Monster Subwoofer Build

Designer:
Paul Peterson

Project Category:
Subwoofers

Project Level:
Intermediate

Project Time:
8-20 Hours

Project Cost:
Over $1,000

Project Description:
This all started because I wanted an SVS Ultra 16 but didn’t have $3000 to buy one, not even close. I asked a couple audio groups if there was anything out there that was cheaper but would still be comparable to the performance of the SVS and it was suggested that I do the Dayton Audio Ultimax build which led me here. This all started because I wanted an SVS Ultra 16 but didn’t have $3000 to buy one, not even close. I asked a couple audio groups if there was anything out there that was cheaper but would still be comparable to the performance of the SVS and it was suggested that I do the Dayton Audio Ultimax build which led me here.

Design Goals:
Build a tonal, infrasonic subwoofer that will tip the rector scale yet still blend in nicely with the rest of the system.

Driver Selection:
295-514 UM15-22 15″ Ultimax DVC Subwoofer 2 ohms Per Coil
800 watts RMS power handling.

Enclosure Design:
We had to change this up once we discovered that I actually needed 6 cubic ft. of air in the box instead of 3 cubic ft. to get the results we were looking for. I did not have enough room to build a traditional box that big. We were originally going to go with Sonotube but I was concerned about the longevity and wear over time. I was so lucky to come across the perfect size cut off PVC water main pipe. This was a game changer and changed a lot of things about the design.

Enclosure Assembly:
The foot and speaker mount in the bottom of the tube is made of MDF as well as the top cap. The outside of the tube is covered in upholstery ticking to give it a plush feel to the touch and then we sewed up a sock of material to go over this and the outside of the tube. There is a layer of foam on the interior wall of the tube for sound deadening purposes. It is a sealed unit and because of the pipe it’s been engineered to last a life time. All that needs to be done to use a different sub woofer is to have a different bottom ring made to match a different speaker. It all comes apart very easily.

Crossover Design:
My home theater processor is a Anthem MRX 710 using ARC room correction. ARC has registered this sub down to 17hz.

Tips & Tricks:
Get help from your neighbor ;-).

Conclusion:
Finding the water main pipe really took this build to the next level. My neighbor and I put a lot of thought and hours into this project and it turned out better then I ever could have imagined. It looks just as good as it sounds! It’s very tonal and I’m amazed at how well it blends in with everything. I use to shut my subs off when listening to music because I could never get them to blend in and sound right with it. Not so with this thing. It sounds great with music and movies. I’m very happy with how this turned out and I’m great full for the help and advice I received the few times I called parts express seeking guidance, you guys were great!!

About the Designer:
I wish I could take all the credit for how this thing turned out but I can’t, not at all. My neighbor Kevin Trueman got the idea off Pinterest and he really was the designer and brains behind the operation. I could not have done this without him and his workshop and I’m very thankful for the thought and time he put into making this all happen. He’s a truly smart fella, and a good friend.

Project Parts List: