Good Idea/Bad Idea? Subwoofer Coffee Table

[dane_peterson]

So, the guy that bought my Polks is also interested in buying my HSU sub. I hadn't really considered the notion, because I'd end up spending a lot more on an upgrade.
After building my TV stand, my wife asked if I'd make a coffee table. Our current coffee table is too long, and frankly a piece of crap. I'm all for the idea, as soon as I come up with a decent design.

Then the lightbulb went off... kill two birds with one stone!

I've been reading quite a few threads over the last couple days, and the size I'd need would be similar to the size of the coffee table I want. I'd like to run a single 15" driver and tune to around 15-18Hz. Nothing ridiculous like Sid or something... just a respectable sub that also functions as the center of our furniture.

Would this be a completely retarded idea?

[Music Joe]

The room determines the best location of both the coffee table and the subwoofer.
The two will most likely be optimal in differing spots.

[PolkThug]

The coffee table location is probably not optimal for subwoofer performance.

[dane_peterson]

That's enough for me then! You're right... putting it smack dab in the center of the room wouldn't really be the best plan.

I may still be making a sub, but it will be more likely a side table if anything. Thanks guys.

[jwhitakr]

With a subwoofer that ran double duty as a coffee table, I'd be awfully scared of spilling something on it and ruining the finish. With dogs, kids, etc. running around and food and drinks in the mix, that sounds like a risky situation.

I say stick with your HSU and abandon the coffee table / side table subwoofer idea... if you decide to sell the HSU, I'll predict you'll miss it and want it back in no time flat. :-)

[Early B.]

How would you run and hide the power cord and subwoofer cable in a coffee table?

Good idea, though.

I've often thought about making a subwoofer platform and putting my couch on top of it. It's done all the time in dedicated HT rooms.

I dunno if there's a major issue with the coffee table location. Even if you put the sub in a side table, it still may not be any more optimal than the location of the coffee table.

I'm sure your VTF-3 kicks ass, but it ain't gonna perform better than a good DIYer with a hearty 15 incher in it tuned to 15-18 Hz. Go for it.

BTW -- consider using two 15 inchers. Or how about building two 15" subs -- one on each side of the sitting position. Yeah!

[dane_peterson]

Early B, I'd probably just build it passive, and have the sub amp on my component rack. Then just run speaker cable under the couch and against the wall. I could have the cable exit the corner towards the side table between the couches, so it wouldn't get in the way much.
After posting this thread, I found this site, which is darn near exactly what my idea consisted of.
http://www.toshistation.com/thunder/default.htm
I'd put a nice protective coating on top of the finish, so it would be essentially waterproof. But the positioning thing could still be a problem. However, I don't know that the HSU is in a fabulous spot right now either, but that's pretty much the only location I have room for.

[dane_peterson]

I've often thought about making a subwoofer platform and putting my couch on top of it. It's done all the time in dedicated HT rooms.

I really like this idea too... if I had more space, that would have been the original plan. Maybe when we get a house and I can do my own carpeting.

[Early B.]

After posting this thread, I found this site, which is darn near exactly what my idea consisted of.
http://www.toshistation.com/thunder/default.htm

Yo, Dane, dude... you gotta do this. Very, very cool.

[AndyGwis]

ok, that guy's turned out well so maybe it's feasible...

[Early B.]

But the positioning thing could still be a problem. However, I don't know that the HSU is in a fabulous spot right now either, but that's pretty much the only location I have room for.

Dane -- try this.

Move your Hsu where in the coffee table position and play a few DVDs. This should give you a general idea of the difference in sound between the two positions.

Let us know what you find out.

[dane_peterson]

Dane -- try this.

Move your Hsu where in the coffee table position and play a few DVDs. This should give you a general idea of the difference in sound between the two positions.

Let us know what you find out.

Good call.
I'll try it out as soon as the Jolida comes in on Mon/Tues.

[dane_peterson]

All right,
After further consideration and in talking with one of my DIY buddies, I think we're going to make a couple of 15" Sonosubs. One for me, one for him. Chances are his will be much more budget than mine. But I'll post in the DIY forum as things progress. :)

[edbert]

The side table idea works quite well. I have a cousin that did this and it's awesome! It even has a drawer at the top to hold his remotes and stuff. It's pretty large for a side table, but it looks and sounds good.

[bigaudiofanatic]

I like the idea but hey not the best place

[Music Joe]

Lift this idea and rescale it to your needs. A side table can look good about anywhere in the room.

[2michaud]

just one thought, we still don't know what strange effects sub-frequencies have on cans of beer that sit on subwoofer coffee tables....could be deadly :D ;)

[fatchowmein]

I have my Outlaw LFM-1 Plus doing double duty because we needed a new end table for the recliner after one of the dogs (55lb, 65lb, or both) ran into the last one and split the legs. The sub passed the WAF and dog test (they can't even budge it). However, it makes the bass very directional which is kinda annoying to me but the Mrs doesn't seem to notice. I would love to move it but I have severe space limitation in our apartment.

As for spills, the Outlaw is very stable with a glass top plus we added a placemat (Pier 1 import) and coasters. So far so good.

Knock on wood.

[Silverti]

I have my Outlaw LFM-1 Plus doing double duty because we needed a new end table for the recliner after one of the dogs (55lb, 65lb, or both) ran into the last one and split the legs. The sub passed the WAF and dog test (they can't even budge it). However, it makes the bass very directional which is kinda annoying to me but the Mrs doesn't seem to notice. I would love to move it but I have severe space limitation in our apartment.

As for spills, the Outlaw is very stable with a glass top plus we added a placemat (Pier 1 import) and coasters. So far so good.

Knock on wood.

Ya, I just got my LFM-EX and the thing is really friggen huge. I've been thinking about what I can do with it. Maybe make it my center stand or actually place it next to the theater chairs like an end table. Maybe even placed up front holding some of my Outlaw monoblocks. Its hard to find a dedicated spot for this thing to just be a sub.

[tsandesson115]

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[Kex]

Thought, maybe, I smelt a rat ...
Thought, maybe, I saw a rat ...
Thought, maybe, I heard a rat ...

Oh yeah ... that's a rat. Nice invisible link, you fookin' scourge of the Club Polk universe!

tsandesson115 ^^^^ has been reported.

Oh, and Dane, did you ever do any of that stuff you discussed in this thread?!

[TECHNOKID]

Thought, maybe, I smelt a rat ...
Thought, maybe, I saw a rat ...
Thought, maybe, I heard a rat ...

Oh yeah ... that's a rat. Nice invisible link, you fookin' scourge of the Club Polk universe!

tsandesson115 ^^^^ has been reported.

Oh, and Dane, did you ever do any of that stuff you discussed in this thread?!

Good eyes Kex :D I wouldn't have picked that up! If at least it were audio related!

[dane_peterson]

Kex,
EXTREMELY late reply, but late is always better than never.
I ended up building a sonosub... then selling it to a Polk member. Then I finished my buddy's who lost interest... and sold it to the same Polk member. :D And now I don't have a dedicated theater room, so I won't be running a sub for some time.