DIY Subwoofer Risers

[AJCxZ0]

For reasons unknown, my userid is deleted a day or so after I create it and I have had no response to messages or emails to the administrator. This is my first post, so I have no idea what will happen to it when the account dissappears again.

I read every post in every one of the 92 pages in this thread, so I have no good excuse for any cluelessness which follows, though I blame my camera phone for the poor pictures. Click on the images to see the large original.

Based on the advice in the thread I decided to try to build my own riser / bass trap / isolator for my Costco special front-firing 10" 120W KLH "KSUB-10" (similar to the ASW10-120) which I have pollyfilled and port-stuffed. Lacking carpentry skills I decided to construct something which eliminated the furniture component and effectively provided height, dampening and isolation in one.

First I got a 20"x14"x4" cardboard box ($0) and stuffed it with two old pillows ($0), taping the edges to prevent the pillows from bursting out. I then wrapped it in "easyLiner" 20"x48" drawer liner ($7.08 from Lowes) which fit nicely around the box to make a firm box full of dense foam with a semi-gloss non slip surface on which my sub sat stably, raised about 4" above its former position on my hearth next to my home theater electronics on their wire shelving (which is great for ventilation and avoiding dust buildup).

This Mark 1 riser had an astonishing effect of the quality of the bass. It went from being primarily a rumble box good for movies to a clear and distinct low extension of my speakers down to its drop-off around 30Hz, substantially assisted by the Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH and its MCACC calibration.

Satisfied that the Mark 1 ($7.04) was working well and in no obvious need of improvement, I set about designing the Mark 2. The goal was the same: to raise with dampening material which would provide isolation. Scouting Lowes I saw a box of "greenfiber R13-R60" insulation material ($10.75 from Lowes) weighing approx. 14.5 lbs in a 24"x15.5"x12" block.

I wrapped this in a black plastic trash bag ($0) for aesthetics and to ensure the thin plastic which wrapped the fiber remained intact.

Next I wrapped the drawer liner ($7.08) around it taping the sides where it did not properly fit.

To my ear - being the only measuring device employed - the Mark 2 ($17.83) is a small improvement on the Mark 1 sound and is probably near to the best performance I am likely to get out of this old, cheap ($99, IIRC) sub. On the other hand, the dimensions are less convenient than the Mark 1 since it extends too far out from the wall, required the sub to move aside to clear the TV and the liner doesn't fit around the sides. I plan to replace the liner with some black felt to give a fully matte finish.

Critical feedback on both the design goal and implementation and suggestions for a Mark 3 would be most welcome.

Thank you again to Big Daddy and all the contributors to this thread.

[Edited to replace missing image links with run-on sentences. Sorry.]

[Nick The Slick]

Decided to make another riser because the first one didn't look very good, was too large for my limited space, and i wanted to experiment with the open face design. I must say i'm pleased with the results (both aesthetically and SQ wise).

[Show spoiler]

Here are the materials for the frame. I used 2x2's and 1/4" MDF board for the base, bought and cut at Home Depot~



The frame completed with base. 1'2" tall, 11" wide, and 13" deep. Fits perfectly in the space i have to put my sub.



Frame covered with a polyester material i got from Hobby Lobby. It didn't specifically say speaker grill material but it sure looks and feels like it.



Attached the same Super Slider feet i used on the last one, these things work great for isolation. Also note the logo, i was so pleased with how good it turned out i had to give it a "name" brand, haha.



I decided to ditch the foam and go with Kareface's idea somewhat. I didn't want to use the fiberglass though so i remembered this Acousta-Stuf Big Daddy mentioned in one of his posts. Amazing stuff by the way, used it in this riser, my dads riser, and mine and my dads subs and the results are well worth the $10 per 1lb bag (or $44 for 5lb bag which is what i bought).



And finally the complete thing, sub and all. The top is the same Elmers stiff board i used on the last one. This time however i took the old blanket i did have folded up on top and cut it up and stapled it to the board to make it look cleaner and more "professional" (or something like that lol).

Overall very satisfied. Can't say the open faced design made a HUGE improvement, but it does sound better than the closed box. I think if i make any more in the future this will definitely be the way i do it. Very light weight, sturdy, and looks and sounds amazing. Now to rock on and enjoy it!

[Aerodude73]

Originally Posted by Nick The Slick

Decided to make another riser because the first one didn't look very good, was too large for my limited space, and i wanted to experiment with the open face design. I must say i'm pleased with the results (both aesthetically and SQ wise).

[Show spoiler]

Here are the materials for the frame. I used 2x2's and 1/4" MDF board for the base, bought and cut at Home Depot~



The frame completed with base. 1'2" tall, 11" wide, and 13" deep. Fits perfectly in the space i have to put my sub.



Frame covered with a polyester material i got from Hobby Lobby. It didn't specifically say speaker grill material but it sure looks and feels like it.



Attached the same Super Slider feet i used on the last one, these things work great for isolation. Also note the logo, i was so pleased with how good it turned out i had to give it a "name" brand, haha.



I decided to ditch the foam and go with Kareface's idea somewhat. I didn't want to use the fiberglass though so i remembered this Acousta-Stuf Big Daddy mentioned in one of his posts. Amazing stuff by the way, used it in this riser, my dads riser, and mine and my dads subs and the results are well worth the $10 per 1lb bag (or $44 for 5lb bag which is what i bought).



And finally the complete thing, sub and all. The top is the same Elmers stiff board i used on the last one. This time however i took the old blanket i did have folded up on top and cut it up and stapled it to the board to make it look cleaner and more "professional" (or something like that lol).

Overall very satisfied. Can't say the open faced design made a HUGE improvement, but it does sound better than the closed box. I think if i make any more in the future this will definitely be the way i do it. Very light weight, sturdy, and looks and sounds amazing. Now to rock on and enjoy it!

Excellent job Again!!

[BIG INJUN CHIEF]

My original intent was to build risers for much larger subs. I had planned on purchasing 2 ed a2-300's, then moved to Outlaw LFM-and ended up with 2 PSW505's. I apologize as I had pics of the initial build but they were lost due to alcohol consumption.

MATERIALS
HOME DEPOT
1-4'X4' MDF $8
1-2X10X8 $7.75
1-4X4X12 $11
12-L-BRACKETS $.58 each
80LBS CONCRETE $1.75 (bag partially torn)
RUBBER BACKED CARPET-scavenged from my ofc remodel
BIG LOTS
4x8 AUTO CARPET $8

RISERS
14"X17"24"-100LBS EACH



RISERS
First coat of spray

[BIG INJUN CHIEF]

I filled each riser with concrete and this will force a re-spray. Made a bit more of a mess than anticipated.

[BIG INJUN CHIEF]

I then placed a few pieces of rubber backed carpet that was scavenged from my office remodel and secured the concrete with a brace.

In addition, I glued rubber backed carpet to the platform. I intend to cover the platform with auto grade carpet. This is were I would like a bit of assistance please. I hope to staple the carpet over the platform. I have never used this or any type of carpet. Would it be wise to also glue the auto carpet in addition to stapling? Please assist. Any comments or suggestions are welcome.



I will also place a few pieces of the carpet on the bottom of each leg.

[Big Daddy]

Good job BIG INJUN CHIEF.

[BDS23420]

How important is it to have a Riser for your sub?!

[BIG INJUN CHIEF]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Good job BIG INJUN CHIEF.

Thank you VERY much for sharing the knowledge!!!!! You are quite the inspiration.

[darkpoet25]

Originally Posted by BDS23420

How important is it to have a Riser for your sub?!

While not overly important, it does help. By raising your subwoofer, it can help increase response, and tighten the bass. Flooring and carpeting can absorb some of the lower frequencies. Taking a look at your gallery and seeing your BIC subwoofer, I noticed the port is on the lower back end.(Much like my Velodyne.) There are the ones at the beginning of the thread that Big Daddy has links to that you can buy pre-made, or you can go the DIY route. It will take some time but try going back and reading some of the posts on here and it will give you an idea of what to expect with a Sub riser. I have pics in my gallery of my own build too.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by AJCxZ0

[Show spoiler]For reasons unknown, my userid is deleted a day or so after I create it and I have had no response to messages or emails to the administrator. This is my first post, so I have no idea what will happen to it when the account dissappears again.

[Show spoiler]

I read every post in every one of the 92 pages in this thread, so I have no good excuse for any cluelessness which follows, though I blame my camera phone for the poor pictures. Click on the images to see the large original.

Based on the advice in the thread I decided to try to build my own riser / bass trap / isolator for my Costco special front-firing 10" 120W KLH "KSUB-10" (similar to the ASW10-120) which I have pollyfilled and port-stuffed. Lacking carpentry skills I decided to construct something which eliminated the furniture component and effectively provided height, dampening and isolation in one.

First I got a 20"x14"x4" cardboard box ($0) and stuffed it with two old pillows ($0), taping the edges to prevent the pillows from bursting out. I then wrapped it in "easyLiner" 20"x48" drawer liner ($7.08 from Lowes)



which fit nicely around the box



to make a firm box full of dense foam with a semi-gloss non slip surface



on which my sub sat stably, raised about 4" above its former position on my hearth



next to my home theater electronics on their wire shelving (which is great for ventilation and avoiding dust buildup).



This Mark 1 riser had an astonishing effect of the quality of the bass. It went from being primarily a rumble box good for movies to a clear and distinct low extension of my speakers down to its drop-off around 30Hz, substantially assisted by the Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH and its MCACC calibration.

Satisfied that the Mark 1 ($7.04) was working well and in no obvious need of improvement, I set about designing the Mark 2. The goal was the same: to raise with dampening material which would provide isolation. Scouting Lowes I saw a box of "greenfiber R13-R60" insulation material ($10.75 from Lowes) weighing approx. 14.5 lbs in a 24"x15.5"x12" block.



I wrapped this in a black plastic trash bag ($0) for aesthetics and to ensure the thin plastic which wrapped the fiber remained intact.





Next I wrapped the drawer liner ($7.08) around it



taping the sides where it did not properly fit.



To my ear - being the only measuring device employed - the Mark 2 ($17.83) is a small improvement on the Mark 1 sound and is probably near to the best performance I am likely to get out of this old, cheap ($99, IIRC) sub. On the other hand, the dimensions are less convenient than the Mark 1 since it extends too far out from the wall, required the sub to move aside to clear the TV and the liner doesn't fit around the sides. I plan to replace the liner with some black felt to give a fully matte finish.

Critical feedback on both the design goal and implementation and suggestions for a Mark 3 would be most welcome.

Thank you again to Big Daddy and all the contributors to this thread.

Good job on the riser.

[BDS23420]

Originally Posted by darkpoet25

While not overly important, it does help. By raising your subwoofer, it can help increase response, and tighten the bass. Flooring and carpeting can absorb some of the lower frequencies. Taking a look at your gallery and seeing your BIC subwoofer, I noticed the port is on the lower back end.(Much like my Velodyne.) There are the ones at the beginning of the thread that Big Daddy has links to that you can buy pre-made, or you can go the DIY route. It will take some time but try going back and reading some of the posts on here and it will give you an idea of what to expect with a Sub riser. I have pics in my gallery of my own build too.

awesome....thanks for the help man!

[darkpoet25]

Originally Posted by BDS23420

awesome....thanks for the help man!

Sure thing, no problem.

[BIG INJUN CHIEF]

I have finally competed construction and set-up of the riser.

I will violate a personal rule and pull the grills off the PSW505 (ugly driver) only to show I painted the face plate to match (sorta) the polk monitors.
UGLY DRIVER (sounds ok but uggggg'lee).

[BIG INJUN CHIEF]

A few additional photos of the entire basement system. I am now off to further educate myself with respect to acoustic treatments and projectors.



. Apologies for the photos as I suspect the lens in the camera is a bit dirty.

[troyus]

The thing is, how does it sound?

[BIG INJUN CHIEF]

Clean and very tight. I have yet to re-run YPAO, but I did knock a few dbs off from the receiver. For a budget system I am very pleased. Amazing thread!!! I am now researching acoustic treatments and considering a projector. The display is rather small (50") for the space.

[smeesmay]

just got mine built, actually had a nice heavy duty wood cube from goodwill that ran me 2 bucks. Filled that up with about 30 tightly compacted sheets and material (all free from girlfriend parents new house where it was left) and a can of spray enamel I picked up on sale for .68 cents. So i have a $2.68 cent sub riser that is incredible. The bass is tighter, rattles are almost nonexistent and it just looks clean. Although I did not take the time to post any pics of the build (unfortunately), Ill shoot one tonight of the riser in place. Thanks everyone!

[GrJfer]

Originally Posted by BIG INJUN CHIEF

A few additional photos of the entire basement system. I am now off to further educate myself with respect to acoustic treatments and projectors.



. Apologies for the photos as I suspect the lens in the camera is a bit dirty.

Great Job on the risers, and love the boxer pup. I have 2 brindle's.

[BIG INJUN CHIEF]

Thanks for the kind words. He assisted a great deal throughout the construction process . No house is complete without a least one Boxer IMHO.