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Subwoofer Build
After living with an overperforming W5-1138SMF for far too long, I decided to build a real subwoofer.
After modeling just about every configuration and driver 8" and larger, stressing over sealed or vented, actively or passivly boosted, small and large, I finally settled on the RSS390HO-4 paired with the SPA500DSP.
In just over 1 cu.ft. sealed I can get a near flat response down to 20Hz with the DSP functionality of the amp. 500W puts max playback around 102-103 dB anechoic, which I deemed plenty loud enough for my purposes, and I will never run out of xmax, even with DSP room correction/boost. This is a significant upgrade over the W5-1138SMF powered with that old 25W plate amp.
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The form factor I went for was slim, with a protective grille. JF Components has nice, laser-cut 16 ga. panels that I will cut, fit, and frame into the front. I also decided to box-in a dedicated amp cabinet to eliminate chasing leaks later.
Looks to be an awesome build.
Workship pics:
Test fitting the woofer:
And then glueing the baffle:
Next up is cutting and fitting the damping pads to the panels. This is probably overkill, but why skimp? With the driver, amp, and plywood I'm probably close to $750 in cost, so this would be a real-deal commercial sub. Might as well go all out.
That’s quite the workshop !
The breathing room between the magnet vent and rear wall is tight, by design. But I decided to affix some damping here since I won't be able to stuff it later. This is left-over carpet padding from somewhere. I have no idea where it came from, but looks like it will accomplish what I want out of it:
Thanks! I finally have the space to do some real work, so I'm putting it to good use. We'll see if I can get anything more accomplished before this holiday weekend ends.