Shopping for tight, accurate subs...help?

[MikeBing]

Hello all,

I'm looking to bring out the lower end of my music a bit, and I've been reading about subs and all their properties on www.crutchfield.com for a few days. It has nearly gotten to the point that the more I read, the more confused and conflicted my feelings are about all the different sub options I have, so I'm here looking for some help.

Basically, I'm looking for subs that are quick and clear. I'm a drummer, and I really appreciate when subs don't dirty up the sound of a drum set. From what I've read, I'm assuming that means I need a sub with a high frequency response? I'm also looking for something that doesn't crap out on the high bass notes when the bassist is moving around. I listen to mostly rock/alternative with some occasional rap, so I'm not wanting just a couple huge subs that rattle my car to pieces.

I thought I had an idea what I wanted, but like I said, the more I read, the more conflicted I feel. So I'm starting over from square one, asking you guys and girls for help. If it matters, I'm already fairly certain I'll be getting the boxes from subthump.

Thanks in advance,

Michael

[The_Blur]

It's going to come down to the quality of your sub brand. A lot also goes into the quality of the box and the amplifier. While I'm not the best source of audio information, I can safely inform you that there is not a single answer to your question. Some will argue about the size of the sub or the volume of the box. Others will speak in name brands. My advise is to listen to a few entry level subs and find one that sounds good.

[TonyNo]

Sounds like you want a sealed box (no ports). Start there!

[Superfly1]

I run and Alpine R10 with a Rockford Fosgate Power 550S amp and it does very well. I have similar tastes in music to you and have been very happy with it. Here is a link below to the pictures and such...

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51066

[MikeBing]

Originally Posted by Superfly1

I run and Alpine R10 with a Rockford Fosgate Power 550S amp and it does very well. I have similar tastes in music to you and have been very happy with it. Here is a link below to the pictures and such...

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51066

I'll definitely look into that, thanks a lot. Tony, I was sure I wanted sealed, I'm really just trying to find the right sub now. Thanks!

[FIREWOLFF]

Check out Diamond Audio D3 subs. I have them in mine and they are extremely punchy and accurate.

[MikeBing]

Originally Posted by FIREWOLFF

Check out Diamond Audio D3 subs. I have them in mine and they are extremely punchy and accurate.

I've read that Diamond's are made more for ported boxes though, is this correct?

[DEW]

Originally Posted by MikeBing

Hello all,

I'm looking to bring out the lower end of my music a bit, and I've been reading about subs and all their properties on www.crutchfield.com for a few days. It has nearly gotten to the point that the more I read, the more confused and conflicted my feelings are about all the different sub options I have, so I'm here looking for some help.

Basically, I'm looking for subs that are quick and clear. I'm a drummer, and I really appreciate when subs don't dirty up the sound of a drum set. From what I've read, I'm assuming that means I need a sub with a high frequency response? I'm also looking for something that doesn't crap out on the high bass notes when the bassist is moving around. I listen to mostly rock/alternative with some occasional rap, so I'm not wanting just a couple huge subs that rattle my car to pieces.

I thought I had an idea what I wanted, but like I said, the more I read, the more conflicted I feel. So I'm starting over from square one, asking you guys and girls for help. If it matters, I'm already fairly certain I'll be getting the boxes from subthump.

Thanks in advance,

Michael

Mike, Im in the same situation you are right now. I have also decided to go with the subthump stealthbox for a 10 " sub. I am also pretty sure i will go with a JL Audio Slash 500/1 v2 amp. Ive had experience with their amps before and that is one area you dont want to skimp on. The sub is one thing Im still up in the air on. I joined caraudio.com to get some recomendations and got all kinds of answers. A lot of people on the forum have good things to say about Image Dynamics and their excellent SQ so Im leaning toward this one right now.
http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_id=5807

[POWERFREAK]

Originally Posted by MikeBing

I've read that Diamond's are made more for ported boxes though, is this correct?

NO...I have a single 10" Diamond sub in a sealed box-(w/ alpine mono amp)...it sounds GREAT. It's a VERY tight "musical" sub. All I listen to is rock/metal/punk. Also, in a smaller size box...a little trick is to stuff it w/ some pillow stuffing, will help improve it's performance.

[FIREWOLFF]

Diamonds work in both they do recommend ported which I have in my car. I just finished another Camaro with the exact same sub setup I have. If tuned properly ported is just as tight and accurate as the sealed box.

[Darth_Emma]

Do you folks with subs fold the back seat down so you can hear the sub better? Sorry for the noob question. I've never had a car before that I even considered putting a sub in.

[FIREWOLFF]

No mine comes through fine without folding the seat down.

[Superfly1]

Originally Posted by Darth_Emma

Do you folks with subs fold the back seat down so you can hear the sub better? Sorry for the noob question. I've never had a car before that I even considered putting a sub in.

Mine is always up, I have had it down once while tuning everything and it sounds WAY better with the seat back up.

[kga10734]

Originally Posted by FIREWOLFF

Diamonds work in both they do recommend ported which I have in my car. I just finished another Camaro with the exact same sub setup I have. If tuned properly ported is just as tight and accurate as the sealed box.

Hey that was my Camaro you did today.

I have to put in a good word for the 10" Diamond subs and amp. This set up rocks. I am so glad I made the drive down to see you and the guys at TNT Audio in Victoria, TX. It was well worth the 2 1/2 hour one way trip and it is always nice to meet fellow C5 members. I had that bad boy cranked up all the way back home. It sounds like I am sitting in a club with a live band playing.

I'll post pictures of it after I get my face plates color matched. I already have them off and I am headed to get the primer.

[mrray13]

Originally Posted by POWERFREAK

NO...I have a single 10" Diamond sub in a sealed box-(w/ alpine mono amp)...it sounds GREAT. It's a VERY tight "musical" sub. All I listen to is rock/metal/punk. Also, in a smaller size box...a little trick is to stuff it w/ some pillow stuffing, will help improve it's performance.

Adding fill to a sub box "tricks" the sub into thinking it's in a larger enclosure. This is really only needed if you don;t have room to build the proper box, and need to add air space.


Caraudio.com???? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Don't go there!! I have the same screen name there as here, and I'm telling you, you won't learn much. Too much flaming and bs about brand loyalty, next greates internet thing.

Soundsolutionsaudio.com is hands down one of the most informative car audio websites available. Several manufacturers have forums there, and their people are there all the time.

The enclosure is the most important part of the build. It's going to be the primary factor in how the sub responds. Too big, it'll be sloppy and go boom alot. Too small, it'll suffer on the output side of things and sound strangled.

For the trunks we have, a good, solid 10" driver, in the proper box, sealed or ported, with the right power is going to do wonders. Me? I'd run a SSA Icon 10,in 1ft^3, ported to about 36hz off a Sundown 1000d. Of course, I'm a bit of a basshead, although rap isn't on the playlist.

For the op, a Kicker Comp VR would be a good option. Small, sealed box, about 400wrms, and it'll sound good. Maybe even an L5, grab a bit more cone area that way.

[Danny Thomas]

W6 -10" sub and a JL Audio Amp. Used the subthump large box and the sub is very complimentary to the stereo. It does not rattle the glass. I listen to classic rock and country.

[MikeBing]

Originally Posted by mrray13

Adding fill to a sub box "tricks" the sub into thinking it's in a larger enclosure. This is really only needed if you don;t have room to build the proper box, and need to add air space.


Caraudio.com???? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Don't go there!! I have the same screen name there as here, and I'm telling you, you won't learn much. Too much flaming and bs about brand loyalty, next greates internet thing.

Soundsolutionsaudio.com is hands down one of the most informative car audio websites available. Several manufacturers have forums there, and their people are there all the time.

The enclosure is the most important part of the build. It's going to be the primary factor in how the sub responds. Too big, it'll be sloppy and go boom alot. Too small, it'll suffer on the output side of things and sound strangled.

For the trunks we have, a good, solid 10" driver, in the proper box, sealed or ported, with the right power is going to do wonders. Me? I'd run a SSA Icon 10,in 1ft^3, ported to about 36hz off a Sundown 1000d. Of course, I'm a bit of a basshead, although rap isn't on the playlist.

For the op, a Kicker Comp VR would be a good option. Small, sealed box, about 400wrms, and it'll sound good. Maybe even an L5, grab a bit more cone area that way.

I'm looking at the Kicker Comp VR's on crutchfield, and they have buy one get one free on the 10's and 12's. Would 2 of either of these be overkill for what I'm wanting? I was kind of planning on just one ten, but if another comes free, would it be worth getting a box for? And as far as 2-ohm vs 4-ohm...

[Waco]

Sealed enclosure w/10 in speaker and a good quality amp should do fine. I built my own RF system for my truck and it provides more bass than I know what to do with. Any manufacturer's site should provide a volume calculator for the enclosure size you'll need for each speaker, if you choose to build your own or compare pre-built enclosures. From there I use my head's non-fading level to the sub amp to control the amount of bass for the music I'm listening to. Good luck and please post how you decide to add more bass.

[SRFnSNO]

I am having a Perfect Fit 10" Subwoofre enclosure fitted with a Audison 10" Thesis Sub; Powering the system with a Audion LRX5.1mt Amp. Going through a Bit 1 Processor off the stock head unit.

The Bit 1 processor should give me the best control to balance out the entire system to fit my needs.

[TommyTSquared]

Originally Posted by kga10734

Hey that was my Camaro you did today.

I have to put in a good word for the 10" Diamond subs and amp. This set up rocks. I am so glad I made the drive down to see you and the guys at TNT Audio in Victoria, TX. It was well worth the 2 1/2 hour one way trip and it is always nice to meet fellow C5 members. I had that bad boy cranked up all the way back home. It sounds like I am sitting in a club with a live band playing.

I'll post pictures of it after I get my face plates color matched. I already have them off and I am headed to get the primer.

Ahh, I remember many a days when we would go there for our primary audio needs back in highschool!

[FIREWOLFF]

Originally Posted by kga10734

Hey that was my Camaro you did today.

I have to put in a good word for the 10" Diamond subs and amp. This set up rocks. I am so glad I made the drive down to see you and the guys at TNT Audio in Victoria, TX. It was well worth the 2 1/2 hour one way trip and it is always nice to meet fellow C5 members. I had that bad boy cranked up all the way back home. It sounds like I am sitting in a club with a live band playing.

I'll post pictures of it after I get my face plates color matched. I already have them off and I am headed to get the primer.

Thanks Kga I really enjoyed visiting with you and can't wait to see the painted pics. Enjoy your system!

[FIREWOLFF]

Originally Posted by TommyTSquared

Ahh, I remember many a days when we would go there for our primary audio needs back in highschool!

When was this I have been there since '97 with the exception of those 3 years they had me in Lufkin.

[TommyTSquared]

Originally Posted by FIREWOLFF

When was this I have been there since '97 with the exception of those 3 years they had me in Lufkin.

There were a few of us that would run around Victoria looking for races and whatnot. I want to say that I bought quite a few speakers and a deck or two from TNT around then as well. I was in a dark green '67 Mustang.

[O2BQIK]

Sounds like your preferences are very similar to mine. I haven't done my Camaro yet but my plan is for a JL Audio 10w6 or 12w6 in an enclosed box. Clean and accurate bass is what I'm looking for. I had a JL 10w3 v2 in an enclosed stealthbox in my '98 SS and it was absolutely amazing. The 2010 will need a bit more since it's not a hatchback.

[mrray13]

Originally Posted by MikeBing

I'm looking at the Kicker Comp VR's on crutchfield, and they have buy one get one free on the 10's and 12's. Would 2 of either of these be overkill for what I'm wanting? I was kind of planning on just one ten, but if another comes free, would it be worth getting a box for? And as far as 2-ohm vs 4-ohm...

Two might be a bit of overkill. Although free is a good thing, lol.

Impedence, the 2ohm vs 4 ohm thing, is for matching amps. There are technical issues, like coil size, thickness, and shape, that influence impedence, but for a typical person, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that you match up sub to amp. I'd recommend looking at something class D, and monoblock. It's a bit more efficent then a similiar sized A/B amp, so electrical upgrades can be minimal. Downside is that A/B style amps tend to be cleaner, but for subs, it's not going to be audible.