Easy, inexpensive cabinet for 12 inch subwoofer

[DanielT]

Have been doing some more listening. In one setup, I moved the vented subwoofer into the corner and disconnected the sealed one. I am testing subwoofers with my CBT24s and noticed how the vocals would sound like they came from the subwoofer when centered in between the stereo pair. Noticed this still was the case with the sealed subwoofer disconnected. Confirmed my own bias/biases by placing the sealed subwoofer higher. The vocals moved with the subwoofer. Will spend a bit more time trying other positions. However…

My main goal is to work on bass quality so next will measure distortion from each subwoofer. Am also considering a dual opposing build for comparison. I have done some initial design and have enough tube to spare. If really want to AB compare them, need to invest in a couple more drivers.

Do you mean an isobaric design? Like :

It was probably a more common design principle in the past, for drivers that then had low power handling in combination with high VAS. The box volume can, theoretically, be reduced by half with an isobaric design. Also a pro, increased motor power with isobaric.

The disadvantage of isobaric vs. spearata boxes for each driver is that with spearata boxes there is more surface area, speaker driver surface that pumps air. That is preferable.

I mean, isn't it a bit of a waste of money with isobaric with such a good driver as the Dayton Audio RSS315HF? When it is excellent on its own, with the advantages it gives with separate boxes for each driver, that is.

On the other hand, a cheap but good driver, for example the Peerless SLS 10 ($67), which has low power handling, it might make sense to go with isobaric. Double the motor structure with isobaric then. It might make sense to do with the

• Power handlingP70W
• Program powerPmax140W

driver that the SLS10 has

Peerless SLS-P830668 - 10″ Woofer 8Ω

Technical parameters and comparison of the Peerless SLS-P830668 10″ Woofer 8Ω · Resonance frequency 35Hz · Power handling 140W · Sensitivity 87dB · Xmax 10.9mm · Magnet: Ferrite

loudspeakerdatabase.com

But with the Dayton Audio RSS315HF and its

• Power handlingP400W
• Program powerPmax800W

... it's hardly necessary with isobaric? But of course I could be wrong in my speculation.

Dayton Audio Reference RSS315HF-4 - 12″ Subwoofer 4Ω

Technical parameters and comparison of the Dayton Audio RSS315HF-4 12″ Subwoofer 4Ω · Resonance frequency 24Hz · Power handling 800W · Sensitivity 86dB · Xmax 14.3mm · Magnet: Ferrite

loudspeakerdatabase.com

On the other hand, you have tubes left to test, so why not try isobaric just because it's interesting and fun to test.

 

[RickS]

The goal for dual opposing would be reduced distortion. Will see how the existing designs measure. As for the mounting, aim is to keep it compact and so not decided as yet.

 

[RickS]

Doing some further testing, took some nearfield distortion measures at higher SPLs. I this case, about 85 dB at 1m....

This is the vented subwoofer but the sealed results were very comparable. Looks pretty good for starters. Weather is quite nice but that means I need to focus on outside projects before it gets too cold!

 

[Flaesh]

Two of these JBL bass drivers were in my tube subwoofer. Bought them cheap

There were a few similar models, such as the CS1214 and the GT-X1200; I have a couple of the latter. Some people bought a dozen or two for home use, especially cheap at Christmas sales in the US.
There were also ready-made box subs in a hairy tube:

 

[Sal1950]

I did this over the course of a busy weekend between other tasks/events and am very pleased with the results. The tube is only 1/8 thick but very sturdy once the end caps are on. If I find it needs more support can always add some sides or a bottom panel. Next is some mounting holes and will start gluing it together.

Just caught up with this older thread, great project.
Here's a pic of my 2 7' tall HSU HRSW12 subwoofers I ran for around 25 years and then sold them to a guy who was going to re-surround the rotted out foam.
Also a pic of Dr Hsu carrying one up some stairs. Sonotube subs were one of his very first products after getting he engineering degree. He's a really great guy to deal with. Well deserving of the success he's found over the last 35 or so years.