I feel dumb for asking, but I'm old school and unwise in the ways of new millenium sound systems, so here we go...

Why do subs require a comlete box?

I see the sticky thread Sub Box Dimensions where the box is built, from 3/4 MDF, which I assume adds ALOT of weight.

Why can't you just make the top panel and insert so that it "wedges" itself in the well, mount the subs, and be done - without all the weight of the "box"? Won't the well serve as the box once it's coveredwith the top panel?

And, if this method won't work for those that spend thousands on stereo equipment for the "optimal sound quality" - would it work for an old fart such as myself that doesn't want to deafen the neighbors but just wants to add a nice "thump" to his old school jams?

 

The front of the speaker has to be isolated from the rear of the speaker...

You can do what you want, place a sub on a board and try and separate it the best you can (front / back) and it will make bass. But nothing like a complete box. That is called an "infinite baffle" and sometimes companies make speakers designed just for that... but just know, it won't sound as good as a speaker in a box.

 

The best thing you can probaly do for your taste is just to get a small amplified bass tube. A good 8 incher with a built in amp. Then you can shove it where the spare tire gose or put it down in the sump. It would serve you needs very well. Plus it would be an easy install. Adam :-)

 

What you are asking about, you can do. It may not sound as good as a correctly built box, but it will give you some bass. A properly designed infinite baffle will sound as good as a sealed enclosure as that is what you are mimicking. It is just the "box" portion in well.. Infinite in size or at least out of the parimeters given for a sealed enclosure. What you would be recreating is a sealed box with massive leaks using the baffle board design. So it will work but again a powered enclosure might work better for you. But if you already have the equipment sitting around, go ahead and just try it. If it does not suit your tastes you are out a piece of wood and a little time.

Good luck

 

you could also build a partial bobox wit just 3 sidesand fiberglass the front, back and bottom of the box. Or you can a pre man box that fits the cubby of ur cam or bird. now there are some wedge boxes that will fit in the cubby, but i think that it carries only 10inch subs. there are many solutions u just have to find one that suits you. I used to have a small box with 2 8in L7's Mounted on piano hinge in my cubby. they sounded great but i am doing 3 10's now!

 

If you want an in-depth education on subwoofers and why enclosures are important, read this article I wrote:

http://www.iroczone.com/technical/subwoofer/

It should answer all of your questions.

 

Subs are designed with a specific amount of air to push/pull against. Without a box, the balance between air pressure on each side of the speaker is out of whack - comparable to the wrong suspension on a car. The result may be louder bass, but that may also be the sound of your sub destroying itself. Also, if you want even response across the range of the sub, you need a box of the correct type with the correct internal volume. Without, your sub might be louder at some frequencies and quieter at others...i.e. acoustic feces... Build a box. If you're worried about weight, check out an 8" sub...they require a smaller box and they can kick harder than you'd expect.