Reply To: RE: Home Theater Subwoofers

[cjwest10]

So I’m finally coming back around to this project.  I got distracted with a kitchen remodel for a bit.

The plan going forward is to start our home theater setup with two subs.  It might take some time to finish the setup because I want to build everything myself and I don’t want my husband to freak about the budget.  Really anything would be a huge step up from my budget Samsung soundbar I purchased at Costco 5 years ago.  My very generous grandparents give all their grandchildren money for Christmas and I plan on using this plus a little to get a start.  

I have a couple of questions I’m hoping folks more knowledgable than me can help answer.  If you had $500 to spend on drivers, what would you pick?  It would be nice if the drivers and the amp together could come out closer t0 $500.  I don’t think this is possible but if it is, what would you recommend?

I had originally planned on using ultimax 15″ speakers but some guy recommended Stereo Integrity’s SQL-15 as an alternative.  Is this something worth considering?

I still plan on using the spalted pecan slabs sitting in my shop but after a lot of reading, I’m going to veneer 1/2″ pecan to 1/2″ MDF.  The wood is beautiful but I don’t have any confidence that it will stand up to pressure over time.

Should I go with a sealed or ported design?  Sealed seems ideal because they are smaller but will I be limiting the subs performance by choosing sealed?  My home theater isn’t ideal.  We have a large open floorpan with a 20′ vaulted ceiling opening to a loft.