Little sub help please?

[Deadpool 0]

I have a very nice SQ system already installed, but I'm going to work on the sub section to add more output. Intially, the sub/subs will just be in a standard MDF box in the trunk. I need help choosing a sub/subs for this project...that's where you guys come in. Here are some details so hopefully I can help you help me.

- Civic Si 4 dr Sedan

- SQ is important, but SPL out of the subs is a hair more important for this project.

- Front stage = Hybrid Audio Legatia 3 way set

- Front stage amps = DLS A4 and A3

- HU/EQ = Alpine IVA-W200/PXA-H701

- Sub amp = DLS A6 (870w@2ohm, 1200w@1ohm)

- Sub has to be 12"

- Can either be two 12" in a sealed box or one 12" in either a sealed or ported box

- Budget is about $600 +/-

So a pair of 12s would be getting 600w each, while a single 12 would get 1200w.

I'm considering some Fi gear--maybe the Q or SSD lines. Also considering JL products like the 12w3 or a single 12w7, or possibly Image Dynamics IDQ 12s. The single 12w7 might be a problem though since it's a 3 ohm sub. Anyway, some assistance would be greatly appreciated. And the faster the better since I'll be ready to pull the trigger on the buy tomorrow.

Thanks!

Edited August 29, 2007 by Deadpool

[almond 0]

i think a single mag 12 would round that out very nicely. what does everyone else think??

[almond 0]

or you could also go two bm's since they are on sale for $170 shipped right now.

www.stereointegrity.com

[Deadpool 0]

Sorry, I'm not familiar with either of those. I'll check out that link.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

You can also consider the AA Havoc and SSA ICON.

[Deadpool 0]

You can also consider the AA Havoc and SSA ICON.

Thanks. I think I've settled on either the Fi Q or Fi SSD. Just need to get some solid input about which would be better in my application.

Pair of 12s, sealed, 600w each, mostly rock and rap but also some jazz and blues.

Edited August 30, 2007 by Deadpool

[mlstrass 1]

With that amount of power I'd go with RL-P's, excellent SQ and the ability to get respectably loud off the amp you have.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

You can also consider the AA Havoc and SSA ICON.

Thanks. I think I've settled on either the Fi Q or Fi SSD. Just need to get some solid input about which would be better in my application.

Pair of 12s, sealed, 600w each, mostly rock and rap but also some jazz and blues.

The RL-p is a nice suggestion also. If you are set on the Q or SSD, with that power, I would lean towards the SSD with Copper coil option.

[///M5 2,833]

The Q fits the description of your system better, but the SSD fits the power you have. Do you have to keep your sub amp?

[Deadpool 0]

The Q fits the description of your system better, but the SSD fits the power you have. Do you have to keep your sub amp?

Yeah, I don't want to change the amp.

Can you elaborate a little on your comment? I take it the Q sounds marginally better SQ-wise, but would be underpowered with just 600w each? If so, would a single Q, ported, with the full 1200w be a better option than a pair of Qs or SSDs in a sealed box? What kind of SPL difference would there be between those options? I know 2 12s sealed would be loud enough, generally speaking of course, but I'm not sure how close a single sub in a ported enclosure with twice the power would compare.

[///M5 2,833]

Here is how I see your problem.

You want output which either means porting or 2 drivers, theoretically that would be similar; however, I do not see you as a ported guy. Going from the IB to ported is quite a jump and I think that you won't be happy with the response. I do realize that it is possible to make a nice sounding ported enclosure, but I will also add that a sealed variant (driver allowing) will always sound better albeit at a lower level. To add to the problem, the Q can take more than you have to give if you get a pair and considering output is one of your goals that doesn't maximize what it can do and while doubling the power to one or doubling the number of drivers gives you nearly the same bump (again theoretically and in the same type enclosure) I see the solution to your goal as 2 Q's with 2x the power you currently have available as your best solution. If you won't up the ante on your amp or double them up you are going to probably get more output out of the pair of SSD's though.

[ANeonRider 3]

I still think with a little fab work, a single 15" Q that is IB-optimized is a better idea, and you will have plenty of power for it then. You could do a manifold if there isn't enough rear deck space. I know I have more than enough output with my single 15" IB.

[///M5 2,833]

I still think with a little fab work, a single 15" Q that is IB-optimized is a better idea, and you will have plenty of power for it then. You could do a manifold if there isn't enough rear deck space. I know I have more than enough output with my single 15" IB.

I agree, but I left it in the last thread

[Deadpool 0]

Thanks for the input guys. I ended up getting a pretty good deal on some 12w6v2s. I think those should do the trick nicely.

Thanks again!

[///M5 2,833]

Great subs, especially compared to the other JL stuff you were looking at. They are by far the sweet spot in their lineup, albeit overpriced at retail by far. Enjoy!

[Deadpool 0]

Great subs, especially compared to the other JL stuff you were looking at. They are by far the sweet spot in their lineup, albeit overpriced at retail by far. Enjoy!

I agree about the price for sure. I got them for just under $650 for the pair though, so that's not bad at all imo. I think they'll make me smile.

[johnecon2001 82]

There are very few subs that I would pay $325 each for... and W6's are not one of them.

[Deadpool 0]

There are very few subs that I would pay $325 each for... and W6's are not one of them.

Irrelevant.

[johnecon2001 82]

There are very few subs that I would pay $325 each for... and W6's are not one of them.

Irrelevant.

Not entirely.

For $650, I would have expected something much better.

Not that W6's aren't good... just, not $650 good.

[Deadpool 0]

Not entirely.

For $650, I would have expected something much better.

Not that W6's aren't good... just, not $650 good.

I didn't really mean to be snide, but it really IS irrelevant. What I mean is that the fact that you wouldn't pay that for them doesn't mean I wouldn't...or that I shouldn't--or that anyone else shouldn't. They're great subs. The cost doesn't in any way affect the performance of the speaker. In fact, as long as the money is within budget (and it was well within my budget), the cost is completely irrelevant. The fact that you wouldn't pay that much is also irrelevant because mine are already on the way.

I get a great sounding sub that puts out plenty of volume, looks good, and is made by a reputable company that has very good customer support (spoken from firsthand experience). I also get to support a company where one of its employees (Manville Smith) went out of his way to help me when he didn't have to. I think that's a nice added benefit.

And there's no doubt...the W6 is a great sub. Even the "JL haters" will usually admit that it's an awesome sub. They just say, "...but you can get a sub that's almost as good, or just as good for less money." Some even say you can get better subs for less money, and that's fine. But once you get up into the level of subs where you can compete in IASCA SQ events, the differences are probably small enough to not be noticeable for most daily use.

v/r,

'Pool

[Mike1234 0]

What about a pair of Peerless 830500 XLS 12's? These work in very small boxes and SQ and output are excellent. They cost $191 each, shipping included at PE.

Edited September 9, 2007 by Mike1234

[ANeonRider 3]

What about a pair of Peerless 830500 XLS 12's? These work in very small boxes and SQ and output are excellent. They cost $178 each, shipping included at PE.

If they are anything like my midbass', they are one hell of a driver.

Although, he already has purchased his subwoofers.

[Mike1234 0]

Oops... I missed the fact that he already has his subs.

Yes, these are excellent drivers in small sealed boxes. I have two of them in my HT setup.

If they are anything like my midbass', they are one hell of a driver.

Although, he already has purchased his subwoofers.