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oh the choices...


ekbriggs

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How do you all think the following larger passive subs stack up against one another in the the normal subwoofer tests we all perform (integration, sheer home theater spl, speed, etc..)

the svs ultras/ss, the adire audio everests', the oldie but tried and true Snell Sub 1800 THX, etc...

Lets say for the sake of argument they would be run with either a NAD 208 thx or 218thx amp (bridged mono for the 8 ohm snell). So it terms of integrating with a reference series 7 channel home theater how do you predict these largers monsters would perform in all of the normal sub tests?

Also for those more experienced DIY builders out there here are a few questions:

1. Does anyone have any info or link to info on the old hartley 24" drivers?

2. Would these be a good subject for a DIY design and if so what kind of cabinet design would best suit such a driver if we wanted it to be a fantastic lfe sub (tuned for a mixture of both extension and spl)?

Thanks to any and all that help out with these small quandries.

-Eric

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I suppose it depends a little of what you expect from a subwoofer... and what "speed" means to you. Subwoofers (actually bass frequencies) are VERY room dependant, so it may play an equally important role on how they will sound in your room. I'm guessing size and WAF aren't major factors from your choices? All three are excellent subwoofers capable of filling most room with clean bass. From what I have read:

Snell: The least amount of bass extension but requires less power (from specs)

SVS (not referring to the B4): large with low WAF, but very good bass extension (if you choose the lowest tuned ones), average power consumption ... better SPL... and very flat frequency response

Acoustic Visions Everest: Again, good bass extension, the most SPL of the bunch, but the most power hungry as well. Nicer finish options. In terms of drivers, the Tumults used are very impressive from an engineering standpoint.

I've seen a couple of occasional mentions of the unusual Hartley drivers, but I know very little about them other than they used an esoteric motor, and don't follow T/S parameters. I'm guessing that this would make it more difficult to design a DIY enclosure, unless you use a proven design or go through the trial and error method yourself. I'm also guessing with such a large cone, it's weight may limit it's performance and durability... but I'm really just guessing. Do you have access to these huge drivers?

Are you considering DIY or consumer?

Rob

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Great to hear from someone Formica, it seems that your response was right one with what i have heard from the industry people i have talked to. However, i think that the snell had much more hype from the industry guys than i have discovered myself...i am setting up a private demo near my home to see how this thing truly performs. Also its the same price as a new B4 making it vey hard to justify as i do not see the two being anywhere near equals...what think you on it?

As far as the Hartley drivers i have had several opportunities to purchase, one right now on audiogon but only as pairs. And the only enclosure plans i have seen resemble an odd sort of horn like loading.

As to the DIY type design i am definitely considering one though i know little to nothing about designing the enclosures, do not have the tools, and am not the least bit able as a carpenter...i would probably ty to contract out the whole design. On the other hand i did consider a dual tempest design using 4 18" passive radiators on a bridged NAD amp but after talking to a few experienced DIY ers it seemed that the cabinet would have to be 15-20 cubic feet.

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Also its the same price as a new B4 making it vey hard to justify as i do not see the two being anywhere near equals...what think you on it?

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I would have to agree with you on that... hard to put them in the same league.

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As far as the Hartley drivers i have had several opportunities to purchase, one right now on audiogon but only as pairs. And the only enclosure plans i have seen resemble an odd sort of horn like loading.

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Definitely not you beginners DIY! I wouldn't venture there myself, as the science of horn loaded drivers is quite complex... even more so if the driver doesn't respect T/S parameters!!

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As to the DIY type design i am definitely considering one though i know little to nothing about designing the enclosures, do not have the tools, and am not the least bit able as a carpenter...i would probably ty to contract out the whole design.

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Actually the Everest is a proven DIY design on contract.... and there are several other companies doing similar things. You didn't mention your budget or room size, but either the B4 or Everest are probably overkill... so they should be perfect... 9.gif

Later....

Rob

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Overkill...such a soothing word when one speaks of subs. Quickly though Formica, can you give me the names of the other companies that are making Everest like designs, my research has failed to produce much literature or feedback like that of the folks at acoustic visions. Thanks again.

-Eric

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The two which come to mind are :

http://www.acoustic-visions.com (in-house and custom designs)

http://www.rutledgeaudiodesign.com (in-house and custom designs)

You've also got these companies which started as in-house DIY type subs

http://www.svsubwoofers.com / (no intro needed for these guys, Tom still frequents the DIY forums)

http://www.diycable.com (one Tumult in-house design)

You could also look into these DIY retailers who offer both parts and pre-finished subwoofers

http://www.stryke.com (in-house designs and DIY parts)

http://www.adireaudio.com (in-house designs and DIY parts)

http://www.creativesound.ca (Canadian in-house designs and DIY parts)

Many of these guys hang out at the Home Theater Forum DIY and Advanced Projects

Hope this gives you some interesting reading... later...

Rob

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