Subwoofer uograde

[Heliac]

Hello, my first post here. Im from Sweden so have patience with the language.

Today i use 2x JBL1220E in vented boxes for subs in my home. Now its up for sale 2x JBL sub 1500 drivers. My amp is Dynacord L1000 (2x500w/4 ohm) today i use one of them, but i have two so for the 1500 subs i can use 1 bridged amp/driver. Will there be a noticable difference with this upgrade?

[grumpy]

Not sure about a 1220E, but it looks like your Dynacord(EV) amps are probably
sufficient to drive the four ohm SUB1500 in bridged mode to healthy levels.

[Heliac]

The 1220 has 91db sens and is rated 400w RMS. And the 1500 has 92db/800w RMS. A fast calculation says 117db for 1220 and and 121db for the 1500. Is those 4 db a big audible difference?

[rdgrimes]

I have to believe that the 1500 is a superior driver in every way. But I suppose that hearing is believing. Its not always about levels, there are other considerations.

[Heliac]

I have to believe that the 1500 is a superior driver in every way. But I suppose that hearing is believing. Its not always about levels, there are other considerations.

Yes, i also think that its a very good driver. Im shifting my fronts from 250ti to DIY-boxes with 2x2206h and 2351-SL per side. Im sure that 1220s wont keep upp with the new fronts when im crankig it up...so im out for more power. My first plan was 2246, but then this 1500s came up for sale here in sweden...and thats not often. The bad thing with 2246 is that i takes big enclosures....but i think they will outperform the 1500s in maximum sound pressure.

[grumpy]

Ah... the P1220E car stereo subwoofer. Did not understand at first.

If you go vented with the sub1500 (as with any vented subwoofer),
you will want to limit (high-pass) the output below system resonance,
or your Dynacord amp will quite willingly destroy a very nice driver (or two)
in a fairly short time.

[Heliac]

Yes..today i use a dbx eq with -12db/20hz, -6db/25hz and -3db 31,5hz. It has worked fine, i can push the 1220s really hard. They have been running for 6 years now so i think its a proper setup.

But do you think the 1500s will keep up with 4x2206+horns? I dont want to run out of bass when turning up

[grumpy]

They will output plenty of bass in a home environment.
Enough to relocate objects in the room.

They will not "keep up" with multiple 2206 and compression drivers
in ultimate loudness, but then you would likely have permanent hearing
damage, clipping bass amps, and cracking house foundation at that point

I will comment that a lot of what some think about as "bass" is above
what the sub1500 (or probably P1220E) will do efficiently or well.
Good news is the 2206 drivers should have most of that covered.

I ran ported sub1500s over several pairs of full range speakers
and found L112s were a nice match in my room (a very open space)
and did not ever reach clipping with a clean 600w/sub1500 available.

I do get more 'kick' from large 4645 cabinets with 18" drivers, but that
is really a space commitment, so I've only kept that in my TV/movie space.

If you get the sub1500s, keep us posted on your build and how you use/like them.

Best regards,

-grumpy

[Heliac]

Thanks for answers.

I have to think about this.....2242 will be too big. And im afraid the 1500s will be too weak. What a mess

Or maybe i can live with not maxing the fronts totally...and leave some headroom. Things are already moving around with the 1220s..and will probably do so with the 1500s. And 2206 will kick harder in the midbass than the 250s. And i can get the dynamics from the horns that i miss from the 250s. So why not?

I will be back when its all set up.

[bubbleboy76]

There were glue-problems on some of the SUB1500 that was sold out on parts-express. Check them carefully before buying, if possible.

[Heliac]

There were glue-problems on some of the SUB1500 that was sold out on parts-express. Check them carefully before buying, if possible.

Yeah..i have heard something about that. Is it the spider?

[Mr. Widget]

I have to think about this.....2242 will be too big. And im afraid the 1500s will be too weak. What a mess

I used to run a pair of Sub1500s in 5 cu ft enclosures tuned to 20Hz. I had about 600 watt RMS per woofer. This configuration maximized their output as long as the content didn't dip below 20Hz the SPL and power in my fairly large room was outstanding. That said, as soon as some powerful content came by below the tuning frequency, the woofers would slam their VCs against the back plate making an alarming sound and if it was allowed to continue permanent damage would occur. A VLF shelving filter would be ideal.


Widget

[Heliac]

Finally...i bought a pair of SUB 1500s. I also ordered a new amp for them, Dynacord SL 1800. I think it will be a good match.

Since im not familiar with enclosure design software i will be happy if someone can help me out. Today i run 2x JBL P1220e in vented boxes, tuned to 28hz. Im very satisfied with their performance. Would it be a good idea to go for the same tuning with the 1500s? If so, what will the volume and port sizes be?

[Aaron]

There is an easy to use piece of freeware called winisd that you should download.
It's so easy & fun to use that I wouldn't dare deprive you of the experience of playing with it.

You will need to have some idea of what matters when optimizing a system, but the software itself is very intuitive.

[speakerdave]

That work's been done. There are some threads here, at least one quite long, with much shared experience deploying the sub1500. No need to reinvent the wheel.