Powered Epique 7" Mini Subwoofer Kit
Thank you for purchasing the Powered Epique 7" mini subwoofer kit. The enclosure for this speaker kit was precision cut using CNC machinery for a tight fit to make it easy to finish. With a little time and patience, your finished product will provide years of enjoyment. Please follow these instructions for the best possible results.
Suggested tools and consumables:
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Wood clamps (you can never have too many of these)
- Sanding block and/or electric finishing sander
- Wood glue
- Rag or paper towels
- Solder
- Wire stripper/crimper
- #8 Wood Screws
- Polyurethane glue (Gorilla Glue)
Package contents:
First, empty the contents of the package and review parts to ensure everything has been included and is in good condition. If any parts are missing or damaged, please contact our customer service department at 1-800-338-0531.
Component Identification
Driver:
A) Epique E180HE-44 7" DVC MMAG Extended Range Subwoofer.
[Image description: A 7-inch subwoofer driver with a black cone, visible copper voice coils, and "EPIQUE" branding on the base. The model number E180HE-44 is visible.]
Enclosure Components:
The enclosure is comprised of several pre-cut wooden panels:
- B) Baffle (front panel with driver cutout)
- C) 2 x Side Panel
- D) Back Panel (with amplifier cutout)
- E) 2 x Top/Bottom Panel
- F) Brace
[Diagram description: An exploded view of the enclosure panels. Panel B has a large circular cutout for the driver. Panel D has a rectangular cutout for the amplifier. Panels E form the top and bottom, C form the sides, and F is a brace.]
Note: The packaged enclosure will also include a back panel without the amplifier cutout. This panel is not used in this Powered Ultimax 8" Micro Subwoofer Kit.
Plate Amplifier:
G) Dayton Audio SPA300-D 300 Watt Class-D Subwoofer Plate Amplifier.
[Image description: The rear panel of the Dayton Audio SPA300-D plate amplifier. It features controls for volume, frequency, and bass boost, along with power input, speaker output terminals, and various warning labels and certifications.]
Enclosure Assembly:
- First, before gluing anything, do a dry fit of the enclosure to familiarize yourself with the parts and assembly. This will also give you a chance to ensure that all pieces have been cut properly.
- Next, set the enclosure parts out on a flat level surface and ensure that all pieces are free of dust and debris.
- Start with the Back Panel (B) lying flat with the rabbeted side up, as shown. [Diagram description: The back panel (labeled B) is shown lying flat, with a recessed edge (rabbet) facing upwards.]
- Apply a small bead of glue to the inside of all joining surfaces of the Back Panel (B) and one Top/Bottom panel (E). Then set in place applying enough pressure to ensure glue is spread through each joint (some glue squeeze-out can be expected). [Diagram description: The back panel is shown with one top/bottom panel being attached to its edge with glue.]
- Apply a small bead of glue to the inside of all joining surfaces of one Side Panel (F) and the back and top/bottom panel assembly. Then set in place applying enough pressure to ensure glue is spread through each joint (some glue squeeze-out can be expected). [Diagram description: The partially assembled back and top/bottom panels are shown with one side panel being attached with glue.]
- Apply a small bead of glue to the inside of all joining surfaces of the Brace (E) and the back, top/bottom, and side panel assembly. Then slide in place applying enough pressure to ensure glue is spread through each joint (some glue squeeze-out can be expected). [Diagram description: The enclosure assembly is shown with the brace being inserted and glued into place.]
- Apply a small bead of glue to the inside of all joining surfaces of the other Side Panel (F) and the enclosure assembly. Then set in place applying enough pressure to ensure glue is spread through each joint (some glue squeeze-out can be expected). [Diagram description: The enclosure assembly is shown with the second side panel being attached with glue.]
- Apply a small bead of glue to the inside of all joining surfaces of the other Top/Bottom Panel (E) and the enclosure assembly. Then set in place applying enough pressure to ensure glue is spread through each joint (some glue squeeze-out can be expected). [Diagram description: The enclosure assembly is shown with the second top/bottom panel being attached with glue, forming a nearly complete box.]
- Apply a small bead of glue to the inside of all joining surfaces of the Baffle (E) and the enclosure assembly. Then set in place applying enough pressure to ensure glue is spread through each joint (some glue squeeze-out can be expected). [Diagram description: The nearly complete enclosure box is shown with the baffle panel (with the driver cutout) being glued into place on the front.]
- Make sure that all edges are flush and securely apply clamps from side to side, top to bottom, and front to back. Apply ample pressure to ensure glue is spread evenly through each joint (some glue squeeze-out can be expected). Visually inspect all seams to make sure they are all closed tightly, you may need to relocate clamps (or add more clamps) to get a perfect fit. In most cases only 6 clamps will be needed for an enclosure this size. [Diagram description: The assembled enclosure is shown clamped on all sides to ensure a tight fit while the glue dries.]
- Wipe away any glue squeeze-out on the outside of the enclosure with a damp rag or paper towel (excess glue on the inside is fine). Allow to dry according to the glue manufacturer's recommendations and remove clamps.
- Finally, fill any open seams with wood filler or a mixture of sawdust and wood glue. Then sand all surfaces and seams until smooth. Finish enclosure to your liking. See our web page for ideas and examples. [Diagram description: The finished, sanded enclosure is shown, appearing as a smooth wooden box with a large circular cutout on the front for the speaker driver.]
Final Assembly:
- Carefully set the Dayton Audio SPA300-D Subwoofer Plate Amplifier (G) into the opening in the back panel and secure with the included screws. During installation ensure that no wires are pinched between the frame and the enclosure.
- Connect the speaker wires to the appropriate terminals on the Epique E180HE-44 7" DVC MMAG Extended Range Subwoofer (A).
Note: The Epique E180HE-44 7" is a dual voice coil driver with 4 ohm voice coils and the SPA300-D amplifier can handle a minimal 4 ohm load. Wire the voice coils in series for an 8 ohm load before connecting the amplifier, as shown below:
[Diagram description: A diagram illustrating the wiring of the Epique E180HE-44 7" subwoofer driver. It shows the driver with two voice coils. A jumper wire connects the two voice coils in series to create an 8-ohm load. Arrows indicate the connection points to the SPA300-D amplifier.]
- Carefully set the driver into the cutout and secure using the fasteners of your choice.
You are now ready to enjoy your finished Powered Epique 7" Mini Subwoofer!