Help me choose! IB3, X or DCON? or something else?

[slim142 9]

So for the ones who read my previous thread, unfortunately, the guy sold the 2 MMATS and Im left with my single 12 pioneer.

I been looking for some time already to replace my sub. I came to the conclusion that Im better off going with 2 12s rather than a single 15 since I will have more cone area.

The three options that catch my attention are IB3, X and DCON. Yes, Im on a budget. And that is $300 shipped, no more than that. (as thats was what I was originally gonna spend on the MMATS subwoofers that I was offered).

IB3, the problem is that 2 12s would come out $340 + enclosure price. Also, I think IB3s are for home use right?

I could probably go for 1 15, the thing is that my other two options (X and DCONS) sound like a better way to go because of price for cone area.

X, a subwoofer that is entry level to Fi. Would be great to start exploring a brand that has always caught my attention and always wanted to try! (I have so much respect for them and I havent even heard them in person lol)

I could get 2 15"s for $320 ($140 + BP power option each = $320) OR without the BP Power so I could use those $40 towards the enclosure. Since I dont want to replace my current 4gauge wire, I think it would be better to go without the BP power option, and just put the 2 15"s in 2ohm with my Sundown 2000D (1000rms @ 2ohm) which would give 500rms to each subwoofer. (twice the rated power on the X, shouldnt be that bad right?)

or is it better to go with the BP power anyways? Just to be safe?

I could also get 2 X 12"s for $238 (without BP) and save more money (but noticeable less cone area) OR I could put BP option to them (for $280 total), more RMS handling, but still less cone area than the 15s.

Last but not least are the DCONS. I could get 2 of these for $250, get an enclosure and still be close to my $300 budget without going much over the limit.

Im looking for the highest output. I want to get really loud. I dont care if I can do hairtricks, set off alarms, shake other cars besides mines. I just want really loud, powerful bass. The highest my budget will allow.

If there is any other option out there that compares and fits my budget, let me know to consider it!

Looking forward your help

Edited October 25, 2010 by slim142

[ssh 924]

IB3 is Infinite Baffle, best for sq, not for your goals.

Running 1000watts either way is going to need new wire, 4gauge isn't enough unless your only running it ~10ft.

To me it seems your rushing, you want something loud but can only spend xxx. You already have a nice amp, take full advantage of it and use drivers that take full advantage of the power.

Your gonna need to replace that 4gauge, and probably gonna need another battery for the amp.

The only reason I'm suggesting you go bigger and spend more is, you have a big amp, if you didn't intend in using all it's power at some point then your probably would have bought a smaller amp. So instead of doing a small build and then redoing everything in six months, I say wait til you can do it all at once, it'll be cheaper in the end.

Just my two cents

[jcarter1885 995]

You wont have to change your wire for 4 gauge unless your talking about the Big 3 or your main power wire coming from your battery, if you have a distribution block and you are using 4 gauge going to your sundown amp you will be fine. If you use your amp at 1 ohm then yes you will need 1/0 wire for it.

I would suggest you start with the electrical side of things and take care of your big three, get a voltmeter and slowly work your way to upgrading equipment. If you upgrade equipment but fail to take care of other things your install may suffer. Another possibility is to just save that $300 and add some more cash to it and get the Xcon that you really want, this way you want be throwing money away to just get the Xcon at the end.

[slim142 9]

IB3 is Infinite Baffle, best for sq, not for your goals.

Running 1000watts either way is going to need new wire, 4gauge isn't enough unless your only running it ~10ft.

To me it seems your rushing, you want something loud but can only spend xxx. You already have a nice amp, take full advantage of it and use drivers that take full advantage of the power.

Your gonna need to replace that 4gauge, and probably gonna need another battery for the amp.

The only reason I'm suggesting you go bigger and spend more is, you have a big amp, if you didn't intend in using all it's power at some point then your probably would have bought a smaller amp. So instead of doing a small build and then redoing everything in six months, I say wait til you can do it all at once, it'll be cheaper in the end.

Just my two cents

In some way you are right, I might be rushing. But the problem is that this Pioneer just cannot make it anymore!

From what Ive read, 4gauge is fine up to 1200-1500rms (at the end, depends on the distance too). It is close to battery as the 2000D is underneath the passenger sit, 10ft is pretty much the distance to the battery so thats fine.

Unfortunately, I cant take advantage of the 2000rms since that would mean replacing to 0 gauge and most likely doing the Big 3. Noway I can afford a new battery now.

My current voltage is 13.6 at idle, 13.7-14.1 while driving. So its not bad IMO.

I do plan on using this amp to its full power, but maybe in the future.

If anything, I think I should prob replace my 4 gauge with 0 gauge. But that still leaves me with my hungriness for bass

[slim142 9]

You wont have to change your wire for 4 gauge unless your talking about the Big 3 or your main power wire coming from your battery, if you have a distribution block and you are using 4 gauge going to your sundown amp you will be fine. If you use your amp at 1 ohm then yes you will need 1/0 wire for it.

I would suggest you start with the electrical side of things and take care of your big three, get a voltmeter and slowly work your way to upgrading equipment. If you upgrade equipment but fail to take care of other things your install may suffer. Another possibility is to just save that $300 and add some more cash to it and get the Xcon that you really want, this way you want be throwing money away to just get the Xcon at the end.

The XCON I want is 18"

So that means 0 gauge, Big 3 and most likely extra battery.

My plan is simple, do a quick upgrade now, that is louder than my pioneer so I can feel the bass and enjoy my trips when I drive around. While I enjoy those 12s or 15 or w/e I get, save up to get the electricals done (big 3, 0 gauge, main battery), then sell what I got now and put that money together to then upgrade to the 18" monsters.

[ssh 924]

IB3 is Infinite Baffle, best for sq, not for your goals.

Running 1000watts either way is going to need new wire, 4gauge isn't enough unless your only running it ~10ft.

To me it seems your rushing, you want something loud but can only spend xxx. You already have a nice amp, take full advantage of it and use drivers that take full advantage of the power.

Your gonna need to replace that 4gauge, and probably gonna need another battery for the amp.

The only reason I'm suggesting you go bigger and spend more is, you have a big amp, if you didn't intend in using all it's power at some point then your probably would have bought a smaller amp. So instead of doing a small build and then redoing everything in six months, I say wait til you can do it all at once, it'll be cheaper in the end.

Just my two cents

In some way you are right, I might be rushing. But the problem is that this Pioneer just cannot make it anymore!

From what Ive read, 4gauge is fine up to 1200-1500rms (at the end, depends on the distance too). It is close to battery as the 2000D is underneath the passenger sit, 10ft is pretty much the distance to the battery so thats fine.

Unfortunately, I cant take advantage of the 2000rms since that would mean replacing to 0 gauge and most likely doing the Big 3. Noway I can afford a new battery now.

My current voltage is 13.6 at idle, 13.7-14.1 while driving. So its not bad IMO.

I do plan on using this amp to its full power, but maybe in the future.

If anything, I think I should prob replace my 4 gauge with 0 gauge. But that still leaves me with my hungriness for bass

Buy one driver, and build a box for it, down the road get a second matching driver and build a new box?

[slim142 9]

Buy one driver, and build a box for it, down the road get a second matching driver and build a new box?

I think thats easier said than done

I could get one driver, but I have never heard an FI, AA, Sundown or SSA so idk how much of an improvemente we are talking here over my current pioneer. Im expecting a good improvement, but idk if worth the $200+

Thats why I thought about 2 drivers, even if its 2 12"s (whether fi, aa, sundown or ssa) that would definitely hit hard and be much louder than my single pioneer.

Cant really afford to do small upgrades every certain times. Just want to get something good now, so I can start the race for the big 18"s monsters.

But after all, it all goes down to the options I have now.

My friend is even thinking about buying the pioneer with enclosure from me for $180 so if that happens, I would end up spending $140 for 2 Fi X's 15"s

I want to hear more opinions. The more options I see on the table the better.

[ssh 924]

What vehicle do you have? Just get an 18"

I'd bet running an 18" xcon with only a few hundred watts is going to be louder then what your currently have...

[slim142 9]

What vehicle do you have? Just get an 18"

Right now is a Ford Expedition, but limited space since I carry construction tools for work.

[ssh 924]

What vehicle do you have? Just get an 18"

Right now is a Ford Expedition, but limited space since I carry construction tools for work.

Is the xcon for another vehicle?

[slim142 9]

What vehicle do you have? Just get an 18"

Right now is a Ford Expedition, but limited space since I carry construction tools for work.

Is the xcon for another vehicle?

Im not sure yet if Im going to be replacing the car.

(But will definitely be something with a big trunk, like an equinox)

Should still be able to fit an 18" XCON (1ohm DVC) if I do change cars, and while I upgrade the electricals of the car, I can run it at 2ohms (1000rms), and when electricals are done, wire it down to 1ohm and get the full potential (would need a 2nd XCON, but thats ok since my goal is to end up with 2 18"s anyways).

Edited October 25, 2010 by slim142

[beatindowndablock247 0]

im running one 18 inch ib3 at 2 ohms on a kicker zx1500.1 and its gettin louder then the 2 12 inch w7s i had on my ap3000.1. i had doubts about buyin the ib3 because of what ive seen in threads about it but for the price im glad i did. ill proly be gettin another one for a wall here soon gotta upgrade my electrical and amp first. just thought id give you my .2

[Notorious97200 339]

You can buy a good used sub with a box for that money.

Used Sundown Z on that amp : fantastic setup !

Get a DVC 2 sub, run your amp at 1 ohm with the gain set low until you upgrade your electrical : 0 gauge wire and big3, batts,...

Good luck.

[s_carter 5]

Save your money and buy what you really want, otherwise you will be wondering what it *could* have been. I went with two SSD18's just before the 18" XCONS were released, and after hearing them in action, I really want to upgrade!

FI, AA, Sundown, and SSA are all excellently built drivers, and easily surpass 99% of mainstream brands in build quality and price IMO. Just be ready to have the smile blown off your face.