DIY Subwoofer - Is it worth it? New details that help you build the BEST subwoofer for your room.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Check out the channel for more new AV and Home Theater information: bit.ly/JDM_World_KZbin

[@TOn-sk8mc]

This is a great video. I want to thank you for the time and effort you spent not just doing the research, but also putting together this video. I hope people appreciate the leg up you've given any first-timer looking to do this. I watched another video of yours. What I appreciated most was your willingness to admit a mistake. So many people put out videos and make things look super easy. You try it at home and experience challenges not mentioned. With yours, we can go in more aware of what we may actually experience. Great work sir. Please keep putting out this very useful content. 👍🏾

[@Huntmx24]

I built two mini Marty’s with the Dayton ultimax 18’s. With watching the guides from Jdm world I was easily able to set it up and get it running. I bought the mdf from homedepot and also just black paint. I used the cut list found on ave forums. I glued and nailed. And caulk on the inside seams. I can tell you coming from two box America f12 subs that these two Marty’s pound! Didn’t know what I was missing. Then I took the other subs and put them behind my couch. Sounds awesome! I also have a wood shop so I was able to build the enclosures cheaper and for a good deal on the drivers on Labor Day sale and also the nx6000d off Amazon. I am very happy and wouldn’t go any other route!

[@JilesMcCoy]

Thats a great story! Your price point is even lower that what I outlined in the video. Awesome!!!!

[@rickymedina7563]

What was your total cost?

[@Huntmx24]

@@rickymedina7563 I don't remember exactly but think it was around 1200 for two and the amp

[@desmondfretz1405]

Useful service to your viewers in laying out the pros and cons of DIY subs for home theater.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Thank you!

[@BrianNC81]

I'm running two old Rockford fosgate HX2 15" car audio subs with a crown XLS1002 for home theater wired up at 2 ohms per channel with the crown in stereo mode. They sound great and dig deep. I couldn't imagine running a nx-6000d and two 18"s.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Thats pretty cool! Id love to see a pic of that! I've got a Crown amp too that I love!!!!

[@AZCobraman]

I built a passive, single 12" (dual VC) sub 30 years ago. 3cu ft box and loaded through a slot at the bottom. Love it with music of course but nothing makes a movie better than rattling the windows.

[@JilesMcCoy]

I love that bass too!

[@stevieG2015]

Great vid! I love DIY! I've been using a DIY sub for years, it's a dual 12" Audiomobile Evo-R from the early 2000's. Enclosure is a 7.5 cuft dual tune, with dual 5x5" rear firing ports. Plug one and you get around 17hz tune, leave both open and you're around 23hz. I had it powered for many years with an old Mackie M1400i. I recently lucked into a pair of SVS PB13 ultra amps and am now using one of them on that sub. The other I'm thinking of doing an 18" project with.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Awesome!

[@adamous00]

Great video. I gotta try going this route

[@JilesMcCoy]

awesome

[@dbbfishing2528]

I basically did this package with the same amplifier I ordered almost everything from GSG the amplifier doesn’t have a remote trigger how do you handle that? Just asking before I did the wrong thing. Thanks

[@markwilson0077]

So I've been looking at dual SVS PB2000 Subs as the benchmark (so to speak) of what if need to energize my H15'x W14 X L18 dedicated HT (which is still a work in progress). So glad I found this channel..give me some pointers on what's achievable that's comparable or a little better performance wise. My friend has a table saw, I have clamps and a range of tools..not shy to build ..just new to an audio based build.. Guidance appreciated!

[@JilesMcCoy]

Off the cuff... those are 800 per right? So 1600 for the pair? The pair of speakers (Full Martys) that I discussed in this video would absolutely annihilate them. If the boxes in this video are too large you could go with a pair of Marty Cubes.... which would also clean the floor at almost the same price point (worst scenario) and be just a little larger. If you are cutting the wood yourself then the cost goes even lower. The PB2000 are great subs. But the 12" drivers cant keep up with 18" subs. That being said... I would love to head to head these.

[@markwilson0077]

@@JilesMcCoy Awesomeness! I pretty much guarantee that if you benchmark the DIY subs against the venerable SVS counterparts, you will slay with this channel! I want the best and if that means to build rather than buy or vice versa, I'm in! People just need that 'apples to apples' ease of comparison to go by. If I have the components list and can DIY without fear, then it's a no brainer. Lead the pack JDM World!

[@onpassivebillmust]

Great information my friend ❤

[@JilesMcCoy]

Thanks for visiting

[@radiospank]

DIY is fun and in the large sub category it makes sense . My issue right now is finding reliable plate amps for a small 8 inch build. However I’m going to look into that beringer amp and make my sub passive and probably invest in a good 8 inch driver like morel or jl audio

[@JilesMcCoy]

Nice

[@Luke-qs2cg]

Now in 2023, your amp choices are plentiful lol

[@radiospank]

@@Luke-qs2cg yea but seems all the cheap plate amps have noise issues and start on pop issues. I just want a decent amp

[@Luke-qs2cg]

@radiospank cheap, good, high power Pick 2. Hypex and purify, along with dayton audio and speakerpower dsp plates are all a and b tier amps without any issue. But you pay for them. Below that, it's likely more cost effective to build your own, which is quite simple to do and there are tons of examples and guides online to do exactly that. Also, consider used/new svs amps which have fully usable dsp as well as an app now, there are a ton of them used for sale as well as svs selling them new as replacements

[@radiospank]

@@Luke-qs2cg nice thanks I will look into these

[@dickydoesaudio3466]

If you have the wood cut at your local home Depot or Lowe's store, it will save you close to 400 dollars. Also I have the berhinger nx4 6000. This amp can run 4 of these 18" subs, so after the initial purchase of the amp that costs 450 I think. Now you can build 4 of these subs for 2000 or close to it. Add a 100 dollars or 200 dollars for mini DSP and you got 4 subs that can't be touched for the price.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Sounds super cool!!!

[@dbbfishing2528]

Do you have any problems with the amp fan noise?

[@1Sparkygod]

Thanks for the breakdown. I was sure I wanted to build more subs. Just not sure with ones.

[@JilesMcCoy]

1Sparkygod If you are like me you want to build too many!!!

[@randyhunt1581]

why not use Crown XLS series amps that have rca inputs and dsp?

[@JilesMcCoy]

Crown amps are great. I used them for a while. I am now using Sinbosen amps and they are amazing.

[@killerpanda8399]

I've built 6 micro marty's and 2 vbss it's insane. DIY is great

[@JilesMcCoy]

Love it! Share a link to pics!!!!

[@TheTheeggmann]

I'll just continue making people jealous with my 5 15" 11,460 watt Funky Pups. You know, the ones with 5 1/9th ohm voice coils, and 7" of Xmax.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Doooo Eeetttttt

[@dickydoesaudio3466]

Dude, funky pup's are the shit.. nothing can compare.

[@marcusm5127]

Can you pop the beaker with that? Or does it get way to loud long before you are up there?

[@LifeofBliss]

DIY all the way 😉🤘🏼

[@JilesMcCoy]

I hear you brother! What you do is what we all aspire to!!!

[@LifeofBliss]

@@JilesMcCoy that devistator is gonna be awesome man... keep up the good work! Excited to see it!

[@glengatt3941]

The Marty are nice and are worth it and with a bit of extra work on finish they will look good,if I live in the US are more than worth it but where I'm from the shipping for is much more than a 100$ more like 1200$ at least

[@JilesMcCoy]

Where are you shipping to?

[@glengatt3941]

Malta and the 1200 shipping just for the boxes then more for the drivers and the amplifier,I hate this rock we have nothing and what we have is expensive I just payed 2100 for the klipsch RP 8000f and the RP 504c a month before the new RP line came out, and we don't have the 30 days money back here so I'm lucky that I know the store owner well,and he knows me well enough that he called me knowing I would want the new ones ,but he told to wait a bit so we know for sure that the new RP are better than the old ones

[@bassfan71]

I'm going to be finishing a full marty box build with a Ultimax um18-22 as well as a NX3000D for power. I'm going to be running 8 gauge OFC speaker wire for the speakon wire (Will solder it to the NL4FX connectors), as well as from the Ultimax to the speakon NL4MP-UC in the box. Is 8 gauge over kill in this scenario?

[@JilesMcCoy]

It is overkill... but that is absolutely ok. If you want 8 go for it. 12 is fine.... but I wouldn't go thinner than that.

[@bassfan71]

@@JilesMcCoy Gotcha, they are going to be short runs. Sub to NL4MP is just 4 feet or wire or so inside the box. And from the NL4MP to the amp is about 4 feet of wire. Can't wait to get this sub running! Had this project going on since 2017 when i got the full marty box off a guy on Craigslist lol. I'll upload the build log and everything on my channel.

[@kelvinjones256]

I want to thank you for your time in doing this video. My room is 4438cu/ft I have a 7.1 system currently missing the 1. I've been researching sub and until I saw your video had pretty much took diy off the list. I had pretty much settled in my budget on a pair of HSU RESEARCH VTF-15H MK2's which at this time would be $2415 shipped. I do recall the enjoyment I had doing my first sub enclosure for my car and being a disabled veteran I have more than enough time to go the diy route. Between the MK2's and the subs you built with shipping on yours not being known yet. What say you on the comparison. Tia.#BASSJUNKIE

[@ccarzoo]

I have brand new pair of vtf 15h mk2s that u may sell to go diy.. make no mistake they are unreal ..

[@kelvinjones256]

@@ccarzoo so you have the hsu's and are switching to diy

[@ccarzoo]

@@kelvinjones256 I think I may...

[@kelvinjones256]

@@ccarzoo Wow!! You really got me thinking about diy now!

[@allysonprincess]

I made a $200 that goes Flat to 22Hz, already had a QSC RMX2450. Loving it.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Allyson Franken Awesome!!!! That is super cool!

[@johnsmith-qz4bv]

i havent built any yet but im looking into the full marty 2 pack..

[@JilesMcCoy]

Doooo eettttt!

[@johnsmith-qz4bv]

you can also use mach 5 audio subs too you can get 21 inch subs for 440 each plus shipping to states......for DIY BUILDS

[@jjdente7666]

could just use normal posts and normal wire save a few bucks. The boxes are pretty easy to build if you are sightly handy. They will do all the cuts for you at HD you just need a skill saw to do the holes. Tools are useful so its a good investment also.

[@JilesMcCoy]

That lowers the price even more!!!

[@jjdente7666]

@@JilesMcCoy Honestly for the money you really cant beat DIY subs. DIY subs are also an addiction you should have probably warned people.

[@kevonmanuel]

Great, Great video.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Thank you!

[@ScreenName5]

For the most part, a fair analysis but there are some issues. 4cf sealed box from DIYSG is $125. Unless you are the Unabomber, you likely have friends who will load you clamps. Many guys use brad nails to hold the parts together until the glue dries. There's also alternative resources outside of PartsExpress where you can buy exactly what you need for cap screws, etc. Point being I think you took a somewhat heavy-handed approach with the budget, but then again you could argue you are looking at a worst-case scenario for a DIY build, making any other cost savings measures an even greater value.

[@JilesMcCoy]

I indeed would argue that I wanted to err on the side of the worst case! You can build all of this for less... but I don't think you would need to spend much more to get into 2 amazing DIY subs.

[@ScreenName5]

@@JilesMcCoy If there was a way to post pics I would, but I have six 18" subs and two 24" subs. Bare minimum theater system, of course! ;-)

[@rkwatchauralnautsjediparty7303]

This is exactly the type of video I was looking for. I'm pretty sure you convinced me to try DIY subs.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Glad I could help!

[@markd1728]

DIY Sound Group "Stonehenge" subwoofer build with Dayton "Reference" RSS460HO 18" drivers here. Very very happy. (my main LCR are DIY also)

[@JilesMcCoy]

I saw your pic. They look great!

[@jkjome4095]

Rythmik Audio is another subwoofer manufacturer that makes 18" subwoofers. And they sound much better than the Ultimaxs... but of course at a higher cost.

[@JilesMcCoy]

J Kjome They make nice stuff!!!

[@TOn-sk8mc]

Appreciate the info J Kjome. I'm very much interested in the Rythmik sub. Have you had an opportunity to hear both the Rythmik and the Ultimax?

[@tone1585]

I’ve heard there are many better option for gsg designs like Lavoce or b&c

[@mr.o2551]

Would a Mary cube with um-18s be comparable to svs-16s as far s as performances go? And how low would the Marty cube go?

[@JilesMcCoy]

No, it should surpass the SVS with a good amplifier. It is solid down to port tuning. I roll mine off at 16 HZ to spare damage to the driver.

[@mr.o2551]

JDM World Thanks for replying 😊. I’m glad to hear that! I’ll hopefully build two of those in the future! I read in some forms that the um-18s don’t preform well in the cubes, compared to the mini or full Marty’s which makes sense. I just wasn’t sure if that also meant the svs-16s, monolithic 15s, or the hsu subs would perform better than the cubes. But it sounds like they’ll perform better than any ID subs with 15-16” drivers, given a good amp.

[@jasonsullivan8001]

Can you run both subs with one barrister amp?

[@JilesMcCoy]

Jason Sullivan the Nx6000 can run both no problem.

[@jasonsullivan8001]

JDM World well you convinced me. My neighbors are going to hate it!

[@JilesMcCoy]

Share your story with us as you go through the build. If you go GSG let me know and I can get you in contact with the great guys over there.

[@jasonsullivan8001]

JDM World ok , I’m actually redoing my entire room. I’m on your Facebook group too I’ll post some pictures.

[@jasonsullivan8001]

Still haven’t built my subs. Lol

[@Night_Watch413]

I love my ultimax 15s.... 🤗

[@JilesMcCoy]

I would like to put a couple of those in my front sound stage.

[@Night_Watch413]

@@JilesMcCoy that would be an awesome addition? If you do would you go sealed or ported? Mines are sealed in the parts express flat pack. Once I move I will get them in a larger sealed enclosure for sure!

[@prasanthgn]

Hi there, two ported box of 15 ultimax, which amp do you suggest with dsp, behringer 3000dsp or get another amp with minidsp 2x4hd.

[@JilesMcCoy]

The minidsp 2x4 HD is a really good plan. I would go that way.

[@JilesMcCoy]

What else would you like to hear about as far as DIY or Subwoofers go?

[@markwilson0077]

How about a direct comparison / Equal in performance with a price envelope, matching say a pb1000 vs. X DIY sub at X$ difference.. components and all. Show DIY not just as a max potential..but as literally equal in performance or incrementally better, especially for the price etc.

[@JilesMcCoy]

@@markwilson0077 That is a great idea! I don't have a PB1000 to benchmark against but I could potentially use published specs... Great idea. SVS, you out there? :-)

[@jkjome4095]

Horn loaded... TubaHT.

[@headfandjr]

Active 12'' down fire, space-saving, good for rooms with kids and pets. would love an 18" + but don't have the room

[@jonlaye2537]

Thank for your videos, you do a really greta job documenting the steps to building your own subwoofers. I plan on my first DIY subwoofer this summer and wanted to build a sealed box based on the Tymphany STW-350F. I'm looking for a more musical result than typically gotten from 18" and ported systems. Any idea where I can get a flat packed enclosure for this dual level mounted driver? I am looking for around 3 cubic feet, sealed

[@JilesMcCoy]

Try the Denovo boxes. They might have a 3cf.

[@bris007]

Hey Jdm World I have just finished my dual subwoofer build. 2 x 21" Hiwell 2200 watt 4 ohm driver running in 6 cubic foot slot port box tuned to 15Hz. Amplfier is Behringer NX6000D. By the way I am in Australia. Complete outlay comes out to around $2900 Australian. Have photos if anybody wants to see them.

[@JilesMcCoy]

I TOTALLY want to see them. Drop them in the Facebook group "Home Theater Fanatics".

[@SheikhN-bible-syndrome]

How on Earth did you get a 15 Hz out of a 6 cubic foot box for 2 21 inch subs that doesn't make any sense

[@bris007]

@@SheikhN-bible-syndrome lots of power and port tuning.

[@SheikhN-bible-syndrome]

@@bris007 3cu.ft per 21"? They would probably be better off sealed

[@DarthPrater629]

How’s that Devastator build coming along?

[@JilesMcCoy]

The Eminence driver is on order. And I start the glue up this weekend. That means I start filming this weekend too. I am super excited! Any suggestions on how to finish the box? IT IS SO HUGE.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Started it earlier today. Did some live casting for giggles. Will continue when I get the driver in!

[@patb93]

I definitely think DIYs will almost always outperform a manufacturer's sub for the same money. You have to look at the costs of a manufactured sub - just picking a random price point, let's say $1000 - the actual COST of the components in that speaker are a fraction of that cost. You have the markup of components, cost of labor in manufacturing, cost of marketing, cost of overhead for the employees. If you spend $1000 on the components in a sub (or any speaker for that matter), you will get a much higher performing speaker because let's assume your time and labor is free and you're competent in carpentry and are ABLE to make it.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Well said.

[@davidfarris8780]

Soooo 2 18" subwoofers for less then 2000, I am sold

[@JilesMcCoy]

You got it. And they are quality.

[@vader540is]

Check out the PSA vender thread on AVS forums. PSA is gonna have a ported 18inch sub based on the V1811 for $999 each

[@JilesMcCoy]

@@vader540is That will be super cool!

[@tommywilliamsjr.697]

Two Stereo Integrity HT 18's $300, diy Marty cube boxes $200, crown xls2502 bstock $375, and the rest for $200. Holy crap...couldn't be happier. Totally worth it.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Awesome!

[@Clint3571]

DIY is also nice to build a sub that looks like a nice piece of furniture.

[@JilesMcCoy]

I have seen some cool table subwoofers!

[@kevinfreestone9822]

Wow! It's expensive in the states. Here in the Philippines (im English, but live here ) I can build an 18 inch subwoofer for $75 and put in a 1200 watt driver for $220. So, let's.say $300 per box. That is including all materials and paying a carpenter for their labour. (Labour is around $10 per.day)

[@JilesMcCoy]

Sell them for 1500 in the USA and make a crap ton of money!

[@kevinfreestone9822]

@Jiles McCoy actually, that's not a bad idea. Sell them to a distributor for $650 each and the distributor pays for the shipping...

[@JilesMcCoy]

@@kevinfreestone9822 As long as you can build them for the right price there is money to be made.

[@jannebengtsson7338]

4th group: you suddenly get ahold of expensive parts for free so they want to use them instead of buying new stuff

[@JilesMcCoy]

That’s probably the best group!

[@roltol7539]

dude the quality of matterials, and everything is truly worth to build own sub, with own calculated port tune etc..

[@JilesMcCoy]

I like it!

[@Smellslikegelfling]

There are a lot of subs that can cost double or more compared to DIY, but it depends on how you value your time. If you compare the quality and engineering, any purchased sub will be designed and built better than the flat pack DIY. That's not even taking into account the warranty, customer service, and the fact that most of them use better drivers and amps than DIY. I highly doubt a Marty 18" sub with a Dayton driver is better than an SVS PB Ultra 16", both in performance and in build quality. I'd rather pay the extra money to get something from Rythmik or PSA that is backed by a warranty and a team of engineers than something I have to piece together in my garage and sweat over for a week. For the cost difference, I'd rather spend 8 hours in the air conditioning working overtime at my job.

[@JilesMcCoy]

DIY isn't for everyone. But for many they would rather be in the shop for those 8 hours.

[@wadimek116]

You can buy same drivers that svs uses in their ultra 16 line but at 15" because svs got exclusive deal on those. You can build svs replica for less than half the price with bit smaller output because of the 1" difference. But you can also build better one and outperform svs for cheaper

[@bingdong8571]

Why cant someone make a 10hz fs sub? Jtr puts them in their subs.

[@JilesMcCoy]

for real!

[@pooyahesabi]

I'm in Germany and all prices you mentioned in this video, simply make it double.

[@JilesMcCoy]

:-(

[@bingdong8571]

Sometimes its not much cheaper but if you do it right it doesnt just beat best buy subs, IT MURDERS THEM!

[@JilesMcCoy]

Lots of bang for the buck!

[@SheikhN-bible-syndrome]

517$ for just the box? Hell no you can make one for 2 18's for way cheaper

[@JilesMcCoy]

So its even more worth it!

[@SheikhN-bible-syndrome]

@@JilesMcCoy yeah I build all my own audio

[@JilesMcCoy]

Do you do car stuff too?

[@SheikhN-bible-syndrome]

@@JilesMcCoy yes mostly actually. I just finished a 6th order box and did some spl testing on it today

[@SheikhN-bible-syndrome]

@@JilesMcCoy a box for 1 18 would cost 1 sheet of 7ply =35$ and cut at Lows/home depot Self tapping wood screws =9$ NP1 sealant =6$ 1 10' 2x4 for cross bracing =4$ Wood puty =5 Finnish of your choice (oil based paint=15$ Total amount for a complete 1 18" ported box is =74$ so for 2 18's the estimated amount would be about 150$ way better then the 500+ of the ones in the video

[@scarecrow66ab]

Tekton have subs you can get a 4-- 10 inch sub for 800 delivered or 2-10 sub for 600 delivered. Check them out.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Tekton makes very cool gear!

[@genesis344]

I think the inclusion of used prices greatly increases the value of a DIY system, I ended up powering my dual Ultimax 15's (sealed) with a QSC amp that runs 1000w/ch that I scored for $400 on Reverb. I would put my $1200 setup against anything manufacturers put out in the $3,000 range and I haven't even added DSP yet!

[@JilesMcCoy]

I got my iNuke NU6000 used for 100 bucks! Used can absolutely lower the price.

[@genesis344]

@@JilesMcCoy My go to was iNuke because they seems to be popular but mine was DOA (seems to be very common with Behringer products), hence the bump in budget to something a bit more bulletproof. But bang for buck, the iNuke definitely wins!

[@everss02]

Thats way too much work and cost. I did two american bass 15" xr's, they look just like a svs woofer, 1500 rms each, $203 each, skar ported black carpet box $129 each, crown xls 2002 amp $300 used, clean box pro and cables $100, tnut and extra stuff say $30. Basically spent $1000 and to get the same with svs would cost $5000.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Thats the point! Exactly.

[@elcaminosupersport]

Is this building a subwoofer why talk about wood & saws instead of baskets voice coils magnets & other subwoofer components

[@JilesMcCoy]

We can do that too. Any thoughts about where to start looking! I’ve never tried. I’d like to build a big transducer!

[@jjguillen65]

Great video. But I think for the money you going to spend doing the diy you can get a good brand subwoofer.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Jonathan Guillen Cool. Which sub would you recommend?

[@jjguillen65]

@@JilesMcCoy I have a Polk audio. Probably not everyone favorite I just liked the way it thumps

[@JilesMcCoy]

Jonathan Guillen if you like it that’s what matters. I got I to DIY trying to find what I like.

[@specialformula14]

And why would a diy person buy a kit …. Stupid concept. A person that buys a subwoofer kit is like calling a person that puts together a ikea dresser a furniture maker

[@JilesMcCoy]

Lots of reasons.