So I should not add it if the box is larger than the sub needs? I think the sub only needs .54'^3.

 

Correct

 

Adding volume to an enclosure will not hurt the sub. It will lower the "Q" of the enclosure, typically giving a slight (usually unnoticeable) boost to the extension, lowering the F3 point (where the sub volume is down 3db). At the same time it also increases efficiency and lowers power handling - so be careful if you decide to play with it.

I may be incorrect, but I think the sub only needed about .35-.4 ft. You may actually want to consider adding stuff to the enclosure, depending on the size.

 

I dont know the exact volume of the enclosure I ordered so I'll measure it when it arrives, but assuming it is larger than what the sub needs what is this "stuff" i should consider adding? just hack off an end and shorten it to make it the correct volume then plug it up?

 

Or you could attach wood blocks to the interior to reduce open air space. This would probably be a better idea than hacking it up. You want to make sure it retains a solid seal.

 

That's a much better idea than the one I had.

 

Another question, the enclosed volume most sites list for their subs includes the volume taken up by the sub inside the enclosure, correct? Otherwise it's gonna be a pian to find the volume of the back side of the sub without putting it in water or something lol.

 

JBL recommends 0.3 cubes including the woofer basket, here's the data sheet:
http://www.jbl.com/resources/Brands/...GTO%20804D.pdf

 

Which is quite close to winISD's recomendation. But IMO, it looks better, and more usable, in .4-.5.

Wood blocks is a good filler. And wood glue holds em in pretty well.

Matt

 

That's correct. Most subwoofer manufacturers give internal specs with the woofer in mind. Also, some woofer manufacturers will give a specification telling you how much the woofer itself displaces below the mounting ring in cubic feet.

 

So do you guys recommend modifying the box to the subs specs right off the bat or set it up and listen to it first? Will it sound off if the box is ~2 times the size that the sub should be in or will a non audio connoisseur notice?

 

Listen to it first. Box size reflects the way the bass sounds, as well as power handling. The smaller the box gets, the "tighter" the bass sounds, and the more power the woofer can handle. The larger the box is, the more flat the bass will sound, the less power it can handle. Personally, I like tighter bass. It fits better with rock music, especially the double-kicks of a bass drum. Other people like different configurations. Try it the way it is, and experiment. Add blocks inside reduce internal air space and see how you like it.

 

Yes, try it out. I find that a lower Q of a larger box sounds more natural than a smaller box. I listen to mainly rock music, but also quite a bit of hip hop, classic rock, pop, and occasionally classical/modern classic music - so a flat response is ideal for me.

 

How important is wire quality and gauge? I have a bunch of wire left over from random projects, but none of it is the large gauge expensive looking wire that I see in a lot of audio threads (except for the wire left over from wiring up my winch but that is probably overkill lol). If it is important for this small setup I have what gagues would you guys recommend and any specific type of wire?

The enclosure and sub came today, but the sub is 1/8" too tall so I'm going to mill out 1/4" so it will fit with a bit of room. I calculated the volume of the enclosure to be ~.34 cubic feet which is fairly close to what JBL recommends so hopefully it will sound fine and need no filler blocks.

 

300w can run over a 16g wire for less than 6 ft and only lose about 8 watts to the speaker.

If you go to 12g wire you will only lose 3 watts. Is it worth it to you for 5 watts?

The biggest issue is the length of the run and the load impedance. Since we know you are at 4 ohm then run length is the issue. In all honesty: You will NOT notice a difference in sound if you run 16ga wire or 4ga wire. If you have 18g or smaller then you should upgrade, and I would buy 14g, but no reason to go bigger in your situation.

I would not run less than 16g for any length of run for a subwoofer.


http://www.bcae1.com/wire.htm Check out this page for a calculator.