SPL comparison with commercial subs

Data as published by Widescreen Review Issues 36 & 49

I found this comparison on SPL performance of selected subwoofers on the web in table format. I have graphed it to see how DIY fares in comparison to "store bought"

The source article is unavailable unless you subscribe to Widescreen Review, but from researching each of the suppliers, it seems that these speakers are about 1999 vintage

Comments

My “Blast Furnace” is not as good as.....

You might be tempted say why bother with DIY after looking at this comparison. For us Aussies, remember that these figures are in US dollars! With our dollar worth around 70centsUS, adjust for inflation and add 43% to convert to $AUS. Then you need to factor in transport and duty to bring to Australia.

For a large comparison table of many subs, see Tom Nousaine's list

For a couple of real world examples (October 2004 prices)

I just had a listen to the flagship model from Definitive Technology - their Reference Supercube which is an utter beast - 1800watt ClassD, 14inch driver with dual 14inch passive radiators. Sounded pretty good in the showroom, but I couldn't find any independent reviews on the net. I'm a bit sceptical of their claim of extension to 11hz and below. Anyway, the point is that you can pick up this ebony homewrecker in the USA for around $1599us. The retailer here (Worldwide Appliances) has a price of $3,499aus.

Current Prices on Digital Drive Velodynes from Len Wallis Audio are even more astronomical

DD-10 $3999 DD-12 $4799 DD-15 $5399 DD-18 $6399

I think this makes my $900 look like money well spent!

The THX Home Cinema certification calls for a flat power response from the subwoofer down to 20Hz with an SPL of at least 105dB

You might also note that none of these speakers do 105dB@ 20Hz, so I guess THX certification is pretty hard to estimate from the anechoic response. However, the actual specification is in-room at the seating position. According to Adire Audio, room gain can add around 6dB@10hz, 4dB@20hz and 2dB@40hz.

I had a look at the THX site to see if any of these make it. The Velodyne DD15 and DD18, and Triad Platinum Powersub are THX Certified, as is B&W's 800-ASW, but the 400-ASW was not listed

Floyd says... "With the Blast Furnace exceeding the Triad , I reckon it would pass certification no worries!"

While we're talking comparisons, I came across a wonderful term recently - room lock - where the subwoofer is able to energize the room evenly with low bass no matter where in the room you’re listening. I'm not saying that I achieved it, but the reviewer of the Watch Dog 2 from Wilson Audio reckoned he did! Check out their XS sub - the $16,000us, 700lb, 8 foot tall behemoth