View Full Version : Subwoofer Recommendations
pozza
28-10-2008, 10:02 PM
Hi all I've got a Soundstream LW1.400 that runs at 400wrms at 2 ohms and I'm looking for a new sub to go with this as the one I currently have is a 4ohm sub and is only running at 200wrms. I'm aware that my best option would be a dual voice coil, 4ohm sub wired in parallel so as to achieve a 2ohm load. Can anyone recommend a good sub for this set up? Btw wanting to run a 12".
Whats your budget? I personally think a DD1512a (Digital Designs) with the dual voice coil pack or a Focal 27V2 would be ideal to run @ 2ohm's, but both will set you back around $400. The Focal is an 11" sub designed for SQ, so its better for blending seamlessly with your speakers, the DD is more SPL and will pump out some pretty decent bass :P
On the cheaper end but still good quality, maybe a JL Audio W3, they're under $300 for the sub alone I think?
Poita
29-10-2008, 06:01 AM
I recently bought a Vibe Blackair MK II+ from FHRX Studios, and am loving it. He sells it for $295. Runs fantastically in small to medium sealed boxes. I have mine in the Bigs custom box which is about 1 cu. ft. It is also a fantastic looking sub. I am supplying it with about 400Wrms (amp I have is rated at that when running a 4ohm sub) and its sounds great! I turn the sub down a bit generally as it gets too loud and I have never reached the full 400W.
Specs:
550Wrms
Dual 2 ohm Voice Coil. So can be run as 1 or 4 ohm. I have mine running in the 4 ohm configuration, simply because I thought it sounded a tad better!
I was also looking at the Boston G212 but most people said that it wasn't quite as 'musical' as the Vibe and it needed a bigger box.
Re-Edit: I re-read and realised I had misunderstood what you wanted. LOL Above still stands correct as my recommendation :P
Edit: Just noticed you are looking for a sub to "go with" you current one... meaning you want to run 2 subs, one being your current one? Why don't you try to find another one the same as your existing one?
I think he means to go with the Soundstream amp. But if your happy with the quality of the sub you have, why not just a second? :P
pozza
29-10-2008, 11:06 AM
I think he means to go with the Soundstream amp. But if your happy with the quality of the sub you have, why not just a second? :P
Yes you're right Lugo, I'm wanting to ditch my current sub but keep the amp because atm my current sub is 4ohm and is therefore wasting the potential of my amp which can run at 400 wrms at 2ohm, while at 4ohm it's only running at 200 wrms :( So to be clear i'm looking for a 400wrms 2ohm sub. Mr Charisma, Woob or hlucin8 any suggestions from you guys, you all really seem to know you're stuff. Btw in terms of budget, probably looking to spend up to $350.
Poita
29-10-2008, 12:28 PM
Is the amp 1ohm stable?
Is the amp 1ohm stable?
No, the little wonder is only stable down to 2ohm.
Mr İharisma
29-10-2008, 04:05 PM
Hmmm it will depend on what your after sound wise ( punchy, low, flat, extension etc ) but these fit the bill:
Hertz ES300 D3 ( DVC 4ohm ) $300
Oz Audio 12.3-4 ( DVC 4ohm ) $300
Image Dynamics IDQ 12-4 ( DVC 4ohm ) ( $449 I think but good )
Plus of course their are the Pioneer, Alpine, Kicker, Cadence, Fusion, Clarion run of the mill as well.
After having the large Oz ME sub for a while now I really like it, the baby brother is almost as good just without the 25mm Xmax :badgrin:
pozza
29-10-2008, 04:12 PM
Hmmm it will depend on what your after sound wise ( punchy, low, flat, extension etc ) but these fit the bill:
Hertz ES300 D3 ( DVC 4ohm ) $300
Oz Audio 12.3-4 ( DVC 4ohm ) $300
Image Dynamics IDQ 12-4 ( DVC 4ohm ) ( $449 I think but good )
Plus of course their are the Pioneer, Alpine, Kicker, Cadence, Fusion, Clarion run of the mill as well.
After having the large Oz ME sub for a while now I really like it, the baby brother is almost as good just without the 25mm Xmax :badgrin:
Looking for more of an SPL type of sub, something that'll go low and loud :badgrin:
Looking for more of an SPL type of sub, something that'll go low and loud :badgrin:
Go DD, no doubt :P Come to a northern meet one of these coming weeks (even tomorrow) and ask MGNTZD to play you a demo in his car, its hard to explain your brain vibrating from bass until you've experienced it lol
Mr İharisma
29-10-2008, 04:30 PM
For the amount of power on tap, probably the Oz Vector would be a good choice. To give you an idea, 4 x12inch Vectors got 143.1db however they where in sealed boxes and underpowered :bowrofl:
Put this puppy in a ported box and plug and play. Otherwise the DD1512 is a more expensive option and probably wont sound as good or be much louder on your power output.
pozza
29-10-2008, 11:33 PM
Yeah it seems the dilemma I'm facing is whether to buy something like the DD1512 and underpower it or buy something with a power rating closer to that of my amp. Will I encounter any problems if I choose to go with something like the DD and underpower it? Apart from the obvious of not achieving the sub's full potential haha.
Yeah it seems the dilemma I'm facing is whether to buy something like the DD1512 and underpower it or buy something with a power rating closer to that of my amp. Will I encounter any problems if I choose to go with something like the DD and underpower it? Apart from the obvious of not achieving the sub's full potential haha.
Buy a sub with a bigger power rating and under power it (just dont turn the gains on full), and save for a decent amp.....
Otherwise you will go through buying a new amp, and then a new sub later on, and spend twice the money.
Personally the steps to building your stereo right the 1st time: after being through 1.5 installs in my magna -
1. plan out what you want from the stereo, not just overnight - meet up with members, have a listen.
2. Work out a realistic budget (whatever you *think* it will cost, add 50%)
3. Start saving, and stick to the budget, there's always something better, louder, prettier for just $50 more.....stick to your plan.
4. Install once, and install it properly.
I've spent twice on my stereo what I planned to - mainly because I didnt read enough, didnt plan enough, and bought things like amps, subs, speakers twice.
The only thing that is original is the dynamat extreme, 0AWG cable, deck, and rear speakers.
The rest got bought all over again at a substantial cost :redface:
pozza
30-10-2008, 10:57 AM
Buy a sub with a bigger power rating and under power it (just dont turn the gains on full), and save for a decent amp.....
Otherwise you will go through buying a new amp, and then a new sub later on, and spend twice the money.
Personally the steps to building your stereo right the 1st time: after being through 1.5 installs in my magna -
1. plan out what you want from the stereo, not just overnight - meet up with members, have a listen.
2. Work out a realistic budget (whatever you *think* it will cost, add 50%)
3. Start saving, and stick to the budget, there's always something better, louder, prettier for just $50 more.....stick to your plan.
4. Install once, and install it properly.
I've spent twice on my stereo what I planned to - mainly because I didnt read enough, didnt plan enough, and bought things like amps, subs, speakers twice.
The only thing that is original is the dynamat extreme, 0AWG cable, deck, and rear speakers.
The rest got bought all over again at a substantial cost :redface:
I know exactly what your saying as I've been through it already with my car now. I originally had cheap coax's before I got my Focals and I'm now onto my third sub amp and second sub. Looking back the only thing I did right the first time was my head unit, which I originally thought I spent way too much money on haha.
Atm I've narrowed it down to three subs, the DD 1512a, JL 12W3v3-4 and the Alpine Type R DVC 4ohm. Guess I've just gotta get out there and audition all of these now.
Ashneel
30-10-2008, 12:41 PM
hmmm these are pretty good http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62345
:P
Mr İharisma
30-10-2008, 03:29 PM
If you can audition the Oz as well you will like it. Off the power it will be just as loud as the DD with the SQ of the JL and none of Alpines bad bits :badgrin:
But at the end of the day, let your ears do the talking and try and audition them in your car, and not off a demo board......
But at the end of the day, let your ears do the talking and try and audition them in your car, and not off a demo board......
In a lot of cases this is easier said than done :cry: :doubt:
Luckily I had a lucky pick of my rockford - perfect for what I wanted (until I hear someone elses lol )
Mr İharisma
30-10-2008, 05:14 PM
In a lot of cases this is easier said than done :cry: :doubt:
Luckily I had a lucky pick of my rockford - perfect for what I wanted (until I hear someone elses lol )
That's why ill pay more to go to a professional then just to some random shop with demo boards. Last time I was looking at a sub I went down to visit Marty and while he was working he had all ready to go:
Crossfire XT 12
Vibe Space
Boston G5 ( that I had at the time )
Hertz HXS 300
IDMAX
I just plugged and played.
That's why ill pay more to go to a professional then just to some random shop with demo boards. Last time I was looking at a sub I went down to visit Marty and while he was working he had all ready to go:
Crossfire XT 12
Vibe Space
Boston G5 ( that I had at the time )
Hertz HXS 300
IDMAX
I just plugged and played.
I dont mind Lifestyle store in Parra. They have quite a few subs you can try in your car, just my previous install was rather inconvenient for swapping subs :-/
pozza
30-10-2008, 07:07 PM
If you can audition the Oz as well you will like it. Off the power it will be just as loud as the DD with the SQ of the JL and none of Alpines bad bits :badgrin:
But at the end of the day, let your ears do the talking and try and audition them in your car, and not off a demo board......
While we're at it, can anyone recommend some places in Melbourne where I could audition the JL, DD and Oz?
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