DIY Subwoofer Risers

[Audio Nirvana]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Congratulations on your new subwoofer.

You are on the right track. Make sure your riser is as solid as possible. Also, remember that the location of the subwoofer in the room can make a difference. Experiment with the subwoofer's positioning.

How about using this as a riser?I know it's not DIY and it's from $60 at Walmart.The good thing is I can fill it with any foam or other material.Measures 18" H x 18 1/2" W x 18 1/2" D.

[Audio Nirvana]

I just experimented by putting my outlaw M8 on a full cardboard box sideways which is about 12 inches high and I definitely hear acoustic improvement.I was thinking of buying an anti-fatigue mat.But I now know raising my sub is the way to go.

[Audio Nirvana]

Well I found this old speaker stand which I can easily convert into a riser for my sub.But there are issues with it.The middle support is on a slight angle.Should I cut it and make it level when I add/replace the new platform? The middle support is a V shape and the base is also solid wood,so it should be solid enough for my 29 pound M8.I'm also wondering if it is too short as it is about 7 inches high.Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Aerodude73]

Originally Posted by Audio Nirvana

[Show spoiler]

Well I found this old speaker stand which I can easily convert into a riser for my sub.But there are issues with it.The middle support is on a slight angle.Should I cut it and make it level when I add/replace the new platform? The middle support is a V shape and the base is also solid wood,so it should be solid enough for my 29 pound M8.I'm also wondering if it is too short as it is about 7 inches high. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Show spoiler]

I'd definitely get some 2x3's, cut them into whatever length you want (7" should be plenty high, but you could go any height really. My SubDude is only 3" or so high & does the trick ). I'd use the 2x3's in each corner & get a brand new piece of wood for the top & Sides (MDF), then fill in the riser itself after. I'm sure you already know about using carpet/foam to complete the riser.

[Audio Nirvana]

So you are saying to put four pieces in each corner and box it up with side pieces and the top piece overlapping right? And carpeted with foam inside? Sounds like a good idea.

[Aerodude73]

Originally Posted by Audio Nirvana

So you are saying to put four pieces in each corner and box it up with side pieces and the top piece overlapping right? And carpeted with foam inside? Sounds like a good idea.

You "could" do it that way (it would def Help in Supporting your Sub, right?), or just use 4 pieces of wood, & use the 2x3's (where you think you'll need them) to Reinforce/Support the weight of the Sub above it.

Yes, you definitely want it carpeted & you'll need some type of foam inside.

[Audio Nirvana]

I think I found a better project for my riser.It's a drawer I found in my garage.I'm going to make it into a box with a smaller surface area,fill it with mineral wool and then carpet it.Currently sounds good but it is vibrating with the floor.

[Aerodude73]

Originally Posted by Audio Nirvana

I think I found a better project for my riser.It's a drawer I found in my garage.I'm going to make it into a box with a smaller surface area,fill it with mineral wool and then carpet it.Currently sounds good but it is vibrating with the floor.

[Show spoiler]

that could definitely work.

[Riddler The Slag]

I have hard wood floors and running a Polk Subwoofer. How would I benefit getting / making a riser?

Would there be any difference?

[AJCxZ0]

Originally Posted by Riddler The Slag

How would I benefit getting / making a riser?

Your bass might sound better.

Would there be any difference?

Yes.

Since it might be more useful to answer the questions not asked, assuming you have read every post in all ninety-six pages in this thread and have you sub and receiver properly configured and have found a good position with a sub crawl (or at least a few positions), I suggest you first try with a makeshift riser.

My real riser for my SVS PC12-NSD is made with a cardboard box, reinforced with cardboard tubing, stuffed with insulation material and wrapped in crushed velvet. I'm sure you remember my post (despite the missing pics, which didn't include this one).

You could fill a cardboard box with some kind of packing material, tape it shut and test it for no cost and almost no time or effort.

Alternatively you might have some furniture ready to rise to the occasion. The thread is full of examples.

So have your demo material ready, give it a listen, install your makeshift riser, give it another listen and report your results with details and photos and videos and...

[Audio Nirvana]

Originally Posted by AJCxZ0

Your bass might sound better.



Yes.

Since it might be more useful to answer the questions not asked, assuming you have read every post in all ninety-six pages in this thread and have you sub and receiver properly configured and have found a good position with a sub crawl (or at least a few positions), I suggest you first try with a makeshift riser.

My real riser for my SVS PC12-NSD is made with a cardboard box, reinforced with cardboard tubing, stuffed with insulation material and wrapped in crushed velvet. I'm sure you remember my post (despite the missing pics, which didn't include this one).

You could fill a cardboard box with some kind of packing material, tape it shut and test it for no cost and almost no time or effort.

Alternatively you might have some furniture ready to rise to the occasion. The thread is full of examples.

So have your demo material ready, give it a listen, install your makeshift riser, give it another listen and report your results with details and photos and videos and...

I agree.You can easily test raising it.I also did it with a stuffed card board box and immediately noticed an improvement.I going to finish making my riser during my vacation and post pics.

[Audio Nirvana]

Well i'm almost finished my riser/isolator.I started from scratch with some thick MDF and ready to stuff it with fiberglass.I got two small bags.I guess I should use it all.Or can I put too much?Some guy at home depot suggested putting sand in it also.I'm going to put some foam feet on the bottom and maybe put it on a anti-fatigue mat.And of course I will cover it with either black crushed velvet(which AJCxZO above used,and looks great!) or black carpet.I spent more than I wanted but I think it will be worth it.

Oh dimensions are 7"x15"x15".

[Aerodude73]

Originally Posted by Audio Nirvana

Well i'm almost finished my riser/isolator. I started from scratch with some thick MDF and ready to stuff it with fiberglass. I got two small bags. I guess I should use it all, or can I put too much? Some guy at Home Depot suggested putting sand in it also. I'm going to put some foam feet on the bottom and maybe put it on a anti-fatigue mat. And of course I will cover it with either black crushed velvet (which AJCxZO above used, and looks great!) or black carpet. I spent more than I wanted but I think it will be worth it.

[Show spoiler]

. Oh dimensions are 7"x15"x15".

As for how much to put inside, I'd say enough that it fills the insides, so the 2 bags should be enough. As for the sand in the bottom, not a bad idea, especially if you feel it will help Stabilize your riser (at 15" high, it's prob a good idea actually).

[Audio Nirvana]

Originally Posted by Aerodude73

As for how much to put inside, I'd say enough that it fills the insides, so the 2 bags should be enough. As for the sand in the bottom, not a bad idea, especially if you feel it will help Stabilize your riser (at 15" high, it's prob a good idea actually).

It's 7" high and 15" by 15" wide.I'm going to test it first thing tomorrow.Two bags of the fiberglass fit perfectly.

[Aerodude73]

Originally Posted by Audio Nirvana

It's 7" high and 15" by 15" wide. I'm going to test it first thing tomorrow. Two bags of the fiberglass fit perfectly.

Cool. Did you try that guy's idea & put some sand in the bottom (for stability) ?

[Audio Nirvana]

Originally Posted by Aerodude73

Cool. Did you try that guy's idea & put some sand in the bottom (for stability) ?

No I didn't use sand.But I didn't need it.It definitely works.Had to turn it down because of the gain in dBs.

[Aerodude73]

Originally Posted by Audio Nirvana

No I didn't use sand. But I didn't need it. It definitely works. Had to turn it down because of the gain in dBs.

cool. so it helped/sounds better?

[Audio Nirvana]

Originally Posted by Aerodude73

cool. so it helped/sounds better?

I can't say for sure because I haven't re-calibrated with Audyssey yet.

[Audio Nirvana]

Originally Posted by Audio Nirvana

I can't say for sure because I haven't re-calibrated with Audyssey yet.

Well I re-calibrated and did notice the performance improvement. Especially the fact that I can hear the prominent extension of the bass now.Though it could also be burn in.But it definitely isolates the bass more for better sound integration.

[Audio Nirvana]

Here it is pre-carpet.