Sub or Bass Bins for new Modula build??

[ctnsupra1]

Well finally after exactly one year of completing my Modula MT crossovers (RS28a tweeter version) I built the boxes. And wow! These things are absolutely incredible in clarity and definition. I've been watching movies and listening to music non stop for the last few days. My question is two parts 1) What's the difference between bass bins vs subs and 2) is there any reason why I should build one over the other? I'm thinking of a plate amp and a ported 10" in each cabinet acting as stands. Thanks in advance.

[---k---]

Typically when someone says sub, they use the crossover in their receiver and cross ~60 - 80hz to the sub. When they use the term bass bin, they add an electric crossover, such as a behringer dcx 2496, and cross much higher, say 200 - 250hz. - It basically becomes a 3-way speaker.

While the Modula's and other 2-way designs can do bass down to ~80hz, the midrange improves when relieved of the bass duties. The downside is of course cost. And, you'll want to make sure your bass bins have nice, tight, distortion free response well past your crossover frequencies. So, that somewhat rules out the big monsterous HT subs.

And remember, there is no replacement for displacement. A 10" sub is going to be somewhat limited compared to internet forum normal.

[ThomasW]

Ryan covered most of the important points...

The idea with bass bins is to take the workload off the midwoofers. That doesn't occur when a sub is used.

I don't think a plate amp is necessarily the best choice for bass bins. I'd go with a outboard active XO something like the Behringer the CX2310 or CX3400, and a low cost power amp.

When time permits I'll be building bins to augment the output from the NeoDcc. The bins will be sealed boxes each containing a pair of Dayton RSS265HF. I have the drivers and construction materials, so it's just a matter of finding the time for the build.