Please tell me if this is a really stupid idea or if it may work?

[captain_tinker]

Hey folks,
Well, I had an idea. I really want to get a subwoofer, and soon. My poor Titan's are really having a hard time with bass, especially since they are not "full range" speakers technically. I have not had my system for quite a year yet, and already I have upgrade-itis, and have for several months as I began to learn more and hear more. I am planning on eventually (over the next several years) cutting over to an all ML system. I currently have a 3.0 setup, using Paradigm Titan, and the CC-270. It needs a sub. So, I figured I would go and find a good ML sub, and as I upgrade the fronts, (probably to Mosaic's seeing I don't think I would ever be able to afford anything more than that, unless I get something used), I will already have a good sub to go with them. I am considering either the Dynamo or the Grotto, leaning heavily towards the Grotto. I have already auditioned both of them, and they both sound great. The real caveat is avoiding destruction of the sub by my two young children. So I have been scheming to figure out a good way to keep their hands off of it, and still be able to get what I want.

I have heard of people mounting their subs in a cabinet. I have a friend who placed his sub in a large wicker basket with a top on it to keep the kids off of it. It actually works ok too. I think it's just slightly muffled, but not bad really. In any case, here is my idea. I have an oak entertainment center that looks exactly like this:

http://www.rcwilley.com/GetProductDetail.soa?modelNumber=23742370-ENTCNTR

You can hit the "view larger image" link to get a bigger picture of it. In any case, I have my two Titan's set up in the top left and right boxes of the cabinet, and the center channel on the shelf right above the TV angled downwards a bit using some rubber doorstops. Not the best for good listening I know, but safe for the speakers for now.

In any case, here is my idea. The cabinets on the very bottom on each end are currently empty and I suspect would probably accomadate a sub. However the fact is that they would be behind closed doors... That's where I begin to wonder if perhaps this is a really stupid idea or not. Would keeping the sub in there sound really awful? What if I removed the doors and replaced them with some kind of a wicker covering or something a bit more durable than fabric? Would that work ok?

Or what if I did something like my friend and get a large square basket to put the sub in for a few years until the kids learn not to touch? Maybe even put a lock on the top? Or would this just ruin the sound so much as to completely negate the entire idea of getting a sub to begin with?

-capT

 

[Robin]

Kids Make Us Do The Darnest Things Sometimes...

cap T,

Maybe, I guess that might work..., to protect the subwoofer but kids need to learn as well. It is really your call ~ you are the Daddy. Good Luck though...

 

[Jeff Zaret]

capT,
If memory serves me the Grotto is similar to the Depth and Decent in design and would not be effective in a cabinet. If it is like those then you will get ringing, frequencies bouncing within the cabinet and all kinds of things you do not want. The Dynamo is forward firing and may be closer to what will work.

My first thought would be a used Grotto or the Depth not in a cabinet and put a force field around it so the kids won't touch it but that is me.

Jeff

 

[captain_tinker]

capT,
If memory serves me the Grotto is similar to the Depth and Decent in design and would not be effective in a cabinet. If it is like those then you will get ringing, frequencies bouncing within the cabinet and all kinds of things you do not want. The Dynamo is forward firing and may be closer to what will work.

My first thought would be a used Grotto or the Depth not in a cabinet and put a force field around it so the kids won't touch it but that is me.

Jeff

Jeff,
Ah Yes! now THAT is what I need, a force field! Man, why didn't I think of that before? Love it, thanks man!

Yeah, I guess you guys are right, the grotto is front firing, and the Dynamo can be configured as such also, but I guess unless I set it just right, it may not sound right.


Robin,
Do you think it's worth the risk to try and keep them away at this age? (3 and a half, and 1 and a half) Great kids though, no matter how twerpy they are...

-capT

 

[Tube60]

All sorts of weird reflections could happen. Best to leave in the usual position for a sub.
As for the kids, pick up a training collar at Petco, the kind with a remote. Tie the collar around the wrist of the child, and....... Did I write that?
Reverse psychology is your best bet. If one of them walks up and touches your sub, run over, shove the child aside, and yell MINE!!!! MINE!!!!! then run over to Mom, throw your arms around her, and bawl even louder.
Trust me..... it works.....:rocker:

 

[ralflar]

capT,

I will not offer advice regarding kids . I do recommend 2 Dynamos over 1 Grotto. Why? The down firing configuration, corner loaded, works very well. A single Dynamo outputs a surprising amount of clean, fast bass. Two will work even better than one. At the end of the day nothing may evade tiny inquisitive fingers, but down firing subs like the Dynamo should last much longer than a front firing Grotto, because their vulnerable side (the side with the speaker) is less exposed. And if your kids manage to destroy one you will still have the other. And you will lose only half the money.

Dynamos can be used with plain feet but, on carpet floor, require spikes for best results. I expect this to be even truer for the better ML subs. Spikes could be a hazard for your kids though.

Don't hide any sub in a cabinet or other compartment. It would be a waste. If you must, choose a small sub. That again would be the Dynamo.

The Dynamo has a larger sibling, the Abyss, but 2 of those would cost more than 1 Grotto.

 

[Charliemike]

All sorts of weird reflections could happen. Best to leave in the usual position for a sub.
As for the kids, pick up a training collar at Petco, the kind with a remote. Tie the collar around the wrist of the child, and....... Did I write that?
Reverse psychology is your best bet. If one of them walks up and touches your sub, run over, shove the child aside, and yell MINE!!!! MINE!!!!! then run over to Mom, throw your arms around her, and bawl even louder.
Trust me..... it works.....:rocker:

You're Peter Griffin, aren't you!

 

[Tube60]

You're Peter Griffin, aren't you!

Sorry to hijack the thread, but who's Peter Griffin?

 

[socialxray]

The sub in a cabinet would probably work very will if you replace the doors with grills of some sort. Maybe have doors made that are grills with a wood frame. The only thing I would worry about is the cabinet vibrating.

Or you could buy a cheap sub such as an Athena, Polk Audio, etc. and not worry about it until your kids are older.

 

[IWalker]

Peter Griffin is the father/main character in the Cartoon "Family Guy."

If you want to build your own sub, you can do a lot of things to childproof them. If not, you still have some options, I'd think.

1. run your wire from your receiver/preamp through the wall, to a plate in the corner. I'd run power there too. Then corner your sub so that the back where the plate amp is makes a triangle with the two walls that form the corner. The plate with the power and the audio connection are in that little triangle, making a controlled area to some degree. Get a nice/heavy sub and it will be difficult for a child to move it, especially if you spike it to the ground...so all the parts you don't want touched are in the corner.

Aluminium front firing woofers are probably pretty safe, as they're pretty strong...but down firing probably offers you more protection. I wouldn't go for a ported sub, because you'll end up getting all sorts of legos, etc. in the port.

Running the wires through the wall is a pain, I know, but is the best way to make it not look like something interesting to play with, and to prevent tripping, pulling, etc.

I wouldn't put the sub into the entertainment center, it completely changes the way it works. You're now pressurizing a different space, and what you're hearing outside is really just cabinet resonance of the entertainment center...something that you generally try to avoid. If you do want to do that, like others have said, a front firing woofer would do it...as long as you keep the door open/off and have it firing out of the cabinet.

 

[Charliemike]

Sorry to hijack the thread, but who's Peter Griffin?

He's the father in Fox's "The Family Guy" ... It's an animated cartoon far more crass than the Simpsons but intelligent in its own way.

Anyway, Peter is a 300-lb child for all intents and purposes. The show is very funny for those who are into this kind of humor.

 

[DTB300]

The real caveat is avoiding destruction of the sub by my two young children. So I have been scheming to figure out a good way to keep their hands off of it, and still be able to get what I want.

I have had my Logan's before both my children were born, and through proper "death threats" (just kidding), proper instruction and oversight, they never went near any parts of the system. And the system was located in one of the primary play rooms in the house. I liken it to teaching them about a hot stove or oven to stay away from. For my system, maybe I was just lucky...

Same thing with the cats in our home - we have three now, and had two before that, and I never have had an issue with them and the equipment. Again, maybe I have been lucky...

Dan

 

[captain_tinker]

I have had my Logan's before both my children were born, and through proper "death threats" (just kidding), proper instruction and oversight, they never went near any parts of the system. And the system was located in one of the primary play rooms in the house. I liken it to teaching them about a hot stove or oven to stay away from. For my system, maybe I was just lucky...

Same thing with the cats in our home - we have three now, and had two before that, and I never have had an issue with them and the equipment. Again, maybe I have been lucky...

Dan

I guess had I had it there already when they first came, they may have just gotten used to it and not really bothered with it. I may still be able to teach them that I guess. Also for those who suggested maybe going with a cheaper sub for now that may also be a good idea, I will have to look into that. Down firing is also a good idea in this case, less likely for them to puncture the driver, and that way there is not a grill to tear either. No port on a Dynamo, so that is also good to keep the toys out.... I guess at that point, I would just have to check the controls on the back before running it to make sure the volume wasn't turned all the way up. Haha! I know my son will probably someday do that to me anyway... Even though he's only 1 and a half, I can tell he's going to be a bit of a joker... I guess you all are right, I probably just need to lighten up and trust them.

I guess I am still just a bit spooked from a few weeks ago when my son went into the kitchen, and got into one of the drawers and brought my wife the carving knife... We had to go and get a gate for the kitchen that night. I just didn't want to chance it. My 3 and a half year old daughter is getting better, she doesn't really get into stuff like that very often anymore.

-capT