VMPS Subwoofer Kit Questions

Timothy Reason · « **on:** 14 Jan 2005, 01:55 am »

Hi I have been recently turned on to VMPS subs for a possibility in my Home Theater system. I checked the site for the kits and was wondering.... Do the KITS w/o cabinets offer the speakers and instructions on building the kit? If so would you suggest this if it were someone like myself who has built many Car Stereo Sub boxes in my lifetime? Meaning I am comforatable building an enclosure as long as I am given proper instructions.

I currently have all Axiom Speakers with M22ti's, VP-150, QS8's and need a new (possibly 2) new subwoofers. I would like to get a dual subwoofer system going running stereo with my M22's. I could easily do the with 2 Large Original Kits w/o cabinets if it is for sure I get detailed instructions on how to build the proper cabinet myself. Any help would be great! lmk

JoshK · « **Reply #1 on:** 14 Jan 2005, 01:59 am »

I say go for it, DIY! If you have questions ask this board, we are sure to resolve your problems. If I know BC correctly, his instructions are pretty darn good. If you are comfortable making sawdust and have tools, then kit subs is up your alley.

Personally I find the finishing the hardest part, the construction is more or less easy.

Timothy Reason · « **Reply #2 on:** 14 Jan 2005, 02:25 am »

Ok sounds good. If I get Instructions on the exact specs of the cabinet for it, I feel comforatable. Now would you recomend the mega woofers option? I am looking at the New Original Subwoofer as I think it would be all I need for my 15' X 17' X 8' room also understanding I plan to run 2 sub kits on stereo. I currently have a Axiom EP-175 Sub and I do not like it because it does not handle the very low frequency notes in some movies. I want to assure that the sub I purchase to replace it will not fall apart in these situations. So any input on what you feel the best version to go with would be great. My system again is a Yamaha RX-V2300 6.1 Receiver, Axiom M22ti Fronts, Axiom QS8's Souround and 6th channel, and now need a pair of subs to go well with these. your thought?

JoshK · « **Reply #3 on:** 14 Jan 2005, 02:37 am »

definitely go for megawoofers as you will be dissapointed if you didn't, long term. MW's will allow you to EQ more if you decide to correct for room anomalies also because they will handle more juice.

Timothy Reason · « **Reply #4 on:** 14 Jan 2005, 04:34 am »

Ok one more question. I have never delt with any kind of amp other then the plate amp in my current sub. What kind of power should I be looking for to run these subs? I plan to start with one, and in a month or two buy a second and run them in stereo mode. Any suggestions of a good amp to consider? My budget will not allow for much say around $300. Of course I am open to well cared for used equp. If too much more then that I will be forced to put a plate amp in this sub.

ctviggen · « **Reply #5 on:** 14 Jan 2005, 12:57 pm »

There's a thread (started by me) about power for a VMPS (or any other sub, for that matter):

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=15301

Currently, I'm driving a VMPS larger with one channel of my 5-channel HT amp (a Bryston 9B). Unfortunately, I can't really tell you how the sub sounds, as I haven't had time to really listed to it. This weekend, though, I'm going to try to tune the Larger and then compare with my SVS. Currently, I have them both run in parallel. I would also like to buy an amp, but I haven't figured out which one yet.

doug s. · « **Reply #6 on:** 14 Jan 2005, 08:27 pm »

whatever ya do, i'd recommend a pair of subs, not yust one. better than one for several reasons - lower distortion at any given spl, better soundstaging, easier integration into a room for standing waves, etc... i second the recommendation for megawoofers also. as far as which sub model, in your room, i'd think even the smaller vmps would be more than sufficient, especially if you used a pair...

doug s.

Timothy Reason · « **Reply #7 on:** 15 Jan 2005, 02:28 am »

Ok I viewed the other talk about what amp to use and came up with 2 things. 1 those were for the larger sub, which I believe to be way above what I need at this time in my life. And two most of that talk is above my budget.
Now what I have come up with is this. I will go with a single New Original Sub and after taxes get a second one to match. Now with that in mind I have done some searching and have come up with a small list and am looking for opinions, based on the Original subs with Megawoofers.
Adcom GFA 555 200X2
Carver TFM-22 225X2
Hafler DH-500 225X2
Rotel RB-981 130X2

I was trying to stay around $300 but so far in my search that has not been easy. Anyone have an opinion on any of these, and anyone have one for sale? Thanks a bunch

Oh and the only reason I was not looking at the smaller Kit was its low end capability. This system is used for movies 80% of the time and some of those low Booms get Low. My fear was the smaller might not handle them well.

mjosef · « **Reply #8 on:** 15 Jan 2005, 06:29 am »

Tim...I can vouch for the VMPS Original Sub durability. I bought one as a Kit w. cabinet back in 1986. Last year, or the year before I upgraded the drivers for the megawoofer with its matching PR. The foam surround on the original drivers finally gave out after 17years. The new meagawoofer was definately an improvement but the old woofer was no slouch either. I refoamed it and constructed a new box based on the new low boy profile with the intention of putting it right back to duty. Still putting a few finishing touches on the new box. I am powering my Original sub with the new megawoofer, with a bridged Adcom 555, which is 600W. All the amps you listed can be picked up on Ebay or audiogon or even in the Marketplace here for 300-400$ You may get lucky and find a steal on a Hafler 500 or Adcom 555 for under 300$.
As for Kit instructions, I cannot answer...since I bought mine with the cab. But if you have built subs before I am sure you can do it even with out detailed instructions. I did order the discontinued VMPS404 bookshelf kit, and I did not get any box dimension specs, just the drivers and crossover parts with instructions for crossover assembly and the port. But I was comfortable with that since I have built several speakers in the past, I just used the listed box dimensions and adapted the dimensions for a narrower baffle. However the Sub you want is a current model so it should come with all the instructions you need. Brian is very helpful and almost always available to answer questions.
Good luck.

doug s. · « **Reply #9 on:** 15 Jan 2005, 05:14 pm »

timothy, any of those amps will work w/the vmps subs. i used an original iteration adcom gfa555 & it was great. but a qsc plx 1202 can certainly also be found in yer pricerange, if ya wanna still consider that brand.

also, in a 15x17 room, a pair of subs rated to 24hz/-3db, will shake ya silly, imo - i really think the smaller subs would be suficient. of course, if there's a possibility for a bigger room in the future...

but, if not, ya may wanna ask brian cheney directly, whether ya really need the originals. as i said before, i have a pair of yamaha powered subs that are rated 28hz/-3db in a 15x24 room, & these *easily* energize the room...

doug s.