An "Unofficial" UFW-12 Upgrade (non-AV123)

[Stereodude]

Tonight I had the privilege of listening to a prototype UFW-12 upgrade that will be offered for sale shortly by Kevin / Sandbagger. The design has been done by Kevin with help from his mystery consultant, who we'll just call the Master of the Deep. ;) Unlike the other UFW-12 upgrade kit, this kit replaces the stock 12" driver with a beefy black 15" driver and reuses the original 1000W amp (with some significant modifications).

The result is fantastic! :rock:

In room response was flat into the teens and would have gone lower if it wasn't for some goofy room interaction which caused a suck out around 12-16Hz. We pushed it to 5dB past reference without any hint of the crazy noises the UFW-12 is notorious for even on The Haunting (DTS), Master and Commander (DTS), or any of the usual demo material. SPL levels were in the mid 110's depending on the material. No farting noises, no clacking, or anything reminiscent of the old UFW-12 follies, just an abundance of powerful bass. We beat on it about as much was possible and it just kept on playing with no audible signs of distress. :eyebrows:

I'm geeked about this upgrade and can't wait to upgrade both of my UFW-12's!

[dvenardos]

I think you just found the next upgrade for emac. :yes:

[PhenomeNhan]

I'm very excited about this upgrade. Can't wait for it to become available. I'lll have to replace the MFW15 with the UFW12, which is a reversal of what I've already done :) The MFW just isn't musical enough to keep up with my LS6s :(

[dweekie]

Looks like an interesting project. I hope it's closer to a drop-in replacement than it seems.

:no pics:

[Stereodude]

Thanks for the heads up Seth. I am in the same boat and am leaning towards steering clear of the AV123 solution regardless of any other options from third parties, but haven't made up my mind. Any price on the "Sandbagger" upgrade? Kevin? Quite frankly I don't want to risk trusting AV123 with a $600 investment. The loss of Seaton on this deal really made me doubt these HR kits would be anything special, based on AV123's recent track record without Seaton or Richie. Count me in as very interested in Kevin/MotD alternative solution.

I'm not sure on the exact pricing of Kevin's upgrade kit, but based on his comments I expect it will cost more than AV123's.

[Stereodude]

Looks like an interesting project. I hope it's closer to a drop-in replacement than it seems.

As I understand it the kit involves a router template and a router bit to modify the box to accommodate the new driver. You send your amp and grill to Kevin to be reworked and get it and a get a new driver back. Kevin hasn't nailed down all the details, so the router template and bit may not be yours to keep, but more of a pass around item to help reduce costs.

[Fatcat]

Seth, how did sub handle upper bass frequencies? Did it sound as good with music as it did with movies?

Best......Carlo.

[Stereodude]

Seth, how did sub handle upper bass frequencies? Did it sound as good with music as it did with movies?

Best......Carlo.

It did very well in upper bass region & on music as would be expected for a sealed sub... The near field measurements showed it's response was rather flat extending past 100Hz.

[woofersus]

Kevin told me about this last week when we went to RMAF. It should be pretty awesome. Almost makes me want to pick up a used UFW-12 as they've been going pretty cheap at times. He and his mystery consultant have a couple of interesting projects in the works.

[Jed M]

I'm not sure on the exact pricing of Kevin's upgrade kit, but based on his comments I expect it will cost more than AV123's.

I would expect that much. I look forward to hearing all the details.

[Daryl RL]

Also interested. Timing and pricing are the major questions.

[Stereodude]

He and his mystery consultant have a couple of interesting projects in the works.

Yes, it's a mystery all right. :idea:

[Sandbagger]

Seth Thanks for the kind words, and I needed someone else that know what good sound is to make sure I wasnt dreaming.

This also enforces that sealed subs when properly executed can be good performers!!!!

Yes I am working on a very serious upgrade to the ufw12.

I have been working on this for a few months now and am very close to being able to sell it. As Seth stated, I have been working with none other than THE MASTER OF THE DEEP. He has been helping/ verifying my work when he has had a break in his own work, this is the main reason it has not been done sooner.

I should have all the amplifier modifications worked out by the end of the week, but the filters are done, just need to tweek the limiter a bit. The driver is already sources and is a real nice custom unit, with a nice black cone.


It will utilize the original amp that will need to be sent to me for extensive modification. I will then send the amp, grill and driver to you.
I am still working out the details of the grill. I may modify your existing grill or just build new ones. If I modify the existing grill, that will also require to be sent to me.
I will ship out 2 patterns and a router bit to cut out the driver opening. The first one will be to cut the hole out and the 2nd will allow you to cut the countersink lip in so the driver will be flush mount. You will either need to have or barrow a router. The other option will be to take it to a cabinet shop, for them to cut this will be no problem and should be less than $50.00. I will probably ask to have the patterns and bit be passed on to the next person doing the mod to save on shipping and costs.

As you can see this is going to involve a bit of work and is not going to be for everyone. I understand this and am considering going on the road to do these for people, at least in the midwest, or farther if I can get a group together.

As far as timetable, I don't want to guess, but its basically as soon as I can get drivers.

Regarding costs..... I have a target in mind, and its going to be more than av123's upgrade, and I am not going to do this for a loss either.

I will post up some graphs a little later, I do have a few small things to work out but as Seth heard last night, its more than good right now.

anyone can email me @ [email protected] if you would like more info

[Hugh]

LA as your first stop? :)

[dvenardos]

You might want to add a complete DIY option where you just send the parts for modding the amp.