Fi Audio Subwoofer Comparisons

[kstros4 0]

I am set on ordering some Fi subwoofers in the next week. This is my first sound system and my first post here so please bear with me if some of the things I say are noobish. LOL I am on this form to learn more about all this and appreciate everyones help and input. I feel like I am semi knowlegeable to the basics of car stereo but don't have much expereience listening to high quality systems (most people I know just have bottem end subwoofers from walmart with crappy amps etc. like most of the population lol, which is fine for them im just saying I want better)

I have a 2009 Dodge Charger R/T I am would like to buy an Fi subwoofer or 2 that will AT LEAST sound better and louder than a JL audio W7 (If possible, which from what Ive read it is). I have heard the W7 a few different times before and in my opinion it sounds pretty good and is pretty loud. I mostly am looking for a subwoofer that is going to pound really hard(SPL) but am using it as a daily driver and not entering any competitions so I would like the best SQ I can get (Yes I understand you give and take with SPL and SQ). I listen to lots of different music but mostly rap and mostly care how the subs sound with rap. I am probably going to use a 2000watt rms rockford fosgate amplifier but can obviously deviate from that depending on my final woofer choice. I would like to spend less than $400 on the subwoofer/subwoofers but can spend up to $550 if I absolutely have to. I am wondering what the pros and cons would be between the following 6 subwoofer combinations I am considering. Here they are listed in order of what I am leaning towards:

2 12 inch SSD's ($360+)

1 12 inch BTL ($384+)

1 12 inch BL($274+)

1 12 inch Q($244+)

2 12 inch Q's ($488+)

2 12 inch BL's($548+)

The only reason the 2 Q's and BLs are at the bottom of the list is because of the price. I would like to chose between the top 3 unless the 2 Q's or BL's would be far superior. I just really don't know how these would all sound compared to each other. Assuming they are all put in proper spec boxes with their max recommended RMS power how would they all compared to each other with regards to SQ and SPL. I hope you can tell what I am looking for roughly and give me advice based on your experience.

And for arguments sake Assuming an RMS watt costs .35 here are projected amplifier costs and combined costs in order of least to most expensive:

1 12 inch Q($244+)...........1000W RMS ($350).....$594

1 12 inch BL($274+)..........1000W RMS ($350).....$624

2 12 inch SSD's ($360+).....1600W RMS ($560).....$920

1 12 inch BTL ($384+).......2000W RMS ($700).....$1084

2 12 inch Q's ($488+)........2000W RMS ($700).....$1188

2 12 inch BL's($548+)........2000W RMS ($700).....$1248

I obviously would like to spend the least amount but wouldnt mind spending a bit more if the difference is going to be huge. I understand there are a lot more costs associated I just don't want to make it too complicated to answer.

Again sorry if anything I said was stupid, I just need to start somewhere in order to learn more. Thanks so much for your help! Have an awesome Day!

-K.C.

[Julian 641]

Alright... for the most part it is very car dependent... but theoretically the BL's will be the loudest of the setup..

How much space do you have? Do you have enough space to accommodate two 12" woofers PORTED?

Also, What kind of electrical upgrades? You're only as strong as your electrical..

What is your MAXIMUM budget.. Don't forget front stage either..

[BigB2202 3]

yea the 2 bl 12's will be the loudest, with that 2000watt rockford fosgate amp, but you may cause major electrical damage if you dont do any electrical upgrades. First upgrade the battery under the hood to a XS battery. Then check your voltage from there. If your voltage is good, then your fine. You also have to do the big 3 with all 0 gauge wire.

[jcarter1885 995]

If i remember correctly the chargers have a 160 amp alternator and plenty of space for 2-12"s ported and then some. Upgraded battery and big 3 with the installation of a volt meter is a start for the electrical.

yea the 2 bl 12's will be the loudest, with that 2000watt rockford fosgate amp, but you may cause major electrical damage if you dont do any electrical upgrades. First upgrade the battery under the hood to a XS battery. Then check your voltage from there. If your voltage is good, then your fine. You also have to do the big 3 with all 0 gauge wire.

You mean the battery in the trunk, Chargers man battery is in the trunk.

[Notorious97200 339]

You're starting big for your first sound system !

If you're tight on budget, be sure to get a good custom box and do the 2 ssd's 12" or one BL. Don't focus on amplifier : you can find cheap one new or used. A 1000-1500 watts rms amp is enough to power those subs. It will not be too hard on the car electrical.

Forget about the Q; you seem to want a lot of output, the Q is loud, but not the loudest.

good luck !

[Dictator1992 6]

Dude bl's all the way i love my 12inch bl's my pride and joy. Starting my second build and still wont bare to switch drivers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Look and sound the same as i had them brand new.

...One other thing chicks dig fi subs all the chicks that see my bl's go crazy. (That's excluding fat chicks)

[smashedz28 110]

fat chicks like fi too LOL

[ssh 924]

One thing, check what the subsonic filter is on your RF amp. I believe the bd models have fixed ssf at 15hz which isn't a good idea for a ported enclosure, unless your tuning that low, but your not since this is your daily driver.

If it's fixed at 15hz, add an inline filter such as an fmod, or possibly your headunit has some filtering (although I doubt it unless it's something fancy), or get a different amp.

[Shogen 325]

One thing, check what the subsonic filter is on your RF amp. I believe the bd models have fixed ssf at 15hz which isn't a good idea for a ported enclosure, unless your tuning that low, but your not since this is your daily driver.

If it's fixed at 15hz, add an inline filter such as an fmod, or possibly your headunit has some filtering (although I doubt it unless it's something fancy), or get a different amp.

+1 on this one...

[Deto1992 5]

One thing, check what the subsonic filter is on your RF amp. I believe the bd models have fixed ssf at 15hz which isn't a good idea for a ported enclosure, unless your tuning that low, but your not since this is your daily driver.

If it's fixed at 15hz, add an inline filter such as an fmod, or possibly your headunit has some filtering (although I doubt it unless it's something fancy), or get a different amp.

Slightly off topic but why would fosgate manufacturers build their amps with a predetermined subsonic filter?

Back on topic- I would suggest two 12 inch SSDs for your particular case. They will sound great and get loud for under $400 which is what you want according to your first post. With the stock 160 amp alt and the big 3 you could quite possibly be alright as far as electrical. If not you could always add another battery or two for a couple hundred buckss. The SSDs would also be favorable if you have to purchase a new amplifier a nice 1500w amp could be sufficiently cheaper than a 2000w amp.

[Duran 387]

One thing, check what the subsonic filter is on your RF amp. I believe the bd models have fixed ssf at 15hz which isn't a good idea for a ported enclosure, unless your tuning that low, but your not since this is your daily driver.

If it's fixed at 15hz, add an inline filter such as an fmod, or possibly your headunit has some filtering (although I doubt it unless it's something fancy), or get a different amp.

Slightly off topic but why would fosgate manufacturers build their amps with a predetermined subsonic filter?

Back on topic- I would suggest two 12 inch SSDs for your particular case. They will sound great and get loud for under $400 which is what you want according to your first post. With the stock 160 amp alt and the big 3 you could quite possibly be alright as far as electrical. If not you could always add another battery or two for a couple hundred buckss. The SSDs would also be favorable if you have to purchase a new amplifier a nice 1500w amp could be sufficiently cheaper than a 2000w amp.

That's a better question for Rockford Fosgate, the amps are set at 25 Hz.

[emh9009 199]

One thing, check what the subsonic filter is on your RF amp. I believe the bd models have fixed ssf at 15hz which isn't a good idea for a ported enclosure, unless your tuning that low, but your not since this is your daily driver.

If it's fixed at 15hz, add an inline filter such as an fmod, or possibly your headunit has some filtering (although I doubt it unless it's something fancy), or get a different amp.

I would suggest two 12 inch SSDs for your particular case. They will sound great and get loud for under $400 which is what you want according to your first post. With the stock 160 amp alt and the big 3 you could quite possibly be alright as far as electrical. If not you could always add another battery or two for a couple hundred buckss. The SSDs would also be favorable if you have to purchase a new amplifier a nice 1500w amp could be sufficiently cheaper than a 2000w amp.

[nem 2,019]

One thing, check what the subsonic filter is on your RF amp. I believe the bd models have fixed ssf at 15hz which isn't a good idea for a ported enclosure, unless your tuning that low, but your not since this is your daily driver.

If it's fixed at 15hz, add an inline filter such as an fmod, or possibly your headunit has some filtering (although I doubt it unless it's something fancy), or get a different amp.

Slightly off topic but why would fosgate manufacturers build their amps with a predetermined subsonic filter?

Back on topic- I would suggest two 12 inch SSDs for your particular case. They will sound great and get loud for under $400 which is what you want according to your first post. With the stock 160 amp alt and the big 3 you could quite possibly be alright as far as electrical. If not you could always add another battery or two for a couple hundred buckss. The SSDs would also be favorable if you have to purchase a new amplifier a nice 1500w amp could be sufficiently cheaper than a 2000w amp.

That is good advice. I ran 2 12" ssd's on 1500 watts and worked very well.