Who Is Going To Build Your Subwoofer Enclosure?

Since the subwoofer enclosure is so critical to getting the best performance from your dX subs, you should ask yourself the following questions:

1.Do I really enjoy working with my hands?

2.Do I have good woodworking and mechanical skills?

3.Do I have, or have access to, woodworking and electrical tools?

4.Do I have a solid understanding about musical reproduction in an automobile?

3 If you answered NO to any of the above questions, we recommend you choose one of these two possible alternatives: First, there are pre-built subwoofer enclosures on the market from manufacturers like Q-Logic and R/T, or enclosure kits from BassLine and others. The second alternative is to have your authorized Polk Audio dealer design and build a woofer box for you.

3 If you answered YES to all of the above, let’s review some basics before you begin.

Building Your Own Enclosure

The dX subwoofers have been optimized to give you flat bass response in small sealed enclosures. Some listeners may want response other than “flat,” or may want to trade-off depth of response for greater efficiency by using a vented enclosure. There is no way we could provide all the information for all of the options here. This manual will give you enough information to build a great sounding, small sealed enclosure. If you are interested in a greater choice of enclosure designs, your Polk dX Series dealer has extensive experience designing woofer boxes and will be more than happy to work with you. If you prefer, you can call our Customer Service Department from 9AM to 6PM, Monday through Friday, Eastern Time at (800)377-7655.

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Acoustic Suspension Enclosures

As the dX subwoofers are optimized for acoustic suspension enclosures, we suggest you use this type of design. The acoustic suspension cabinet is a sealed airtight box, and

is the easiest box to build. It also is a very predictable enclosure with easily calculated parameters, and it has a smooth natural sound. Properly built acoustic suspension cabinets have a flat frequency response that begins rolling off at 12 dB per octave at the frequencies below its cabinet resonance. This works very well inside a car because of a natural phenomenon called “room gain” or “transfer function”

that gives you a 12 dB per octave increase in bass frequencies. You can

roughly calculate at what frequency this gain begins by using the equation F= 565 / L. F is the frequency at which bass gain begins, and L is the longest dimension of your “room.” If, for example, you measured the longest dimension of your car as 5.65 ft., the room gain begins at 565 / 5.65 or 100 Hz. If your goal was perfectly flat frequency response you would design your cabinet for this particular car to have a resonance frequency of 100 Hz. Since most people want more bass than a flat frequency response yields, tuning the cabinet at a lower frequency, say 50 Hz, would give you a gain of 12 dB per octave between 100 and 50 Hz and flat response from 50 Hz down. The larger the cabinet, the lower the resonant frequency, and the lower the efficiency. Two identical systems will sound very different in a Honda vs. a Cadillac. The bigger the car the lower the frequency at which room gain begins.

Tools You Will Need To Build Your Enclosure

If you have decided to build your own enclosure for your Polk dX subwoofers, here is a list of the tools you should have available to you.

❏Calculator

❏Assorted Drill bits

❏Screwdriver bit for drill or manual screwdriver

❏Circular saw

❏Tape measure

❏Drill - electric or cordless

❏Jigsaw

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Premium Performance Loudspeakers

Premium Performance Loudspeakers

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Polk Audio dX8 owner manual Who Is Going To Build Your Subwoofer Enclosure?, Building Your Own Enclosure
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dX8 specifications

Polk Audio, a renowned name in the audio equipment industry, has consistently delivered products that blend performance, innovation, and aesthetics. One of its standout offerings is the dX8 speakers, which showcase a perfect amalgamation of advanced technologies and superior sound quality, making them a hard-to-beat choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

At the heart of the Polk Audio dX8 is its impressive driver design. The speakers feature an 8-inch Dynamic Balance® woofer that delivers deep, rich bass, ensuring that low-frequency sounds are reproduced with clarity and power. This woofer is complemented by a 1-inch silk dome tweeter that provides smooth, high-frequency performance, allowing for detailed and nuanced notes in vocals and instruments. The synergy between the woofer and tweeter caters to a full-range audio experience, whether you are listening to orchestral music, rock, or cinema soundtracks.

One of the key technologies that elevate the dX8 is the Dynamic Balance technology, which is engineered to reduce distortion and deliver better overall sound reproduction. By utilizing advanced computational methods, Polk Audio ensures that each speaker reproduces sound as accurately as possible, allowing you to hear your music and movie soundtracks exactly as the artist intended.

The dX8 also boasts a sophisticated crossover system that optimizes frequency distribution between the woofer and tweeter. This system not only enhances sound clarity but also contributes to a more immersive listening experience. With a frequency response that spans from 38 Hz to 40 kHz, these speakers excel in delivering both the lowest lows and the highest highs with finesse, making them suitable for a variety of audio applications.

In terms of design, the dX8 speakers feature a contemporary look with a sleek cabinet that minimizes vibrations, further enhancing sound quality. The robust build ensures durability, while the aesthetic appeal allows them to blend seamlessly into any home decor. Additionally, the speakers come equipped with gold-plated binding posts, providing a secure and reliable connection to any amplifier or receiver.

For versatility, the Polk Audio dX8 speakers can be utilized in various configurations, whether as part of a home theater system or in a traditional two-channel setup. Their ability to perform well in different environments makes them a flexible choice for audio enthusiasts looking to elevate their sound experience.

Overall, with its exceptional sound quality, innovative technologies, and elegant design, the Polk Audio dX8 stands out as a top-tier option in the realm of audio equipment, promising an enriching auditory experience for all who venture into the world of high-fidelity sound.
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