubes would be too dominating.

 

[no. 5]

I would like a sub that can get down low, but not be the focus of the display.

You may have already thought about this, but it warrants a mention; please, properly integrate the subwoofer!

A number of times for me a demo has been ruined because the subwoofer was overpowering, impressive by itself, but just too loud and/or boomy for an enjoyable experience.

 

[ISLAND1000]

I am looking to add some low end umph to the 1080P HD Display that we recently put up.

Looking for suggestions on something that will definitely wow the customers when it is powered up.

I am at the startup stage, so definitely looking to build something good.

That's an interesting equation. I think we've all been impressed and uncontrollably drawn to the immediate area when entering an electronics store with a powerful subwoofer pounding out a strong rythm beat or the rumbling of an exciting DVD movie like "Matrix". Speaking for my self I wanna know what it is that can pressurize the whole **** store with sound like that.
If I were a store manager I would be attempting to impress my customers with auditory excellence too. A couple of JL Audio F113s or a less expensive couple of SVS Ultra 13s would be more than needed to fill most stores with low down power. Remember these pieces of equipment are saleable if you impress the right customer and for sure ALL customers will benefit knowing what it is they need to add to their system to make it ultimately worth listening to.
On the DIY side you need to be able to move the subs around to make room for additional video or audio equipment which you are selling. A permanently installed IB or a huge LLT isn't going to be logical or easy to position. A ported or sealed enclosure of about 4-8 cubic feet won't take up too much space and can still be moved around without straining your milk.
So I would look for an 18" driver capable of handling a 1000 watts and suitable for either ported or sealed. The choices are yours . . . . . there are a few exceptional drivers that would fit this description.
If you're new at DIY choose a simple sealed box and a good driver. Use an EQ or get an amp with a PEQ in it. That's all there is to it.

 

[ccdoggy]

I think it all comes down to budget and space.

I am addicted to LLT designs right now. the only thing i have that comes close to my LLT is a F113. But if space is a big issue then maybe multiple sealed or ported 12"s around a room.

I totally agree with Phil about the bass in stores. especially if its good powerfull bass. the down side is that, well, it will be too powerful in the room itself. BUT i would argue that 80% of people out perceive that peak of bass as a good thing, just like how they think that QEing the **** out of the signal with tons of peaks sounds good.

 

[BaSiCEvil]

I'm going to take a couple pictures tomorrow, so that you guys have a better idea of what I am dealing with.

Keep an eye out.

 

[ISLAND1000]

I've got my "evil" eye out sitting in a shot glass. It's looking straight at me, daring me to try somethin . . . . .

 

[BaSiCEvil]

Here's what the area looks like...

The two smaller floor standing TV stands will be removed and I plan on having a custom A/V rack built for the center of the area that will house the Receiver, HDMI Distro, Blu-Ray along with other Video Sources + amp and processor for subs if necessary.

 

[ISLAND1000]

Excellent sales space. Buy a rug or a piece of carpet for the floor. That space looks pretty "live".
I would definitely stay around 6 cubic feet (21x21x21) for the sub or less.
The A/V rack is a good idea too.
Parts Express sells the Dayton 15" TIT400C-4. It's a Titanic MKIII and models well in a sealed box. They also sell a 1000 watt plate amp that is a good match for the driver. You could upgrade to a PRO amp like any of the Crown XTi series amps and be able to EQ a reasonably accurate curve for the sub and the store listening area.