Yes, the ol' skinflint is at it again! Just purchased a really nice pair of Carvin 1503's (thanks Jason!) and now we need a set of bottoms. I know virtually nothing about subwoofers but I do recognize some of the brand names: Carvin, Peavey, Yamaha, Cerwin-Vega, QSC, JBL, etc. There's also a couple of which I'm kind of suspicious: Pro Audio, Behringer. Well, actually I've heard of Behringer but not Pro Audio. You can see by the band budget that I won't have a lot of choice...this is where you come in! Need some suggestions / assistance in selecting a pair of sub enclosures. I'm thinking along the lines of single 15" or 18" cabs. I've posted WTB ads on TB and CraigsList and have received a handful of offers which I'll post later.

Appreciate your input!

Riis

Do you have an amp or do you need that as well?

If it's a true sub-woofer you're after, you may not "need" two (very low frequencies are omni-directional), unless your reason for buying a pair is to increase your output by 3dB, or you need to spread the bass around a large venue. IME, it is sometimes easier to control low frequency room interactions when using only one sub.

Do you have an amp or do you need that as well?

We don't have an amp but I can donate (temporarily) the Crest CA-6 from my "big" rig if necessary. We have given some thought to a powered sub.

Riis

If it's a true sub-woofer you're after, you may not "need" two (very low frequencies are omni-directional), unless your reason for buying a pair is to increase your output by 3dB, or you need to spread the bass around a large venue. IME, it is sometimes easier to control low frequency room interactions when using only one sub.

On occasion, we play some of the larger dance halls (real stage, real dance floor, etc.) so I'm leaning towards two smaller sub enclosures. Somebody suggested placing a single enclosure towards the back near the drummer / drum riser.

Riis

OK, so as the title says, my baby subs cost around a grand a piece, street. That said, they are a self lowered single 18" driver beast with a 1500W amp pushing them. I can, and often do run just one sub with two matching self powered tops. I do a "street party" series where that size system is plenty. I'd say if you are looking for a passive sub, and plan on using your Crest to push it, you MIGHT be able to get one for that $$ that would be worth your time.

At that price point I'd go with a pair of used Yamaha Club series subs. They go for $400 to $500 a pair used and they are a killer value. Here's a link to a new one with details: http://www.zzounds.com/item--YAMSW118V

[QUOTE= I'd say if you are looking for a passive sub, and plan on using your Crest to push it, you MIGHT be able to get one for that $$ that would be worth your time.[/QUOTE]

Okay, what would you suggest brand-wise if we follow the single cab theory? We need presence but not necessarily volume. What about optimal placement?

Riis

Okay, what would you suggest brand-wise if we follow the single cab theory? We need presence but not necessarily volume. What about optimal placement?

Riis

If you go the new and single route, and are stuck at that price point, no contest: http://www.directproaudio.com/product.cfm?directid=54540

But I'd still take a used pair of the Yamaha Club V's and save a $100.

On occasion, we play some of the larger dance halls (real stage, real dance floor, etc.) so I'm leaning towards two smaller sub enclosures. Somebody suggested placing a single enclosure towards the back near the drummer / drum riser.

Riis

When we've played clubs in which the subs were in direct contact with the stage, or too close to stage walls, the stage was enveloped by low frequencies that made it difficult for us to hear each other without turning up louder than would otherwise be necessary; when it comes to subs, I like to keep 'em near the dance floor and away from the stage if at all possible.

What about optimal placement?

Riis

Center stage would be optimal, but unless there's a riser it usually looks like crap.

Even with two subs, I would couple them and not have them right/left stage. The right left scenario will cause phase cancellation and comb filtering and you'll be wondering why the subs aren't hitting even with plenty of power.

If you're handy, you might consider checking Bill Fitzmaurice's site for plans and build yourself a sub. www.billfitzmaurice.com

Center stage would be optimal, but unless there's a riser it usually looks like crap.

Even with two subs, I would couple them and not have them right/left stage. The right left scenario will cause phase cancellation and comb filtering and you'll be wondering why the subs aren't hitting even with plenty of power.

This is getting interesting.

Appearance is a moot point. We can always place a single in front of the center monitor and stick a floral arrangement in the mast hole. One would assume that sub enclosures would be better used left / right seeing they're designed to accommodate masts and mains.

Riis

the yamaha single 18,s sound like they might fit your sit. i think my local GC carries them in stack and they are under 5 bills. I own some carvin stuff but funny thing is anything (two things) i bought with their drivers, the drivers didn't last and they now have eminence drivers in them.
did have good luck with the afformentioned yamahas tho.

This is getting interesting.

Appearance is a moot point. We can always place a single in front of the center monitor and stick a floral arrangement in the mast hole. One would assume that sub enclosures would be better used left / right seeing they're designed to accommodate masts and mains.

Riis

Yeah, that's a common assumption, but incorrect. Ideally they would be coupled in the center. Here's more detail on why if you are interested: http://www.prosoundweb.com/index.php/lsiuni/article/in_search_of_the_power_alley/

Yeah, that's a common assumption, but incorrect. Ideally they would be coupled in the center. Here's more detail on why if you are interested: http://www.prosoundweb.com/index.php/lsiuni/article/in_search_of_the_power_alley/

Excellent article...even I understood it! Aside from the smaller sub enclosures I've seen, does anybody make a truly "low profile" model that could be placed inconspicuously front-and-center? For some reason, I'm thinking of the bass enclosures that come with the more expensive home theater systems.

Riis

There's a really nice pair of JBL SR4718X on the Raleigh CL for $800. 1/8 wave single 18" in each front ported cab. ;)

There's a really nice pair of JBL SR4718X on the Raleigh CL for $800. 1/8 wave single 18" in each front ported cab. ;)

Great cabs, I'm sure, but out of my price range. Hmmm.....I do have a brother in Raleigh who could pick them up (Riis says to himself).

If you're handy, you might consider checking Bill Fitzmaurice's site for plans and build yourself a sub. www.billfitzmaurice.com

+1000.

Bill's sub aren't costly and they are not hard to build. Jus time consuming.

Hmmm.....I do have a brother in Raleigh who could pick them up (Riis says to himself).

Dooooo it! I hear the seller is a heck of a guy! *ahem* As I break my arm patting myself on the back. :smug:

Aside from the smaller sub enclosures I've seen, does anybody make a truly "low profile" model that could be placed inconspicuously front-and-center?

Riis

JTR Growlers are pretty low profile and they absolutely crush. Powered right, you could get by with one in the middle for small/mid size venues and add another later if needed for larger applications. Unfortunately, they are out of your listed price range and hard to find used.

These (http://www.directproaudio.com/product.cfm?directid=53688) aren't the last word in subs but they are close to your budget and they are active. They won't shake the house down but they are small, light, very convenient and should keep up with your 1503's pretty well. A kick drum will sound like a kick. As others implied, stick them next to each other so that they couple and give maximum output. Built in xover, limiter and high pass filter so you can drive them hard without problems. I haven't heard the 15in version, it's much larger & heavier, but that might not matter to you. Only bummer with them is the fan is bluddy noisy.

I've gotten loads of offers. Some stuff looks great, some looks trashed. Size was a factor as was price. I've settled on a pair of Yorkville 18" subs (step down from the Elite Series). New drivers and the enclosures look near-mint. The price is right too at $400 for the pair not to mention they're available locally. They're 8 ohm so I should be able to go the bridge mono route and chain them together.

Now all I need is a modestly price crossover and, eventually, a dedicated power amp.

Riis

What are your wood working skills like?

What are your wood working skills like?

I'm no Norm Abrahms. I can see it now every Sunday morning:
"This Ol' Subwoofer".

I do now need recommendations for a crossover in the $75-$100 range (used, of course). Any recommendations? I need to sort the trash from the treasure.

Thanks! BTW, I'll let you know how (if) the Yorkie subs work out.

Riis

http://speakerplans.com/index.php?id=csub