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Budget subwoofer options, DIY or wait...

John_Dikeman

Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2021
Messages
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Sorry, some real NOOB questions coming up.

I recently got a pair of Focal Aria 906s which I'm running off an Arcam A18 FMJ integrated amplifier.
I'm very happy with the sound overall. Was running a pair of Kef Q100s before and these are a major step up.

Anyway, I also have an extra car subwoofer sitting around so I thought about installing that with this system.
It's a Focal 25A1 solution which has a built in amp.
  • Product type: Amplified enclosure
  • Load: Vented
  • Max. amplification: 500W
  • Max. power: 300W subwoofer + 2 x 100W
  • Nom. power: 150W subwoofer + 2 x 50W
  • Frequency response (+/-3dB): 42Hz - 500Hz
  • Subwoofer: 25cm (10") all weather woven glass fiber cone
  • Magnet: 145mm (5.7")
  • Voice coil: 50mm (2")
  • Dimensions: (HxLxD) 300x350x425mm (11.8"x13.8"x16.7")
  • Controls: Phase, hi-pass crossover, lo-pass crossover, level, bass boost, external remote control.
Since I'm broke, for the moment I thought I'd try to use this for now.
I'm going to try an AC DC adapter that supplies 480 watts and 40 ampere @ 12v.

Someone in the another thread already mentioned that might not be enough power to get good performance with this sub. If that's the case, this does indeed seem like a kind of useless venture. However, I'm interested in some DIY options.

Would the 10" driver be worth repurposing to make a subwoofer? If I made a cabinet of the proper size would it be a decent speaker for a small living room or am I better off scrapping it and just living without a subwoofer? I see it's rated from 42 - 150 hz and the Aria already goes down to 55 so maybe it's not that useful anyway?

If I am to start looking for a used subwoofer, what would you recommend? I live in Belgium/Netherlands so European brands are better, which is one of the reasons I have so much Focal gear. I'm more than happy to go for something used and old... Are there subs that just cover the low end 15 - 60 hz or something?

All suggestions are most welcome. I'm also just interested in learning more about subs in general.
 

kiwifi

Active Member
Joined
Apr 21, 2021
Messages
235
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187
Here is an option for the 10" driver...

Barrel Sub
 
OP
J

John_Dikeman

Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2021
Messages
28
Likes
20
Thanks for the info!
Can anyone recommend a good budget amplifier module if I wish to convert the current Focal sub I have to a home cinema version?
 
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