AVForums

Our philosophy in our forums, reviews, podcasts and feature videos is to promote audio and visual excellence by gathering and sharing the best information and resources available.

Help

To begin please visit our help section »

Not a Member Yet?

It only takes a minute to start enjoying the benefits of AVForums membership, and it's free!

Member Log in

make my own active subwoofer

Post Reply
Old 13-08-2008, 11:04 AM   #1
New Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Experience Points:
1,396, Level: 8
Points: 1,396, Level: 8 Points: 1,396, Level: 8 Points: 1,396, Level: 8
Activity: 0.3%
Activity: 0.3% Activity: 0.3% Activity: 0.3%
Thanks: Gave 0, Got 1
Posts: 10
make my own active subwoofer

Hello,

I'm wanting to build my own active sub, I've no problems with building the cabinet and sourcing a speaker however I can't seem to find an amp (like those built into off the shelf subs). Also is that all I need to wire the sub up?

I'm wanting to spend less than £100 all in.

any ideas?

thnaks,
billy
  Quote
Old 13-08-2008, 11:08 AM   #2
Prominent Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Swindon
Experience Points:
13,312, Level: 27
Points: 13,312, Level: 27 Points: 13,312, Level: 27 Points: 13,312, Level: 27
Activity: 54.2%
Activity: 54.2% Activity: 54.2% Activity: 54.2%
Thanks: Gave 1, Got 523
Posts: 4,528
Re: make my own active subwoofer

Hi

Try BK Electronics for amp modules.

Steve
  Quote
Old 14-08-2008, 1:14 PM   #3
Member
 
dtsmucker's Avatar
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Manchester
Experience Points:
2,903, Level: 12
Points: 2,903, Level: 12 Points: 2,903, Level: 12 Points: 2,903, Level: 12
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 33, Got 15
Posts: 173
Re: make my own active subwoofer

Hows abut IPL Acoustics, in Norfolk, IIRC. They do kits, Panel amps, Drivers and cabinet materials. You can buy them already made up or, like you're after build them yourself.
  Quote
Old 14-08-2008, 5:57 PM   #4
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Experience Points:
3,268, Level: 13
Points: 3,268, Level: 13 Points: 3,268, Level: 13 Points: 3,268, Level: 13
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 1, Got 10
Posts: 139
Re: make my own active subwoofer

I use one of these:
http://www.bkelec.com/Modules/Amplifiers.htm

Mine is the 300W but there are a few to choose from. It was dead easy to wire up and works a treat.

Mike
  Quote
Old 14-08-2008, 10:15 PM   #5
Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: nottingham
Experience Points:
4,026, Level: 14
Points: 4,026, Level: 14 Points: 4,026, Level: 14 Points: 4,026, Level: 14
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 10, Got 16
Posts: 439
Re: make my own active subwoofer

Another recommendation for BKElectronics. I've used a couple of their modules and they've been ace.
Diy subs offer fantastic VFM as long as you do a bit of research. What driver/box are you intending to use?
If you're using the processor to handle bass management duties, the majority of the controls on the panels are not needed so you could just use a mono amplifier fed from your sub out on the processor.

Good luck,
Steve
  Quote
Old 15-08-2008, 9:49 AM   #6
New Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Experience Points:
1,396, Level: 8
Points: 1,396, Level: 8 Points: 1,396, Level: 8 Points: 1,396, Level: 8
Activity: 0.3%
Activity: 0.3% Activity: 0.3% Activity: 0.3%
Thanks: Gave 0, Got 1
Posts: 10
Re: make my own active subwoofer

Hello,

so do I need the back panel plus the module from bk?

also, I don't understand what you mean about a mono amp (I understand what a mono amp is)

"so you could just use a mono amplifier fed from your sub out on the processor."
?

I was looking to buy a budget sub from one of the many car audio shops online
  Quote
Old 15-08-2008, 2:58 PM   #7
Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: nottingham
Experience Points:
4,026, Level: 14
Points: 4,026, Level: 14 Points: 4,026, Level: 14 Points: 4,026, Level: 14
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 10, Got 16
Posts: 439
Re: make my own active subwoofer

Hello, sorry if I've confused you.

To take a range entirely from BK, you would need one of these and this would allow you a more flexible subwoofer amp with maximum configuration options.

The second option, if your processor controls all the bass handling you would need just a mono amplifier. You would still need to feed it a cable from your subwoofer out on the processor.

Now I'm assuming this is for a Home Cinema. If it's for a car, then the above amps would not be suitable.

Steve
  Quote
Old 15-08-2008, 5:32 PM   #8
New Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Experience Points:
1,396, Level: 8
Points: 1,396, Level: 8 Points: 1,396, Level: 8 Points: 1,396, Level: 8
Activity: 0.3%
Activity: 0.3% Activity: 0.3% Activity: 0.3%
Thanks: Gave 0, Got 1
Posts: 10
Re: make my own active subwoofer

Quote:
Originally Posted by banners View Post
Hello, sorry if I've confused you.

To take a range entirely from BK, you would need one of these and this would allow you a more flexible subwoofer amp with maximum configuration options.

The second option, if your processor controls all the bass handling you would need just a mono amplifier. You would still need to feed it a cable from your subwoofer out on the processor.

Now I'm assuming this is for a Home Cinema. If it's for a car, then the above amps would not be suitable.

Steve

Hello,

I have an onkyo cr505 dab unit, its has a subwoofer out ( single coaxial). So I'd just need this [img]
[/img]
and wire it directly to the sub?

Its for home audio, I have a pair or wharfdale diamond 9.4's and would just like a sub for a little extra bass. I listen mostly to indie\rock so don't need a 15" sub or anything ridiculous.

Thanks,
steven
  Quote
Old 15-08-2008, 6:17 PM   #9
Moderator
 
inzaman's Avatar
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Derby
Experience Points:
22,352, Level: 36
Points: 22,352, Level: 36 Points: 22,352, Level: 36 Points: 22,352, Level: 36
Activity: 2.7%
Activity: 2.7% Activity: 2.7% Activity: 2.7%
Thanks: Gave 126, Got 543
Posts: 6,870
Re: make my own active subwoofer

Steven could you change the image link in your post as it breaks forum rule no. 9. I would edit and take it out but it is quite relevant to your post at this point in time, thanks
  Quote
Old 15-08-2008, 6:26 PM   #10
Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: nottingham
Experience Points:
4,026, Level: 14
Points: 4,026, Level: 14 Points: 4,026, Level: 14 Points: 4,026, Level: 14
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 10, Got 16
Posts: 439
Re: make my own active subwoofer

To be honest I'd use one of the 'proper' units, such as the BSBP 50 as it will allow you to tune the sub into your speakers better.
On some AV processors, the bass duties can be tuned in via the set up process. With a stereo I'd be very surprised if you have these options.

What you're looking for is a guide to setting up a sub. Try here

You could always keep your eyes peeled on ebay for a subwoofer plate amp. They do crop up from time to time.

Good luck & I hope this helps,

Steve
  Quote
Post Reply



Thread information and display options
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off