[2gumby2]

I am planning to build two Maelstrom subwoofer projects from DIY Cable in 8 cubic foot boxes. The designer, Kevin Haskins, recommends 100 to 120 ounces of speaker stuffing per box. I've used Dacron rolls in the past that came with speaker kits and it was very easy to work with. I didn't realize how expensive this stuff is. I found a 16 lb. roll on the web for $91. Any speaker builders here with a recommended source for suitable speaker stuffing?

[Bemopti123]

Madisound also has several different types of stuffing available....I doubt it will be cheaper than what you found your 16Lbs for.  I remember reading the cheapest type was around $9 a lb.  So, no easy way out. 

[MJK]

I buy all of my polyester speaker stuffing at hobby/craft or fabric stores. Try Joann Fabrics, Walmart, or Micheals craft stores. For a few dollars you can buy a box of bulk loose polyester fiber or rolls of polyester sheet. I have also bought pillows on sale from JC Penney when I wanted to try Dacron Hollofil fibers. If you want fiber-glass rolls or solid ceiling panels try Home Depot or Lowes.

In my opinion, buying expensive boutique stuffing is a rip off. Search the Internet for alternate business sites selling exactly the same stuff to non-audiophile buyers at realistic prices. But if you really have your heart set on spending some bucks for premium stuffing let me know and I will have some of my loose Joann polyester fiber cryo treated and sell it to you in little bags.

[TomW16]

For a cheaper alternative you can use fiberglass from any home improvement store. 

Cheers,
Tom

[SET Man]

Hey!
 
    Go for Acousta-Stuf if you can afford it. More effective than polyester and not hazardous like fiberglass.

    I have tried polyester batting but I found the Acousta-Stuf to works better. Likely that you will need a bit less of Acousta-Stuf in the same volume as the polyester... I don't remember exactly how much I used it compare to Acousta-Stuf when I built my speaker 

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=260-330

   I can't find link on Madisound but should be about the same price.

  Good luck!

Take care,
Buddy

[JoshK]

Look up whispermat.  Cheaper and just as effective as BH or other pricey options.  See zaphaudio.com for some comparisons.

[richidoo]

Here you go Josh. http://zaphaudio.com/whispermat.html
Helpful thread, thanks gumby.

[JoshK]

For subs though, I'd use fiberglass insulation, with the compressed fiberglass like Owen-Cornings stuff likely being the best option. 

[Duke]

I presume these are sealed boxes.  In that case, you usually want an even distribution of the stuffing throughout interior volume, so batting is probably not ideal.  Batting is better for vented boxes when you want to keep the stuffing in place - specifically, away from the port openings.

I prefer Poly-Fill from Jo Ann Fabric, etc, over Acousts-Stuf for sealed boxes.  It has finer-diameter fibers, which is desirable in my opinion.  It also retains its loft better than cheaper brands.

In practice, the exact stuffing material you use probably won't make an audible difference in a subwoofer's performance. 

Duke

[2gumby2]

The subs are using 2 passive radiators. I was looking for something that will not settle or come apart and is easy to work with. That is why I was considering the Dacron in rolls. I considered using fiberglass insualtion, but thought it might come apart over time. It's also not as pleasant to work with. Michael's sells Poly-fil in 20 ounze bags so I may go that route. Or just get a big roll of Dacron.

[2gumby2]

I've decided to order speaker stuffing from North Creek Music Systems. I've built their speaker kits with this stuffing in the past and it is very easy to work with. I just found out today that they will sell in bulk. Recommended.   www.northcreekmusicsystems.com   For those that visit RMAF, they exhibit there under the name Advanced Ribbon Technologies.

[jmc207]

I think this is the correct URL: http://www.northcreekmusic.com/ 

[2gumby2]

Yes, that's it.  www.northcreekmusic.com   Got carried away typing.