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New Sigberg Audio development thread: The Sentinel - A music oriented reference subwoofer

If the subwoofer goes up to 300Hz, doesn't that limit where you can place the subwoofer? Effectively they can only be placed on either side of the speaker.

Agree with you about sealed vs. ported.

It CAN go up to 300hz, it doesn't have to.
 
Today I've ordered sample drivers of the driver that will likely be used for this project. :)
 
Yesterday I ordered samples of what I thought would be the driver to use. Today I had a new discussion with the main supplier in the custom track, and he had a very interesting proposition. So now maybe I have to order some more samples.

This spring will be prototype time. :)

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One of the things is what I just mentioned above, performance at higher frequencies, and overall linearity. I have seen many drivers with similar xmax / Max SPL performance as the ones I use, but that have much higher distortion at moderate levels. This is one of the problems with the CEA2010 protocol often used to evaluate subwoofers, it only really tells you how the driver/subwoofer behaves at its limit.

And a HT oriented sub would typically be larger and ported (less focused on being compact and fitting into a normal living room).

Yeah, keep it non localizable for music. Internal volume plays a role as far as physics is concerned.

 

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If the subwoofer goes up to 300Hz, doesn't that limit where you can place the subwoofer? Effectively they can only be placed on either side of the speaker.
...or under, as a stand as long as the 1/4 wavelength rule is at place.

(the comment was about people trying to make pseudo-3-ways using small 2-ways+subs, the pains of a proper spin, etc to do it is another subject)
 
Yeah, keep it non localizable for music. Internal volume plays a role as far as physics is concerned.


Our subs so far are the opposite of what's described here, despite being compact. Non-localizable even when crossed high (in our speaker systems they're crossed at 100hz). Proper bracing, and in the case of the 10D also dual opposed configuration.
 
Yesterday I ordered samples of what I thought would be the driver to use
Hi Thorbjørn, how far along are you with selecting the drivers?
 
Hi Thorbjørn, how far along are you with selecting the drivers?

I currently have some slightly modified OEM drivers on order (expected to arrive within a few weeks), and some custom drivers on order (expected to arrive in 4-6 weeks). I need to test both in actual prototypes before I can make a decision. So we're probably at least 2-3 months away from locking in the driver choice.
 
I have seen many drivers with similar xmax / Max SPL performance as the ones I use, but that have much higher distortion at moderate levels. This is one of the problems with the CEA2010 protocol often used to evaluate subwoofers, it only really tells you how the driver/subwoofer behaves at its limit.
Looking at your requirements, I would probably start by checking out these models:

BMS 15N850v2
18Sound 15NLW9500
FaitalPRO 15XL1400
 
Looking at your requirements, I would probably start by checking out these models:

BMS 15N850v2
18Sound 15NLW9500
FaitalPRO 15XL1400

BMS 15N850v2: Not a horrible option, somewhat low xmax, a bit high fs, low qts, more suited for ported sub.
18Sound 15NLW9500: Again low xmax, a bit high fs, also a bit high vas as I'm looking to create a pretty compact sub, rather than a larger ported one.
FaitalPRO 15XL1400: A bit high fs, would prefer an 8 ohm nominal driver, and probably more at home in a ported, PA type enclosure (I'm making a sealed sub).


These are all good drivers but not really designed for what I'm trying to achieve. I have high hopes for the custom driver I'm looking at, since it's of course intentionally dialed in for what I'm building, but the proof will be in the pudding. :)
 
These are all good drivers but not really designed for what I'm trying to achieve.

Yes, I actually focused only on minimizing distortion as much as possible and didn't have your other goals in mind. Sorry

Given your requirements, a driver specifically tailored to the exact enclosure volume and target characteristics is likely to be very useful. It allows you to optimize the motor, suspension, and parameters specifically for the sealed enclosure design, rather than having to compromise with a standard off-the-shelf driver.

I actually don’t know of any driver that fits your concept perfectly, so I’m very curious to see how the custom-made driver performs once you have prototypes—especially in terms of distortion and linearity at moderate sound pressure levels.

Apparently, Purifi now also offers 16" woofers—or perhaps Dali just purchased the surround.

Best of luck


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Yes, I actually focused only on minimizing distortion as much as possible and didn't have your other goals in mind. Sorry

Given your requirements, a driver specifically tailored to the exact enclosure volume and target characteristics is likely to be very useful. It allows you to optimize the motor, suspension, and parameters specifically for the sealed enclosure design, rather than having to compromise with a standard off-the-shelf driver.

I actually don’t know of any driver that fits your concept perfectly, so I’m very curious to see how the custom-made driver performs once you have prototypes—especially in terms of distortion and linearity at moderate sound pressure levels.

Apparently, Purifi now also offers 16" woofers—or perhaps Dali just purchased the surround.

Best of luck


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Thank you!

Yes it's not a purifi driver as such, but uses some purifi technology / concepts. And that sub is also ported. :)
 
The "DROP D" name is so, so good. Telling people it's for music, and a subwoofer... without being clumsy. My hat is off to you!

Maybe I am biased because I feel like I get the reference, but Sentinel doesn't encompass quite as much meaning. Your products performance do all the hard work, but I still vote for the first name :)
 
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The "DROP D" name is so, so good. Telling people it's for music, and a subwoofer... without being clumsy. My hat is off to you!

Maybe I am biased because I feel like I get the reference, but Sentinel doesn't encompass quite as much meaning. Your products performance do all the hard work, but I still vote for the first name :)

Thank you, I liked it myself. The question is if it's too clever, if most people don't get it. :)

The idea behind Sentinel (which means guardian or someone who stands watch) is that this will be a very (VERY) competent subwoofer that will be in control no matter what happens, controlling and watching over the bass so to speak. It also sounds a bit imposing and menacing to me, and I hope to convey that in the visual design of the subwoofer as well.
 
It also sounds a bit imposing and menacing to me, and I hope to convey that in the visual design of the subwoofer as well.
Subwoofer design is always a bit of a challenge. Will it be a 15-inch front-firing sub? An impulse-compensated sub with two active 15-inch drivers? A down-firing sub? Should it match the Manta perfectly?

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Subwoofer design is always a bit of a challenge. Will it be a 15-inch front-firing sub? An impulse-compensated sub with two active 15-inch drivers? A down-firing sub? Should it match the Manta perfectly?

All design is a challenge. :) I will be working with an industrial designer to try to lock down if not the final design so at least a design direction within the next 1-2 months.

With regards to drivers and driver orientation: Final configuration is yet to be determined / will not be revealed until I have done some preliminary testing.

It will not necessarily match the Manta perfectly. As a young company the Sigberg Audio design language is continuously evolving. But there will be design cues from our current line-up.
 
This does look impressive, and thank you for your effort. I'll ask the big question : any idea on pricing, and will it be competitive with SVS and REL?
 
This does look impressive, and thank you for your effort. I'll ask the big question : any idea on pricing, and will it be competitive with SVS and REL?

Not sure if you are you asking if the pricing will be competitive with SVS and REL, or if the product will be competitive with SVS and REL (to the extent that it isn't the same thing).

The reason I am asking is that to my understanding I don't find SVS and REL to be very similar companies, not have very similar products, and not have very similar pricing.

I guess SVS is also more cinema oriented while REL is more music oriented.

It would be awesome if you can elaborate a bit, so that I can give you the best possible answer. :)
 
Out of curiosity - what makes one sub "musical" and one "cinematic?" If they reproduce sound accurately at similar SPLs, what possible difference is there? I happen to have one of your subs, and it sounds fine on both, as did the previous sub - which just wasn't as good.
 
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