new set-up over q's...suggestions

[donauaj 5]

Alright, I'm going to try to be specific in this thread. I know how people hate non specific questions on what subs to get, so I'll try to give a good explanation. My current set-up is 2 Fi Q 12's in sealed boxes, 1.3 cu ft. each. Running them off of 1 Kicker zx1500. Got the big 3 upgrade, HO alternator, batcap. I've had experience with ID Max 12, JL W7 12, Fi Q 15's. I'm looking to upgrade. Right now I like the sound of the Q 12's, but I want more oomph, if I can say such a thing. When I went to the Q 15's, the output was somewhat better, but I didn't like the lack of clarity I suffered. Would this mean that Fi BL's and BTL's aren't for me? Also, I've had almost no experience with going ported, always been sealed. I do have a B-52 MX-18 which is ported on home audio system. I do like the sound of that in terms of SPL & the clarity is good, but the transient response isn't so great & it doesn't go as low as my 12" Q's. So I'm looking for a 1 or 2 sub set-up with decent SQ, more SPL than my Q 12's, can get low, and can also have a relatively flat response. Not looking to go bigger than 15", preferably 12" and trying to keep wattage the same, not more more than 2000. Had the JL 13W7 in mind for awhile, but don't really want to spend that much dough. Also, what about re audio xxx? Thanks for any help that comes my way!

[chrisommer 4]

Try porting the Q's first. I to once thought that because you went ported meant you lost most SQ. Not true, you can gain output and still retain a good amount of SQ

If that does not work or if you are set on new subs, have you looked into the Xcon's?? I have not personally experienced them, but they are made for output and SQ. Read review's on them, they may be what you are looking for.

Edited February 8, 2010 by chrisommer

[chrisommer 4]

From Icon to Xcon - SSA Car Audio Forum

He was using the same amp, just switched the Icon out for the Xcon. Hope this helps

[Mac N Cheese 90]

make a proper ported enclosure before spending all this money

[///M5 2,833]

My current set-up is 2 Fi Q 12's in sealed boxes, 1.3 cu ft. each.

When I went to the Q 15's, the output was somewhat better, but I didn't like the lack of clarity I suffered.

What kind of enclosure were the 15's in & size? Anything you don't like about your current setup besides the output right now?

it doesn't go as low as my 12" Q's

How low really matters to you?

And most importantly, how big of a box can you fit/willing to use?

[donauaj 5]

My current set-up is 2 Fi Q 12's in sealed boxes, 1.3 cu ft. each.

When I went to the Q 15's, the output was somewhat better, but I didn't like the lack of clarity I suffered.

What kind of enclosure were the 15's in & size? Anything you don't like about your current setup besides the output right now?

it doesn't go as low as my 12" Q's

How low really matters to you?

And most importantly, how big of a box can you fit/willing to use?

The Q 15's were fitted to specs on the fi site. Forget what it was, but I always do middle of the specs off the site. The SQ of my subs is right where I want it to be right now, but I want more SPL & increase the chest pounding factor. I guess take the two individual enclosures I had for the Q 15's, add them together, & that's the size of the box, max, I would be willing to work with, probably 4.5 cu ft. I like the lows to the point that I hate the 25Hz subsonic filter on my kicker amp. I know most lows don't go that low, but they are still part of some overall bass tones

Edited February 9, 2010 by donauaj

[///M5 2,833]

Your system will not play half order harmonics...

If they were built in the same equivalent box there should be no clarity difference. Can you describe this more as it is confusing if the boxes are as you say they were.

[donauaj 5]

Your system will not play half order harmonics...

If they were built in the same equivalent box there should be no clarity difference. Can you describe this more as it is confusing if the boxes are as you say they were.

They're in equal size boxes, I was just adding up the individual space of both of them.

Those XCON's look rather interesting, though, I must say...

[///M5 2,833]

So now you are saying that the 15's were in a box designed for 12's?

[donauaj 5]

So now you are saying that the 15's were in a box designed for 12's?

No, the 15's were in a box they were designed to be in. Hope I'm not complicating that point.

[///M5 2,833]

Exactly what is the biggest box you can fit and

exactly what do you mean by the clarity wasn't there with the 15's?

Until you answer both questions which have been asked before no one can help you with anything.

[Chrispy 0]

I find it odd you thought the 15s sounded worse. How long have you used them? Maybe the 12s are broke in more and you just need to give the 15s a little more time to loosen up.

[kjones 2]

I think he said 4.5cu. And if thats the case you should port them in a 4.5cu box tuned at 28, and see how you like it... its like 30 40 bucks vs 100s.

[Duran 387]

I wouldn't go as low as 28 Hz.

Unless you listen to pipe organ recordings a lot.

[kjones 2]

he said he likes the lows, and you dont have listen to that to tune that low..

[Duran 387]

he said he likes the lows, and you dont have listen to that to tune that low..

Please explain. I'm intrigued now.

[kjones 2]

he said he likes the lows, and you dont have listen to that to tune that low..

Please explain. I'm intrigued now.

Im not even going to explain. He said he loves the lows of the Qs, and wants more output out of them. what would you suggest then?

[Randal Johnson 544]

for me to be louder ... i'd lose sound quality ... my box is tuned to 20 - 24 htz ... which makes me have a cabin frequency of 28 - 32 htz ...

with a pair of 10s I can still hit 135 - 137 db at 26 - 32 htz ... basically tuning your enclosure is very important ... please choose carefully sir ...

I don't know how to post pics yet so I can't show you my enclosure ...

[Duran 387]

he said he likes the lows, and you dont have listen to that to tune that low..

Please explain. I'm intrigued now.

Im not even going to explain. He said he loves the lows of the Qs, and wants more output out of them. what would you suggest then?

Yes. You do have to explain your thinking or you don't have a valid opinion.

Please explain your reasoning in red.

[kjones 2]

I said you dont have to listen to pipe organs to tune to 28.

[Duran 387]

I said you dont have to listen to pipe organs to tune to 28.

This is the part where you would explain that I read what you typed, you don't need to repeat it.

I'm asking for you to explain why you typed it, back up your opinion. Please tell me why. Your probably wondering thy I'm asking you to back yourself up right? Because you can't. You see that he wants "lows" and automatically say tune to 28 Hz. That is the wrong way to go about this situation. He does not listen to music that peaks that low, I promise. Stop making recommendations if you cannot make justify them.

[Kanaworm$ 292]

he said he likes the lows, and you dont have listen to that to tune that low..

Depends on what he meant for lows! If he likes the lows from Rap/Hip Hop then that generally is in the 30-40hz region.

[Randal Johnson 544]

I can't tell what kind of vehicle you have ... i'm assuming you have enough room for 2 15s in a recommended size enclosure ... most 12s sound better (musically) than 15s when tuned to 32 - 38 htz ... just a suggestion here ... you might try 4 12s tuned to 32 htz ... should make the cabin freq. somewhere around 40 htz ... still hit the low notes ... more cone area to create more pressure ... series / paralell (i can't spell) should be close to the same power handeling capabillities ... here again just a suggestion to hit the low notes with considerable ammount more pressure ... I'm mainly sound quality but I have been known to put up a few big numbers back in the day ... if you look on page 2 of my cardomain site, my friend TJ has a quarter wave wall style enclosure ... tuned for pressure ... 54 htz i think ... actually plays some very decent low notes ... check it out ... again please, just a suggestion sir ... thanks

Edited February 11, 2010 by Cablguy184

[Kanaworm$ 292]

most 12s sound better (musically) than 15s when tuned to 32 - 38 htz ... just a suggestion here.

I dissagree with you on this one! I used to think that the bigger the woofer cone the sloppier the bass! Boy was I wrong. I have my 2 15" in 7ft^3 net after all displacments and they are very transient, roll off nicely and imo very accurate. People have commented on how loud they are but also how accurate they are on lower notes.

[Randal Johnson 544]

I agree with you sir ... thats why I said "most" on that part ... you (like me) have plenty of room for that specific enclosure to make it work ... same for TJ's truck on my cardomain site ... you got to find the "good ones" ...

Edited February 11, 2010 by Cablguy184