JiminSTL

Hmmmm. Am I reading between the lines that this situation is: 1) difficult/almost impossible to fix given the eqpt specified, and 2) that the correct (or only real) solution is multiple subs?

Additional explanation of my objectives--here is what I wrote Scrappy this morning: My objectives: To experience real “oomph” in home theater viewing/listening, without having to turn the volume up to highs that would produce undesired wifely responses to me! Specifically, I would like to hear/feel Godzilla stomping around, and the so-sweet sound and feel of high explosive justice being meted out to deserving bad guys! I am of “a certain age”, so I am not looking to impress neighbors, or 18 year-old adolescents, likely to be deaf long before they reach my age. I am not looking for bragging rights on any AV forum. I want sensation that adds to enjoyment, not that has guests (or my wife) looking around and wondering WHY I must listen so loud!

Yes, Derrick: 1) There really is only 1 place where a sub might realistically be located 2) The max size is 4cu ft sealed (approx. 23" or 24" cube) 3) WAF??? Ha ha, yes 4) Bass that I can feel (as I have described it, I want to feel and hear Godzilla stomping around, and the wonderful sound of high-explosive justice giving bad guys what they deserve). I want my KLFs (LR and surrounds{mid-30s Hz}, and KV-4 center) to handle most of the voice and music--I really enjoy their sound/music presentation, and want to maximize the part of the spectrum they provide 5) In combo w/ #4 above, if possible, I would like to have the sub take over at 60Hz, or even 50 if possible. Scrappy recommended the SI18, but said that I should compare the specs against the Ultimax. Seems like the Ultimax may have the edge, relative to what I want to experience, but it also costs more. And I know that a number of people in the Forum swear by the SI18 (actually, the HT18, I think). If I go with the iNuke 3000, is there much else (equipment) that I would need to purchase to get the sub functioning properly?

I say 6,000+ cu feet, but it really consists of a large L-shaped great room (the eqpt at the base of the L, so viewing/listening is in the vertical portion of the L), with a dining area adjoining/continuing the L. 15' vaulted ceiling.

Derrick, 1 sub. The room is 6,000+ cu ft. The primary seating is <4ft from the sub location, the remaining sitting area is 11ft and less. I know that the enthusiasts advise multiple subs. The spatial, wifely, budgetary, and aesthetic limitations say that will never be. So, I want something that will allow me to enjoy good action movies, feel the "oomph", and utilize my KLFs for my vocal and music enjoyment/applications.

Cecaa and Derrick, I appreciate your comments to augment what Scrappy has said. I have looked as best I can at the technical specs of the Dayton Audio UM-18 22 and the SI HT18. Should I be thinking of the dual 2 ohm or dual 4 ohm coils, given the equipment (KLF 30s, 20s, and KV-4 center, and Pioneer AVR) and space listed above? I do not fully understand the specs to "compare", but there seemed to be a modest advantage for the DA. It has received largely good reviews. And, it does cost more. And yet, many here have had very pleasing results with the SI HT18, and it costs less. The "real" power that I need given my equipment and listening conditions is important in the sense that I want ample (so nothing has to strain), but I do not want to pay for power that would always/largely remain unused, either. And, the "quality"--whatever that is--of the sub is important, as I want it to last a long time and perform superbly. Ditto for the amplifier that I get. I certainly prefer the price of the iNuke over the DA plate amplifier, IF it is the right choice.

Scrappy, just sent you an email (PM?). Something odd, though. I sent/posted it, and received a message that I could not start another topic until 9/17????

Am closing in on a decision, and need the collective advice of the Forum on several questions relative to a 4cu ft enclosed subwoofer with a Dayton Audio UM18-22 18" Ultimax DVC Subwoofer: 1. The description of the speaker says 2 ohms per coil. Will I be able to simply run the speaker cable from my Pioneer Elite SC-35 (140 watt) receiver to the sub, or must I do anything else/in addition? 2. With that subwoofer, do I "need" the additional power of the Dayton Audio SPA 1000w, or will the 500w be perfectly adequate? (I do not listen at "ungodly" levels, and the sub will be positioned close to the actual listening locations, in a large cu ft area). 3. What about polyfill? How beneficial is it really to the listener? Do most upper-end sub manufacturers line their boxes with it, or is it mostly a DIY type of add-on? I will greatly appreciate the recommendations of the Forum members, as I would like to get this thing as right as possible on THE FIRST go round! Thanks very much.

Ohhhh, the tyranny of low expectations!

So, Miner, which domed stadium do you call home?

Braggin' rights?

Billy, OK to go sideways with a question about the RF-5 speaker (in general, not the ones listed here in CL)? Specifically, it has 2 8" woofers. I wonder how they might compare in power/sound/quality etc. to a speaker (in my case, 2 KG 4.2s) that has 1 10" active, and 1 10" passive speaker? Any thoughts?

Hi, Scrappy, This is not an effort that needs to be decided today, but, soon I hope. Anyway, the "overhead" limiters are: 1) actual space to locate more than one sub, 2) WAF, 3)aesthetics of cramming equipment somewhere where, really, nothing belongs, 4) the likely NET change to me, a listener who likes and knows the wonders of my big Klipsch speakers, and can "buy" the argument for a large sub solution, BUT also a listener who is not a purist, audiophile, or looking for any kind of "bragging rights". I just want to feel and hear the couch rumble when Apollo 13 takes off, or when a satisfying explosion delivers justice to a bunch of bad guys. You know, that kind of thing. It need not be sonically perfect in all of the 6,000+ cu3, just within 10' of the sub where any viewers might be sitting. I really would love to hear the answer that yes, ONE DIY 18" sub would accomplish that job. On the other hand, maybe that simply is not so . . . .

Bill and Cecaa, thank you for your inputs. Perhaps I really do need to go with the 18" DIY, given the size of my area, and what I want to accomplish with it (because 2 subs simply are a non-starter, here). I like to seek good advice, and check it out, and I feel like I have done so here. You know, though, how easy it is to get swept up into a particular course of action (primarily, that bigger is better). However, it likely is, in this situation. Have conversed with Scrappy several times, and he has been very informative and patient with his explanations.

So, Bill, now I wonder if I will really get/notice much benefit from a sub in the range we have been talking about. My 6,000 ft3 consists of a great room w/ 15' vaulted ceiling, with an adjoining dining area (at one end), to the side of the TV and LCR speakers. So it isn't one pure, unbroken area. Apparently, you needed multiple subs in somewhat similar circumstances to achieve what you wanted, and what I would like to produce, too. I do have a Klipsch Synergy Sub-10 now (that I am expecting to replace). But I really do not have an additional place for it, even assuming it would add anything. In terms of WAF and practical room geography, the max size feasible is a 4.0 ft3 box. Cost is a consideration, too. I am not opposed to DIY, with an 18" in the 4.0cu ft pre-fabs that are available. Do you think I would be much closer to what I want to do with the 18" DIY? I have read some comments that I might be able to do so for about $500 - $600. Does that sound right to you?

Want to track toward Godzilla and RPGs, rather than electric bass guitars!

Well, as my KLF's go down to the mid-30s, and I presume that I would set the crossover at 80, what I really want is to hear or "feel" or sense is Godzilla stomping around, or explosions, and tanks rumbling. Is that "chest thump" or "couch rumble"? Thanks for the education!

Willand, I just looked at the link you sent, and that may be just the ticket! Cecca, too, if I/my wife are as close to the subwoofer as I mentioned, and if any guests were within 10' or less of the sub, would that particular one be likely to give us the "visceral" aspect that I am looking for? Again, as you saw above, I am not one to have to scream to be heard above the volume of whatever it is that I am watching/listening to.

Good idea. Will give them a call tomorrow or Monday.

Bill, The seller says that the sub and grille are in excellent shape. And, no, I have not contacted Velodyne. Is the issue likely to be anything else or in addition that it could be?

Willand, He is asking $300.

My fronts are Klipsch KLF-30s, center is KV-4, and rears are KLF-20s. Typically, I listen to music on my Pioneer Elite SC-35 at -35 to -30 (if I am feeling a little frisky). If I am listening to something that really gives the virtuosity of the speakers a chance to do their thing, I might go whole hog down to -27!!! With movies (especially with action types) I frequently will set it to -27 to -23. As my viewing/listening position is about 16 feet or more from the mains, I am not just right on top of them. The sub that I do get will be within 2 to 3 feet of the 2 primary places my wife and I sit. Does this help any?

Update to my post above: the seller of the Velodyne says that the sub works "most" of the time. However, he does, on occasion, have to turn the volume up to get a fair amount of output. Does that give any more useful information in diagnosis, and deciding if the sub would be a good purchase for me, or not?

Hello, all, May have an opportunity to buy a used (but, supposedly, in superb condition--box and grille) Velodyne HSG-15. The owner does not know what is wrong with it, and purchased another. My questions relate to whether it could be a good thing to purchase? How might I be able to identify the real problem? I presume that I (likely) would have to replace the amplifier? Is it possible to safely "mix and match", if I were to purchase a good plate amplifier from PE, or somewhere? I am looking for one sub to meet my HT needs: 1) 6000+ cubic ft listening area, 2) primarily HT/movie sound effects, as rely mostly on my KLF-30s, 20s, and KV-4 center for musicality, 3) would like to have have good sound effects and results WITHOUT having to have the volume turned way up. Am even open to DIY, But, am looking for a "good deal" (combo capability of the sub, price, size/appearance, relative ease of acquisition). So, where else to come, except to the fountainhead of experience and knowledge here on the Forum. I surely appreciate any and all comments that may help me to understand the issues better than I do now! Am posting below the original specs of the Velodyne HSG-15: SPECIFICATIONS HGS-15 THX Ultra 2 Cabinet (H/W/D) 19.5" x 18" x 17" Frequency Response 18Hz - 120Hz +/- 3 dB Harmonic Distortion less than .5% Subsonic Filter 15Hz or 35Hz High Pass Crossover 80Hz Low Pass Crossover 40Hz - 120Hz (12 dB/octave initial, 48 dB/octave ultimate) Phase 0°/180° Amplifier Class D, 1250 watts RMS, 3000 watts peak Woofer - forward firing 15" (12.7" piston diameter) Magnet 220 oz. (13.7 lbs.) Magnet Structure 380 oz. (24 lbs.) Voice Coil Tandem 3" push-pull Inputs Line-level, Balanced & speaker-level Outputs Line-level & speaker-level Warranty Two years (parts & labor) Weight 95 lbs. (approx.)

About 30 miles west of downtown STL.