THT LP in the Philippines

[Alfalfameister]

Bought the plans back in 2014. Never got around to it. Got the latest updates from Bill (hardly any changes, really - except there's the option for an Ultimax driver, and a side-mouth opening).

[Alfalfameister]

more pics

[Alfalfameister]

The last two pics are a hardwood topper (2" thick Philippine Ironwood).

All the sides will just be covered with faux wood vinyl stickers (currently seen just placed - not yet stuck on - on "top" of the subwoofer - well, basically, what I would consider the "top").

With the topper (which hasn't arrived yet), it's going to look like a console table behind the sofa.

72x18x33 finished width. Thing is friggin' awesome! Before EQ'ing it with miniDSP, had the bass on way too high, and it produced unrealistically loud, and the shaking was way too much. But for the first hour or so, I really enjoyed the novelty of it.

After EQ'ing it with the miniDSP DDRC-24 (Dirac Live), it got toned down considerably, and had much more realism. I thought that placing it behind the sofa might not have been optimal, but measurements are fine, and even if it's right behind the seating position, still hard to localize where the bass is coming from (I guess one just feels it).

I'll be off to make maybe one or two more, but probably Table Tuba (long style) versions.

Thank you, Bill, for the plans. I have seen friends with multiple SVS subs, and I can tell you, I like mine a lot better.

Now off to make more BFM subs!

[Alfalfameister]

No Baltic Birch locally. So I used marine plywood (a good local brand, that fisherfolk use for boats - so I guess it's sturdy enough for marine use, the glues might be all right).

No PL here, but used Sikaflex 221 polyurethane adhesive. I probably used too much of it (one whole 600ml sausage for the build), but I was also quite wasteful with it. Went through many sterile gloves, too (as I would throw them away after a day).

[DaveMacKay]

Looks great! Congratulations on a successful build.

Thanks for sharing the story of your build and the photos.

[Seth]

Well done. Thanks for sharing your success.

I've always liked the idea of making it into a "console table" behind the couch. Seems it would make a great place to blend into the decor with photos, books, magazines, a reading lamp, or other such decorations placed on the "table".

Please, update this thread with pictures of the project once it's all done and in it's final state with topper, sides, and any decorations.

[Alfalfameister]

They say most of the time, the most aesthetic place to put it (or at least the spouse will make complaining noises about) may not sonically be the best.

I have plans to make two more, but likely Table Tubas (long style so I can stand them up) to even out room nodes, but really, this one already sounds fine! It's behind the couch, but when I make people watch movies, they don't really know from where the low frequencies are emitting! (ie, doesn't seem to be localized)

Still plan on making two more, though, because it's fun.

And, yes, will update it once I get the finished look done.

[howiez]

They say most of the time, the most aesthetic place to put it (or at least the spouse will make complaining noises about) may not sonically be the best.

I built a THT and put feet on it, made it an end table/corner table between our two couches. I stained it and put 3 coats of lacquer on it, spouse loves it.

Your build is looking great!

[Tom Smit]

Good looking build!

THT and TT should not be in the same room. Perhaps make a couple of narrow THTs.

[Alfalfameister]

Good looking build!

THT and TT should not be in the same room. Perhaps make a couple of narrow THTs.

I know that Bill mentioned not trying to EQ other subs with the THT because they wouldn't be able to keep up. Even Table Tubas?

I'm already satisfied with the bass of the THTLP, but just wanted to have multiple subs to even out room nodes and all that, to flatten the curve, so to speak (basically - to fill any nulls in even in the non optimal seating/main listening position).

[Alfalfameister]

Stuck the vinyl stickers (2mm vinyl faux wood stickers) to the sides.

Didn't bother finishing the bottom most part, as it will be covered by the sofa (in fact, I could have stopped halfway, but I already had the faux wood stickers).

The top part is still a mock up (just placed the extra vinyl stickers. Waiting for that slab of wood. Between the slab of wood and the THTLP, to isolate the vibration a bit (and to de-couple the two pieces somewhat) will be a bunch of those EVA foam pads - the kind you put under feet of furniture. I think I got 20 pcs of those that are like 4x4" each.

[DaveMacKay]

Please let us know if items on top of the table vibrate or move when the sub is in use.

[Alfalfameister]

Please let us know if items on top of the table vibrate or move when the sub is in use.

I can tell you now - the cab hardly vibrates, even at very loud volumes. I mean, it does, of course - but nothing gets rattled off the cab. I would not be afraid to put wine glasses on top of it.

I haven't cranked up the amplifier running the subwoofer, because any higher than my current setting, and the bass overpowers the rest too much. But watching, say, Mad Max Fury Road - the house is constantly shaking, and one can really feel the thumping and all that.

I think the house shakes more than the cab.

I'll update once the wood slab arrives, but I don't think I'll report any anomaly.

[Alfalfameister]

Picked up the wood topper from the pier ("Xanthostemon verdugonianus, commonly known as mangkono or Philippine ironwood")

And here are the various angles:

[Alfalfameister]

Aside from aesthetics, no other real updates; no vibration on wood when tested.

The only thing to report (though this was a couple of weeks back) - when I removed the cover from the "rear" (well rear of the driver) so I could properly stick the faux vinyls, when I put it back, the subwoofer didn't sound the same (sound weaker and with less thump)

I realized I didn't tighten the screws well - to get the best out of this subwoofer, it the driver chamber cover really has to be air tight (along with the rest of the panels during assembly). I re-tightened all the screws, and it was as before.

So, make sure everything is air-tight!