[mattybumpkin]

Anyone give me feedback on which driver they prefer for music only:

-CSS SX10 (made for CSS by Adire)

-Adire Tempest

-Adire DPL12

These are all available in kits from CSS, paired with the HS200 plate amp.  

The last one is a NHT1259 driver that I was looking at, part of the Madisound kit.

Thnx,

"M"

[Kevin P]

The driver is only part of the equation.  You would also have to specify how you wanted to use them and then what size room (and construction details) for us to be able to give you a good answer.   Box size limitations and budget are all important also...

[mattybumpkin]

Sratch the Tempest from the list, I decided I don't want to go 15".

Thnx,

"M"

[Kevin P]

Oh... and don't leave out the Maelstrom.  If you have enough space or can go with an IB install it is a very good driver for music only applications.

[mattybumpkin]

Kevin,

Thanx.  I would be using one sub with a pair of Green Mountain Europa's (run full range) in a room that is 12x14 that opens on one full side to a dining/kitchen area that is 15x15.  I am looking under $650 new/used and box size under 18". Sub would go between mains on front wall that measures 14'.  rest of system is:

McCormack DNA-125
Audible Illusions L-1
RAM Tube CD25
Various cables...

Kevin, Your small footprint WMD looked interesting but is not available yet, yes (you had cabinet size issues??)?

[mattybumpkin]

NT

[Kevin P]

I'd go with Bob's Piano black sub.   It has about the same output as the Shiva but slightly lower distortion at normal levels.  It is also smaller and uses the HS-200 which is a better quality amp than the stock RAVA.

[Carlman]

I bought the CSS 10" Adire/Hypex 200 combo and the glue is drying now on the cabinet.  

I thought it was front firing but, it's bottom firing.  It's hard to tell what exactly I was getting based on CSS's site.  I got the mitre-lock type box.  The fit isn't perfectly square and the opening for the plate amp is a little amatuer-looking.  It's not countersunk so, the plate amp will rest on top of the cabinet... which I guess is good if you're going to veneer it?  I don't know.   There's no gasket or other type of seal for the plate amp to the cabinet.... or any way to securely fasten it other than some small wood screws.  I feel certain that won't be enough.  I think a compression-type system would work better.  As in a big square metal frame to go on the inside of the cabinet with threaded screw holes that line up with the amp.

The instructions were missing and the plate of the plate amp was bent in shipping.  I've emailed Bob at CSS to work out these issues.  He quickly sent me the instructions but, there's no mention of the amp to sub connection.  I've guessed the location of positive and neg leads based on the circuit board.  I'm a little dissapointed for $500.  Hopefully the sound will be worth it, though.  I'm pretty sure I'll be on a quest for a better cabinet, though.

I would prefer a finished, black box with good internal bracing and that's front-firing.  Ask what the options are before you buy and be super clear on every detail.  

-C

[JackStraw]

Kevin,

Thanx.  I would be using one sub with a pair of Green Mountain Europa's (run full range) in a room that is 12x14 that opens on one full side to a dining/kitchen area that is 15x15.  I am looking under $650 new/used and box size under 18". Sub would go between mains on front wall that measures 14'.  rest of system is:

McCormack DNA-125
Audible Illusions L-1
RAM Tube CD25
Various cables...

Kevin, Your small footprint WMD looked interesting but is not available yet, yes (you had cabinet size issues??)?

I think that you should consider this one from Rutledge as well...

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=6863

[Kevin P]

Missed the question about our product.   Yes... there are size issues with the 10" Adire driver just dropping into the PE box.   I'm having Wiggins design me another driver with the same basket as the PE unit, dual 8 Ohm VC, and some optimized characteristics for the application.   I'm not sure what the ETA is going to be yet as everyone is still streaming back from CES and we have to see if it can be done with some off the shelf parts.

[Brian Bunge]

Carlman,

The screws will be more than enough to securely mount the amp.  I've done so with quite a few plate amps and never had an issue with air leaks.  Some plates come with gaskets and some don't.  Foam weatherstripping is extremely cheap so just pick up some at your local HD or Lowe's.

Also, I believe that the sub enclosure kits from CSS have the amp holes cut to accomodate 2 different amps.  As such, a recessed fit would have to be cut separately based on which amp you planned to use.  Yes, a recessed plate amp does make the fit and finish nicer but there's absolutely no other advantage to doing so.  The recessed amp cutout could potentially be an issue if you were going to veneer the cabinet.  You never know what type of tools the customer will have and that could end up being a real PITA if he/she doesn't have a laminate trimmer with the appropriate bit.  

IMHO, when someone buys a kit you shouldn't really expect the same level of detail as you would vs. a finished product.

[_scotty_]

mattybumkin,don't forget to check out the subwoofer kits from Parts Express. They have a kit for a 12in. sub under $600.00 . The driver has very low THD as well.   http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?webpage_id=3&SO=2&&DID=7&CATID=48&ObjectGroup_ID=536&filter=kit   My Reimer Teton GS HTs have 2 of the Mk II  woofers and are excellent on music.  Good luck with your project. Scotty