Dayton RSS390HO any good

[ba123]

I am building a subwoofer for split duty music and HT in my house and was looking at the Dayton 390HO. It seems to model very well in a box limited to the size I need and is right where I'd like to be price wise. I know it has limited x-max, but I only have a 300 watt plate amp and don't see upgrading anytime soon until I go much bigger. So this being the case, is the 390HO a good driver with my limitations. I am also looking at the 315HF and like the low distortion and also the new Shiva-X and like the x-max, but realize those are 12's and think the extra displacement would be better. Am I correct in thinking this, or are the other drivers better in regards to quality of output? Thanks.

[ThomasW]

These days there are several good drivers to choose from. Choice is dependent on the output level you need and the budget. If you're budget limited and don't need a ton of output the 390 is a very good driver. If you can afford the extra ~$25 the Tempest-X would be the driver of choice since it's output potential is that of 2 RSS390's.

[ba123]

Thanks Thomas. I really like the idea of a Tempest-X, but because I have only ~ 4 cubic feet and 300 watts on tap I thought it modeled not that great. The Shiva-X models great with my requirements, but I thought maybe the 390HO would push more air - just don't know if it would be as good of a driver in the SQ department?

Budget is ~$200 for a driver and my room is only about 10 X 12 X 9 so output is second to SQ at this pricepoint.

[ThomasW]

When buying things I tend to think 'big picture' and 'long-term' when making a purchase. As a result I fail to see the reason for handicapping the system by choosing a driver that only fits the performance of the existing amp.

Using either IE6 or Firefox I can't get your pic to load so I don't know want kind of box is in the sim. If it's a 4 cu ft sealed box all you need is a bit of EQ if room gain doesn't lift the bottom end of the Tempest-X.

Understand I'm not saying the RSS390 is a bad driver. I have a pair in my Isiris prototypes and like them a lot. It's simply that in your situation the Tempest-X is double the driver for ~$20 more.

[ba123]

Sorry about the pic - maybe the one below will work better.

Anyway, I'll try to run some more models in WinISD with the Tempest-X and see what I can come up with for the smallest possible box that would still perform well - although this usually just leads me back to looking at the higher priced CSS and SoundSplinter drivers again due to there smaller box abilities...

Thanks again.

[BobEllis]

In a reasonable room, the Tempest-X does a good job in 3 cubic feet. Not the last word in extension but very musical. Room gain typically picks up where it starts rolling off. Need more extension? Add a Linkwitz transform.

The Tempest X and a 500W plate amp in a PE ready made box make a nice little sub that will last you through a couple main speaker upgrades for around $700. I helped a friend build this setup.

[jkrutke]

If anyone wants an RS390HO, I've got one sitting around to let go cheap. $100 +shipping, PM if interested. Never got time to build the box, and then decided that I'm happy enough with a 315HF.

I think Thomas and I have completely different concepts of what "a ton of output" is. For me, I think even a single 15 is overkill.

[---k---]

. For me, I think even a single 15 is overkill.

Heresy! Ban Him!

:P

[Brian Bunge]

I've used quad RS390HO's in two separate subwoofers and they worked very well. I think for the power you have on hand and the size of your room you will probably be very happy with this driver.

[ThomasW]

I think Thomas and I have completely different concepts of what "a ton of output" is. For me, I think even a single 15 is overkill.

I guess so...... :B

With the availability of high excursion drivers and low cost power amps, my passion for experiencing the visceral effects of low bass is now easy to realize..... :T

[Raptor550]

If anyone wants an RS390HO, I've got one sitting around to let go cheap. $100 +shipping, PM if interested.

Jon, did anyone ever snatch up that rs390? I couldn't pm you.

[jkrutke]

Nope, I was just going to dump it on ebay with the next bunch of drivers I need to unload. My PM here is temporarily turned on if you want it.