Parts Express Woofer Cabinet

[Chas]

Has anyone tried the PE 3 cu. ft. cabinet with a SUB 1500? I haven't seen one in the flesh, it may be a tad flimsy. For the price, it may be worth picking up a couple and perhaps reinforcing it with additional internal bracing. The price sure is right.
Part Number 302-820

[David Dryden]

Just bought one of those for a "quick fix" for one of my Sub 1500's. You are correct in that they are kinda "flimsy". Don't get me wrong, they are well made, but constructed with 3/4" MDF and the "internal bracing" is just a ~4" piece of MDF stretched from side to side about 3/4 the way back from the front panel. Obviously, doesn't do anything for the top, bottom, front or back (and quite frankly, doesn't do much to help the sides either).

I bought my cabinet because I was getting impatient trying to make time to build one with my limited shop space and tools (no table saw... yet). Parts Express used to sell a knock-down kit that was much more substantial looking. It was made with 1" MDF and had more of a matrix style bracing scheme. It was priced about the same as the unit I bought, but you had to assemble and finish it yourself. They don't have it anymore, unfortunately (at least I didn't see it online or in the latest catalog).

The net result? I'm pretty happy with the sound anyway. I installed spike feet and a hefty recessed binding post cup along with some polyfill stuffing. Yeah, you could mix drinks on top of the cabinet while playing Telarc's 1812 Overture (shaken, not stirred!), but this woofer just rocks my world! Again, I'm treating this cabinet as a "temporary" fix anyway. Both of my 1500's will eventually get "real" cabinets with decent bracing. I just need to wait until I get my garage and shop built this Spring.

[Chas]

Thanks David, I think I might try a couple, but I would probably spend some time attempting to stiffen the panels if possible without sacrificing too much loss of volume.

My woodworking skills are limited so they could be a good alternative. Do they ship them knocked down or preassembled?

[David Dryden]

They are completely assembled and finished, including the grill. All you will have to do is cut the hole for the woofer and mounting screws (get the "Hurricane" t-nuts from PE. Very nice), the hole for whatever type of binding post setup you choose, and feet/spikes. Really is a nice looking cabinet. If you can figure out a way to substantially brace the insides, it should do nicely. Let us know how you make out!

[Steve Gonzales]

As I read the response about internal bracing and the loss of internal volume, i wonder if some type of heavy gauge metal braces would do? L shaped steel or Aluminum? Put a bead of liquid nails and then use short drywall screws to affix?
I wonder if some of the more experienced members would chime in and give the pro's and con's of such an idea. I have a feeling there might be some resonance issues but it seems the int.vol. issue would be met and strength issue too.

ANYBODY ??

[Mr. Widget]

I would be concerned about metal braces ringing. I have found the best braces are kiln dried 2X4s or better yet doubled up 3/4" birch plywood. You just can't build a box that is over braced.

Widget