hihoslva

Topic says it - but here are the specifics:

*I will have between 1 and 1.5 cubes to work with - maybe a little more, but probably not. Enclosure will be sealed - no room for ported, bandpass, etc.

*I have a 500 watt Rockford amp, stable to 4 ohms bridged, and 2 ohms/channel (250 watts per side obviously).

*I'd like a good mix of SQ and SPL. Most of the time, the sub(s) will run at "decent" power - but with the Punch Bass adjustment **** for the amp at my fingertips (boosts bass @ 45Hz), I want to be able to bump and thump when I feel the urge, without risk of blown subs.

*I am mostly a rock-music listener, and I like the subs handling the bass drum nicely, as well as adding some "fill" to the lower bass notes in the music.

*I have 90 watts/side on my front stage, and need the bass to complement that (and be able to overpower it if I want to ).

*Price range is under $200 for sub(s) (trying anyway).

*I will consider just about anything - a single 10" or 12"; two 10"s (I really won't have the room for two 12"s); I've even considered 2,3, or 4 8" woofers (might be good for the rock music, no?).

*Sub(s) must handle 500 watts total (not each, unless it's just one), and be able to be wired @ 4 ohms. (single 4 ohm sub, DVC 2 ohm (single sub), DVC 4 ohm (two subs), SVC 8 ohm (also for two subs) etc.)

That's about it. I like it tight, but I do like it loud. The amp is staying, I really want to stay in my budget, and the airspace cannot really be increased. I'd like something with a good sensitvity for nice volume at all listening levels - something that plays as well at low volumes as it does on full-crank, if possible. I'll take all suggestions seriously - whether it's recommendations for a Brahma, or a Pioneer. I listen to reason, so please bring yours.

Right now I'm running a Rockford Punch HX2 10" in a VERY small sealed enclosure (which will be rebuilt larger in fiberglass when I choose new subs) and it kinda sucks. I've also blown up an Infinity Perfect 10, so I don't want to try another Infinity (but maybe with some solid convincing..) Plus the Infinity's aren't cheap. I don't need the best, just something reasonably loud, reasonably tight, and reliable. I'm NOT looking to buy something else in 3 months (again).

Please TRY to stick to the parameters I mentioned - like the power (500 watts total) and the price ($200 total) - I think I am leaning toward two 10's, because I can get something with a slightly lower power hanling, but higher sensitivity. Plus, the increase in cone area will be nice (over a single 10 or 12).

Let the suggestions fly, please!!! And a hearty Thanks to all who reply!

~HH

onehawaiian

dude, i don't know how you feel about elemental designs, but they still have the pre-order special. if you're not pressed for time, the drivers should ship out btwn the 8th and 12th of sept. (per ben from edesigns)

personally i haven't heard them, but blind buys are not new to me. their positive feedback is nearly perfect on all the major car audio boards and i just may get in on this pre-order. prices are below:

- 10" $95
- 12" $100
- 15" $105

they come in 20hm dvc or 4ohm dvc. they work in small spaces and i think meet the power requirements you were looking for. anyhoo, here's the site:
E-Designs

hihoslva

Yup - looked at those. "Grim013" is running a previous generation 10" @4 ohms off a JBL 600 (so 300 watts) and he's really digging it.

My only concern is the quite low sensitivity rating - like 85 dB - that's pretty low - meaning the output of one will be LESS than the output of my current sub (most likely) - but with TOW - I dunno.

I guess I can wait, as I haven't even begun to 'glass a box yet. But - if I get some new subs, I know I'll be more motivated.

Keep 'em coming!

~HH

pr5owner

banpass and ported enclosures sound like POOO IMO, sealed is the best sounding, if i had 1.5"? i would get 2 kicker solo barics (square subs)
________
EASY VAPE VAPORIZER

1st MP3 in NH

WHats wrong with adding another rockford 10" sub?

If you came to my shop I would suggest 2 JL audio 10W3 10" subs, basicly 250 watts rms each and cost $160 each. If you want 500 watts rms handling for under 200 total I doubt you'll find anything realistic unless you want my 4 8W3s that I am unloading for $200, they together can easily handle 500rms.

hihoslva

I could add another Rockford, but if I'm not so pleased with one, i'm not sure two would make me happy.

I think I'm starting to agree with some people - that the RF's don't have good SQ, even if they can be decent in SPL.

Plus, I have a DVC 2 Ohm sub - so I'd need to buy two new Rockfords (DVC 4 ohm) to be able to wire everything up well.

Oh - and you've got mail - about the 8w3s.

Thanks.

~HH

hihoslva

I need 4 ohms total to my amp, regardless of the number of subs, coils, etc.

Anyone have experience with MA Audio? I can get a PAIR for pretty cheap (like under $150) and the specs look good for me - is this flea market crap?

I'm also considering Infinity once again. Two Kappa 100.3 Se's. They'd work very well - 275 RMS each, DVC 4 ohm/coil. Plus, they have a nice high sensitivity rating for (hopefully) good output. I shredded my Perfect 10 due to overpowering, and a box that was way too small. But if I can box the Kappas in about 1.5 sealed, and feed them 250 watts, I thik they'd be safe and sound nice. I enjoyed my Perfect (very nice SQ - while it lasted) - I'm just a little scared of my the fact that I tore it up pretty quickly, but with a little less power and a little more airspace, I think I could work it. And I found them for under $100 each on eBay.

I also wouldn't mind running two JL 10w3's - except for the price - I really would like to stay under or around $200 - any good sources for 10w3's?

I think I am really leaning toward two 10's at this point - I think I'd like the extra output from the increased cone area. I would like to be able to bump if I want to, ya' know? I think I expect too much of a single sub sometimes, and a pair of 10's sharing 500 watts ought to give higher output

Anyone have opinions on the JL Audio 8w3's? "1st MP3 in NH" sez he's got 4 he can unload for $200, and I know they will share 500 watts pretty nicely. Can I bump with 8's once in a while? I'm not big on buying used subs, but I'd consider buying from someone from this board - a little more trustworthy than some eBay seller, I would hope.

I appreciate all the help - Keep the suggestions coming.

~HH

MageMinds

I suggest you to buy only one 10W3-D4 you will be able to hook up your 500 Watt to only one sub and have it in a ported enclosure, JL Audio 10W3 only require 1.5 cubic feet.

I have this in my car and it rock ... JL Audio reproduce a good precise punchin' bass.

I have an Orion CO-465 able to do a total of over 500 Watt total to drive mine. Each coil are connected to one two bridged channel 4Ohm, there are model that are 2 Ohm they called it 10W3-D2

See them here

hihoslva

500 watts to a single 10w3 is out of the recommended range for that sub - in fact, it's on the border of "danger" and "warranty void".

Not that it can't take it - I'm sure it can. But I'm really looking to have something that sounds great AND will last a good long time. 500 watts + JL 10w3 + my constant desire to crank the volume = hiho buying ANOTHER new sub in a short period of time.

Thanks for the input though. I'd definitely consider 2 10w3's if I could get them at a stellar price.......

~HH

1st MP3 in NH

A 10W3 can handle a 500 watt amp. The reccomended volume for 1 10 is .5 cubic ft and up, .5 happens to sound BAD ***. I Usualy build boxes for them at this size and they rock. JLs power ratings are set by the thermal limits of the sub after 8 hours. Thus basicly a 10W3 can handle 250 continuos for 8 hours before encountering an issue.

onehawaiian

hmm, you're looking more for two 10's than one twelve? well, here are my suggestions for under $200:

one 12:
-image dynamics idq
-autotek mean machine
-fusion powerplant
-adire shiva (never heard it but it's $125 shipped)
-elemental (again, never heard it but $100 pre-order)

two 10's:
-elemental $95 (see above)
-jl audio 10w3
-alpine type-r
-image dynamics
-fusion powerplant

the only real problem i see with two 10's is your budget. $200/pr is cutting it really close and nearly impossible when looking for good sq subs. running one "spl type" sub at 8ohm will give you a nice amount of sq, save you some space (maxxbling box?) and still get decently loud. i vote for one 12.

no wait, two 10's.
forget that, go with one 12.

dammit, are these subs for you or me?

i vote get a higher budget. another $100 will do you just fine. yeah, that's my final answer. set your budget at $300 and get solid subs.

hihoslva

Well, I think unless someone talks me out of it, i'm going to try Infinity again - with a "safer" setup this time:

I can get two Infinity Kappa 100.3 DVC 4 ohm subs for $220 delivered to my door - not bad as far as budget goes. They'll do 275 watts RMS (that's a "max" RMS (recommended 50-275), with a peak of 1100, I think. Anyway, 250 to each one should kick just fine). They like .75 cube each sealed, and I'm pretty sure 1.5 cubes is do-able. If the box is off, it'll be only slightly (10% or so, which is acceptable). DVC 4 ohm subs wired right gives me 4 ohms to the amp, which is on the money also.

One of the things that I like about Infinity is the sensitivity rating - I know this shouldn't be my only consideration (and it isn't) but they have a rating of 93 dB, which is between 5 and 8 dB higher than almost any other sub I looked at in the price/power range I need. And plugging the specs into WinISD shows a 10+ dB increase over many of the other subs - also quite significant.

The shredded Perfect 10 I had was my fault - this time they won't be overpowered or run with the gains cranked, and they'll be in the right amount of airspace. I was impressed with the SQ of the Perfect for sure, as well as it's ability to still play deep and smooth at low to moderate volumes - attributable to the high sensitivity, I'd think.

Anyway - 500 watts and two Kappa 10's oughtta bump pretty damn well.

Anyone care to talk me out of this? I'm definitely listening.

Thanks for all the opinions, and I'm still up for more. I want to make a good decision this time, and think I'm on the right track. Without anyone convincing me otherwise, the Kappas will be orderd within the next day or two.

Thanks again!

~HH

hihoslva

Just an update - I decided to go with the Infinity Kappa 100.3 DVC's. I got a pair of them off eBay for $96 each, $30 shipping. Done deal.

I think I can't resist the SQ experience I had with my Kappa Perfect 10. And now with two 10's, I hope to achieve some better SPL while retaining most of the SQ I liked about my prior Infinity.

Thanks for all the recommedations - now it's on to the 'glassing of a box to hold these silver-coned beauties - hopefully within the next few weeks, if wedding planning doesn't take up all my free time....

Oh - anyone wanna buy a 10" Rockford Punch HX2, DVC 2 ohm? Probably not, but it'll be on eBay soon - and if anyone is interested, feel free to let me know.

Thanks again, all.

~HH