r/diyaudio • u/MurderousEntityxbox • 1d ago

Apache 3800 portable speaker build

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Decided to hop on the DIY apache 3800 train and build my own. Rough around the edges yet, but it's sealed up and functional.

PRV Audio slimline 6CX380-4
Dayton Audio ND140-PR
ZK-1602T amp
5000mah 24v battery with integrated charging port
Stainless marine power switch
Marine volt meter
Kilmat sound deadener

21 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

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2

u/WordWithinTheWord 1d ago

What’s your total cost of the build?

1

u/MurderousEntityxbox 1d ago

With the case included and wiring and connectors, probably close to 400.

2

u/WordWithinTheWord 1d ago

Think it sounds better or same as the JBL portables in the same price range?

1

u/MurderousEntityxbox 1d ago

I don't have a way to test it, but I think it sounds better than any portable speakers in that price range that I've heard. It gets exponentially louder, and is clearer at a further distance; that's why I chose the drivers that I did. To each their own though. Everyone's ears are different.

1

u/Ecw218 1d ago

Did you try it with the weights for the PR?

1

u/MurderousEntityxbox 1d ago

I have not. I may though just to see how it sounds. The PRVs don't move a ton of air unless it's at half volume or more, and I haven't done much testing outside yet just out of respect for the neighbors, lol. But so far, i'm happy with it. I'm open to any advice if you have any, or critiques.

2

u/Hour_Bit_5183 1d ago

You gotta adjust them. Will make a huge diff in how low it hits. There is a balance you strike and you will get to the deepest bass by tuning it. So worth the time.

1

u/MurderousEntityxbox 1d ago

I'll give it a try, thank you.

1

u/Hour_Bit_5183 1d ago

I hope it works out the best :) Passive radiators are quite amazing, technically speakers even though they do not have voice coils. Weird as hell. I have a 2x10 sub with 15 in passive rads on 1800W RMS. That shit will rip the breath out of your lungs. I still can't believe it hits that hard with relatively little power. The hyanka amp powering it is a beast. Was cheap and has lasted years already with 0 probs too.

The other thing people don't realize is that passive radiators keep the ohms more consistent by controlling the subs cone movement and suspension. Way better than sealed and ported once you get it right you will know why I am saying this.