does any one have some current FI info?

[satch17]

i started getting off topic in the "my project" section of the forum so ill ask here. im deciding between either 4 AE 15" or 4 FI 18" and im ready to buy today. most people will lead me to probably FI, and im not putting down AE by anymeans, it sounds like a great sub. but AE responded to my email regarding availability within hours with there current build stock. while after calling and emailing FI has brought me automated emails stating how over whelmed they are. so i dont know if there website is current in that it takes 5-15 days to build. ive been burned a couple of times by not checking current availability and now i make sure with any company.

and really im looking for the best bang for my buck for under a $1000 in speakers. and i started looking at digital design 500 series subs www.ddaudio.com/products/mobile-audio/woofers/500-series.aspx


15"
FS 30 Hz
Magnet Weight 90 oz
Mounting Depth (in.) 6.75
Nominal Impedance S4.0 Ohm / D4.0 Ohm
Power Handling RMS/Peak 350/1500
QTS 0.763
QES 0.834
QMS 8.886
Series 500b
Shipping Weight 15lbs
Suspension Travel 50 mm
VAS 63.61
Voice Coil Diameter 2.0"

i am pretty familiar with digital design in my former life in SPL car audio. they are brutal and accurate, and the owner is great to talk to, and easy to get a hold of. they are known for accurate high excursion, high efficiency, and reliability. but does having a Fs of 30 hz mean that its exponentially more difficult to reproduce a 10hz signal as opposed to say the AE with an Fs of 16hz? is that going to take gobs of power for the same SPL?

also i could get 8 of these for just a hair over $1000 and have 2 separate manifolds for better sound, not to mention that i really wouldnt need to push these as hard so i feel like i would have a lot more head room to facilitate more sound quality. what do ya think?

[ThomasW]

An examination of the more recent builds posted will provide info about the availability of Fi's drivers.

That said, since your priority is having a company with immediate phone contact it's probably best you go with DD

We have no experience with DD's drivers and this forum doesn't engage in speculation regarding the performance of drivers. This means we'll be limited to providing generic answers to your questions.

Regarding your 1st question, a high Fs means more EQ and additional amplifier power is required for the drivers to play low. The effects of this can be modeled with most box sim programs

[satch17]

interesting response.

well, never fear cult leader;) after a solid 2 weeks of every available moment put towards driver research the decision has been made. i have 4- IB3 single 4's on order. approximately 21 days (business of course) to my door. so yes, after finding there phone number and a couple of better emails i got ahold of them.

[bigjon]

Your patience will pay off. . I also bought 4 IB318's back in October 2011, and while they took longer than expected to ship it was well worth the wait. Your build will also be a lot less work than with 2 manifolds and 8 drivers. Good luck!

[satch17]

i recieved my 4 subs in about 2 1/2 weeks, just to let people know.