|
|
Post by palmtree on Jul 25, 2006 11:39:55 GMT -7
My HT room is not yet finished but it is getting very close. I have spent months going over info on what would be the best sub solution for around $500. I finally decided to get going on it and ordered the RL-p15 just last week. It hasn't even been delivered yet and I read the thread by ThomasW over on HTguide about the new found 18" drivers from Mach5. Now I can't help but wonder. The RL-p15 is $295 delivered plus materials to build the enclosure (I already have an amp). It looks like I can get four of the Mach5 18's for about $350 delivered. So here is the question. What should I do? My HT is in the basement and the room is 12 x 20 x 8ft or about 1900 ft^3. One of the side walls has an adjacent storage room that is about 18 x 35 x 9ft or 5600 ft^3. So I could potentially go with an IB setup using that room. Is it worth the hassle and cost of sending the RL-p15 back and ordering these Mach5 18's. I have never heard an IB sub. In fact, I have never heard a good sub of any kind before. Any help and opinions are appreciated. Brett  |
|
|
|
Post by ThomasW on Jul 25, 2006 12:08:40 GMT -7
We don't really have enough hands-on data regarding Mark's drivers to answer your questions. So the people buying them should understand that it's an experiment, not a proven design.
The RL-p15" is a world class driver. You could start out with one in a normal box and upgrade to several in an IB at some point in the future.
2- RL-p15"s move almost as much air as 4 of the 18"s. Obviously the RL-p15"s are more expensive.
|
|
|
|
Post by Darren on Jul 25, 2006 12:10:32 GMT -7
Did you say you ordered just one RL-P15? For an IB???
You shouldn't have trouble selling the RL-P15 if you feel you have made a mistake. If this is for an IB I don't think you'll be happy with just one driver. One RL-P15 should outperform one of those 18" drivers but you'll want at least 4 drivers for an IB sub. You could buy 4 of the 18" drivers for somewhere around $400 delivered (high shipping cost included). Then you'll need a decent amp so add about $300 or so for that. You'll also need a BFD so add another $99.
Do a lot of reading here before you decide which way to go. Check out the FAQ's.
It doesn't appear that your budget would allow for a basic IB setup if you include the amp and BFD. As Thomas mentioned above, I'd keep the RL-P15, put it in a box and enjoy it until you want to consider IB or increase your budget.
|
|
|
|
Post by ThomasW on Jul 25, 2006 12:25:46 GMT -7
Did you say you ordered just one RL-P15? For an IB??? No he ordered one for a regular box sub then discovered the drivers from Mark. There's a lot of cross reading from several different forums that are resulting in questions being asked here.... |
|
|
|
Post by Darren on Jul 25, 2006 12:32:02 GMT -7
Yeah, I'm probably partially responsible for that. I kept a journal of my IB experience over at the Shack and there were a couple others that did the same. It really generated a lot of interest. That and Sonnie getting on the bandwagon also sparked a lot of talk about IB.
|
|
|
|
Post by palmtree on Jul 25, 2006 12:39:09 GMT -7
Hi guys. Thanks for the quick consideration of my questions. Yes, I bought the RL-p15 with plans to build a large ported sub for my HT. I think I agree with what you are saying. I think I will go ahead with my original plans and build a ported box with the RL-p15 for now. You know how it is to find out about a potentially amazing deal--it's hard to resist. I always figured my place would work good for an IB with the large adjacent storage room but I think I will wait and see what comes of these drivers. Like you said I should have no trouble selling the RL-p15 later if I change my mind. Gentlemen--I thank you, and on a much greater scale--my wife thanks you (even though she doesn't know it).  |
|
|
|
Post by Darren on Jul 25, 2006 12:45:53 GMT -7
Ah, but remember... If you do decide to go IB in the future you can sell it with one line to your wife.
"I can get rid of the big box honey, all I need to do is sell this one and it will pay for nearly half of a new subwoofer that you'll never see!"
|
|
|
|
Post by osuhog on Jul 25, 2006 13:24:12 GMT -7
Just a FYI, an IB identical to mine would run you just under $500 with shipping, manifold material, and everything factored in.
$200 - 2 Mach5 18's shipped
$150 - Nady XA900 amp shipped (closer to $100 used on Ebay)
$100 - BFD Parametric EQ (closer to $50 for a used BFD on Ebay)
$50 - Wood, screws, glue, etc.
My room is about 18' X 16' with a vaulted ceiling that angles from 8' to 12' and my room is completely open to the kitchen/dining room. These two 18's put out an amazing amount of bass. YMMV, but I am extremely happy with just two.
That said, I am really looking forward to another cult member getting ahold of some of these things and giving their opinion also. I'm really feeling the pressure now with everybody talking about these subs, but I stand by every word of my review after a LOT of listening. I just can't believe how good these are for the money!
|
|
|
|
Post by palmtree on Jul 25, 2006 13:31:39 GMT -7
Oh come on! Don't get me thinkin again. I had just finally re-decided to go with the ported sub for now. Believe me it is a deal--I already did the math. Considering I already have an EP1500 just waiting for a sub and all the wood and screws and junk. I only need to buy the drivers and the BFD. In fact, I could get 4 of these babies going for under $400 if I can find a cheap BFD.
OK. Deep breath. I am sticking with the ported sub for now. I am sticking with the ported sub for now. I am sticking with the ported sub for now. I am sticking with the ported sub for now. I am sticking with the ported sub for now. I am sticking with the ported sub for now. OK that ought to do it--as long as nobody else reminds of how great this deal is.
|
|
|
|
Post by ThomasW on Jul 25, 2006 13:33:06 GMT -7
That said, I am really looking forward to another cult member getting ahold of some of these things and giving their opinion also. I'm really feeling the pressure now with everybody talking about these subs, but I stand by every word of my review after a LOT of listening. I just can't believe how good these are for the money! Not to worry other have their drivers on order... |
|
|
|
Post by ThomasW on Jul 25, 2006 13:33:57 GMT -7
OK. Deep breath. I am sticking with the ported sub for now. I am sticking with the ported sub for now. I am sticking with the ported sub for now. I am sticking with the ported sub for now. I am sticking with the ported sub for now. I am sticking with the ported sub for now. Good idea....  |
|
|
|
Post by jagman on Jul 25, 2006 13:50:05 GMT -7
I agree with Thomas on this one. Usually drivers worth getting are known to be good (especially if you are hesitant to take a risk on an unproven one). The also have a tendancy to stay on the market a while. So, I would put your 15" in a ported box and enjoy what you have now. I'd wait until you've saved up some money and see how things pan out with all the new drivers coming to market in the coming months. At that point you'll have a better understanding of IB subs, we'll all have a better idea of what current drivers are capable of, and you'll have the funds at your discretion to get what you really want.
|
|
