[mflaming]

Anyone have experience with alternatives for a more affordable DIY sub? $690 for amp/sub plus box/grill would put it over $800 to complete. That is a little steep for me. I've already built the GR sealed box, but am a little hung up on $470 for the amp. OB is not an option at this time, so I'm wondering if there's a cheaper amp that would work for a single sealed 12". I don't have a sub out, so would need speaker level inputs.

I've never even owned a sub, but if the 370PEQ is the best option, I haven't completely ruled it out. It would just take a minute to come up with the cash. Wonder if I could sell a house cat for $470?

[Early B.]

Purchase a Rythmik Audio L12 sealed sub for $559.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I  second the L12 from Rythmik.  My son just bought a F12se and it arrived yesterday.  It sounds awesome.  He was using an old Velodyne HT sub and the difference is night and day.  The bass actually has some detail and resolution to it for lack of a better term.  You can hear things in the music that you did not hear before. It is tight, fast, and musical.  He considered buying 2 L12's but felt that he would eventually get a second F12se.  The L12 is similar but stripped down.  Others to consider are an SVS 2000 or 3000 pro.  Both of those have a 3 band parametric equalizer vs a 1 band for the L12.

If  you are just looking for a plate amp for a sub, check monoprice and parts express.

[mlundy57]

Just don’t try to use anything but a Rythmik amp with a Rythmik/GR driver.

[Hobbsmeerkat]

I know Danny usually has the HX300 amp that is cheaper, but it's unfortunately been out of stock for a while now.

I also have the Rythmik L12. But since you already have a cabinet, you could always try contacting Rythmik directly and ask if there is an amp unit you can buy from them directly. I believe all of their plate amps are the same size, but may have have more power/features than others.

[mlundy57]

Without a sub out or preamp out the HX300 won't work. While pricey compared to budget plate amps, the A370 amps are well worth the extra money. They have so much more flexibility for both connections and adjustments it isn't even close. Not to mention the direct servo control you get with the Rythmik amp/driver combo.

What you are building if you use an A370 amp with the GR driver is what Rythmik sells as the F12-G for $998.

[mflaming]

Thank you all for the recommendations - I have some more options to consider now.
 
This is a whole other discussion, but are there open baffle designs for a single sub? They all seem to use two or three. I assume that is part of the design to balance out the fore/aft pressure waves. (sorry, probably wrong terminology there).