Subwoofer...10" or 12", 1 or 2...?

[Frankensteineken]

Ok, turns out I'm not as smart as I thought I was and now am really debating what to do as far as installing a sub. I was looking at XJ speficic enclosures, but they look pretty cheesy, so now I am thinking about just getting a box and pulling it out when I need the space.

So here's what I am looking for. I listen to all kinds of music, but mostly rock, so I want something with good response. I have only ever ran 10's in sealed boxes, so that is what I am used to hearing. Is one good 10 with plenty of power going to do the trick? I don't want to rumble windows down the street, but I would like it to pound decent. I am open to running 2 10's or even a 12, but I would like some feedback. I am by no means an audiophile, but I want decent sound.

[cherokee707]

Ok, turns out I'm not as smart as I thought I was and now am really debating what to do as far as installing a sub. I was looking at XJ speficic enclosures, but they look pretty cheesy, so now I am thinking about just getting a box and pulling it out when I need the space.

So here's what I am looking for. I listen to all kinds of music, but mostly rock, so I want something with good response. I have only ever ran 10's in sealed boxes, so that is what I am used to hearing. Is one good 10 with plenty of power going to do the trick? I don't want to rumble windows down the street, but I would like it to pound decent. I am open to running 2 10's or even a 12, but I would like some feedback. I am by no means an audiophile, but I want decent sound.



Just get one 12''. get one that is ported so u can get a ported box and trust me u will love it

[cjd_1986]

I use 1 10" and most ppl that get in think I have 2 10's or 12's lol. Just running an 800w Kenwood amp to it.

[Joshua]

Im running one 10" with 800w to it and i wish i'd built my box for a 12". Id like to have a little more lower frequenc response that my 10" doesnt give me. just my $.02

[5.2poweredxj]

I running one 12" but not as responsive as I would want for rock. Have a friend that has 2 10 in dakota sounds better.

I would go with a 1 10" if I redo mine.

[Frankensteineken]

I running one 12" but not as responsive as I would want for rock. Have a friend that has 2 10 in dakota sounds better.

I would go with a 1 10" if I redo mine.

That's what I'm worried about. Most of the 12's I have heard have been more boomy than punchy, if you know what I am saying. I want the response, but I don't know if a 12 in a sealed box will do it.

[CheapXJ]

go for a heavy 10" that requires some power, put it in a small sealed box and feed it well.

if you want the best sounding 10" you've ever heard in your life, run a JL 10W7 in a 1.12 ft^3 sealed box w/ a 500/1

best bang for the buck is an alpine type-r 10" in a sealed box w/ a good monoblock w/ at least 500w RMS into 4ohms.

[redneckboarder]

i have 2 10s in a sealed box and i put quick disconects on the wires and chock it with my tools and stuff so the box dont ,move..2 mins and im sub free

[TheDiabetic]

I'm running a 10" JL w3 with less than 400 true watts running into it in a ported box. Like the others, people think I have 2 12's or something. Good thing for courtesy and legality purposes is that it's loud as hell inside but standing outside isn't that loud.

I'd recomend a good 10" or 12" like JL or Rockford Fosgate. Put one of those subs in a slot-ported box and it'll jam. Difference is with the slot-port over a sealed enclosure is you get a harder hit rather than cleaner bass. Make sure you don't buy a premade box either, have an audioshop build you one for your specific sub and it will make things a lot better. My .02 as well.

[beraad44]

this is what i have and i love it
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?o=v&g=100&i=700RTP4512&search=bass+package&tp=14

[Frankensteineken]

I learned a long time ago the virtue of buying good audio equipment and how 100 "real" watts will blow away 500 "China" watts. So whatever I do I will use decent stuff.

Are you guys running 1 10" rattling your windows? Like I said before, I'm not trying to win any competions but I want to be able to feel it.

[MufflerBearing]

I learned a long time ago the virtue of buying good audio equipment and how 100 "real" watts will blow away 500 "China" watts. So whatever I do I will use decent stuff.

Are you guys running 1 10" rattling your windows? Like I said before, I'm not trying to win any competions but I want to be able to feel it.

a JL 10" w7 will make you feel it lol

[rufus_1111]

this should do the trick with an amp with decent power.
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=520&i=2066S10L72&tp=111

[Krazors001]

I run 1 12" Alpine Type-S with a Mono Amp running around 500 watts. It really completes the sound. I'm a big rock music listener but it will pump when I do listen to anything with some bass. I went from to 12" Audiobahn Flame Q's to this and have no regrets and actually have a trunk again

[89cherokeexj]

Depends on what you want to spend. Get a nice 10 and a high power amp to push it and you'll like it. I do like mine to rattle windows, thinking about going to 2 12" l7's...hopefully

[Racer-X]

I run a single JL 10w1 in a JL sealed power wedge box with a Eclipse amp (200+ watts RMS) and it sounds great. I went with the sealed box because i was more interested in sound quality than just volume. You can pick the sub/box up for under $200 and Crutchfield has a decent Alpine mono amp (MRP-M450) that should push it for under $150.

[TheAlmightySam]

I use a Diamond Audio 10" (wish I could remember the model number) that's only getting fed 200W RMS in a small box, and I'm perfectly happy. For listening to rock, I've been more impressed with smaller subwoofers because they tend to respond faster (less mass to move around and all that), leading to "punchier" bass. Now, of course, it all depends on the sub and enclosure and power and and and...

[Beej]

x2 on The Diabetic's sentiments (what a name, but that's another thread) regarding the custom box. Not only is it preferable, its darn near essential for a good sound.

Frankensteineken:
Ported boxes by their nature are always going to be bigger than their sealed counterparts for a given speaker. Boxes must be built to match the Thiele-Small parameters of the speaker(s). These are available from the manufacturer and are essential for calculating the volume and dimensions of the box as well as the shape, volume and length of the port or ports. A good freeware program that allows you to calculate your enclosure from the T/S parameters of your speaker is available here: WinISD beta (http://www.linearteam.dk/default.aspx?pageid=winisd) Running your specs through here will allow you to tune your enclosure to exactly match your speaker's optimum operating capacity.

In my own case, I used a 10" 400wRMS 4ohm Infiniti subwoofer so that I could custom build a ported box that fits into the rear interior side panel on the passenger side in the cargo area. I power it with a 350w RMS 4 ohm Pioneer amp. Its elementary gear, but it sounds very nice in the enclosure.

For plenty more information on this kind of stuff, search this forum for subs and subwoofers, there's a ton of information and some good ideas from others.

Keep us posted...

[XJ Beater]

lol, ive got 2 15" jbl's in a huge sealed box and a power acoustic 1800 watt amp powering it all, its stupid loud, but ive got it tuned just right with the rest of the system so its all stupid loud, well, capable of ebing so, at normal volumes it sounds just fine and balanced, crank it up and itll make you deaf

[XJ01-08]

well if you want a sub and dont want to take up your cargo space you can do what i did
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/2623000-2623999/2623824_4_full.jpg
Its a 10" Rockford Fosgate Punch Stage 2 powered by a RF 400w amp, If you do it this way you can only fit a 10" sub though. funny thing is that someone on here did the exact same thing with the exact same sub and amp

[Frankensteineken]

well if you want a sub and dont want to take up your cargo space you can do what i did
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/2623000-2623999/2623824_4_full.jpg
Its a 10" Rockford Fosgate Punch Stage 2 powered by a RF 400w amp, If you do it this way you can only fit a 10" sub though. funny thing is that someone on here did the exact same thing with the exact same sub and amp

That is awesome. Did you build the box or did you have it done? Is it wood or fiberglass?

[snowjeep]

I worked at a stereo shop for 7 years and all you need is a 10". I have the JL audio box fitted for a cherokee with a JL 10w3 dual voice coil. The amp is a middle of the road 100w rms and when it hits you feel it through the seat and with bass heavy songs moves your hair. You can go with other companys just don't go smaller than 10" and make sure the air space in the box fits the sub you pick. I think enclosed will be your best box.

[planefixer]

I've got 2 JL 10W0s (SVC) in a ported box powered by an Orion amp pushing 300 clean (.003THD) watts mono, controlled by an Audiocontrol EQX and it sounds awesome.

[Frankensteineken]

I worked at a stereo shop for 7 years and all you need is a 10". I have the JL audio box fitted for a cherokee with a JL 10w3 dual voice coil. The amp is a middle of the road 100w rms and when it hits you feel it through the seat and with bass heavy songs moves your hair. You can go with other companys just don't go smaller than 10" and make sure the air space in the box fits the sub you pick. I think enclosed will be your best box.

What "fitted" box do you have? The Stealth box? Or one of the JL wedge's in the back?

[whompinxj]

1 kicker 12" L7 pushed by 1000 watt old school kenwood. Its all about sending the right frequencies to the sub. tune the amp good and think about getting a pioneer head unit so that you can control frequencies and power levels from the head unit.

deck
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8207932&type=product&id=1166840026727

sub
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?showAll=N&g=520&i=206812L74&search=Kicker+VENDORID206&searchdisplay=Kicker&tp=111

box
http://www.lightav.com/car/boxes/xscorpion/ssvk.jpg

[XJ01-08]

its made out of 3/4" plywood, here is where i got the idea from http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=97186
Sounds good but i did a bad job sealing it and i need to rip it open again and do a better job.

[dj's 2000 xj]

I ran a 8" L7 in a sealed box with an 120w audio by Zed Amp, and it rocked with tight hits and space saver. I now have a Dual 12" bandpass with a plexiglass front with a red neon inside for fun. It kills my space however. I would buy that flush mount custom box from XJ01-08 in a heartbeat!! That rules!! Remember RMS is what to shop for in your amp.

[jforse]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t290/jforse/Jeep%20Pics/jeep003.jpg


1- JL Audio 8W3

[mattsmako]

I've got a JL Power Wedge with 3 10's, It has both punch and rumble. If I crank it up you can see the windows flex :P. For the most part I keep it on the low end. I listen to rock and it sounds great. I got a cheap amp(had to keep the cost down)it can't keep up. I would recommend a Good Class D and a Capacitor or look into a BatCap(batcap.net). Put this between your amp and battery and your charging system will never know that amps there. Anyway this worked nicely for me. Good luck
Matt

[summitlt]

This is what i did for a 12

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?p=243767765

Scroll to the top. Works great for me.

[alex22]

I'm planig on puting a sub in that cubby hole, once i cut out the plastic, how deep is the space for the sub?

[Stallacrew]

I want to say the cubby space is something like 8 inches deep but I could be well off on that number.

I have one JL Audio 12W3 and it rocks my car with thier outdated a1200 amp. I only have like 250 amps RMS to it but it rocks hard.

One 10W6 or 10W7 should do the trick in a ported box or even in the cubby. you're going to want the 500/1 amp though. You're only limited on funding.

I like 12's and you like 10's so I can only give an opinion loosely based on what I know because I've never run a 10.

JL also now has some really skinny speakers dont know what they are called but they are supposed to be good.

www.jlaudio.com (http://www.jlaudio.com) it's all I ever use. Supposed to be the best.

--Alex

[XJ01-08]

if i can remember correctly its 6 or 7 inches deep, my RF sub is like 5 1/2 mounting depth and has like and 1 or 1 1/2 of clearence

[alex22]

Thanks. I havent set up a car system before, but mine sure can use it. As I said above I want to build it into the cubby hole, probly will mount it from behind , make a few steel or aluminum bars to protect the sub then carpet over it. But, I don't know much about selecting components (what each spec means). I want it to sound really good listening to rock, don't really care for thumping/bumping rap.

~Alex

[sullivanclan]

I used to have 2 10s in my cherokee, with a 800wat amp and sounded great and its a lot more crisp and clear then the big "bump" of a 12. depends on the kind of sub for best kind of sound... kicker comps are the best I think, they jst came out with a new one too.

[eagolden]

Ive puts lots of systems in several different types of vehicles and by far Xj's have the perfect cab as far as air space that is! I have had 4 12s in a sealed box with a memphis pr1000d amp in my 94 souned amazing! i could bounce a full glass of water over on the top of it. Now i have a 2000 Xj with 2 12in RF HX2's in a slotted box with a 1ohm stable concept amp! sounds great also. If i were u id recommed a dual chambered slotted box. U can get them on ebay 4 a great price1 u wont be dissapointed

[Beej]

Ported boxes must be port-matched to the parameters of the original driver. If you can't do this, I highly recommend against using a ported box.

Under no circumstances should you drop any old driver into a ported box, from eBay or anywhere else, you could very easily face overextrusion permanently damaging your sub...

[smiley]

ive got 2 alpine 12 class r's in a ported box and a kenwood amp with 800rms and i love it... i hate being in other peoples cars without subs... i love my jeep to be loud if thats what you want and dont care about trunk space get a ported box

[Kyle Horvath]

Here's mine. . . if you can find it. Is it a 15 inch sub? Ha, kidding. . .

but, 2 well tuned 10's in a Cherokee thumps. digital amps are the new thing too these days for sweet sound. I'd like to run something bigger and more powerful, but space limits what I put in. I'm fine with my 8 inch tube. Sometimes I wish I was rockin a better stereo though. . . especially at highway speeds. Goodluck.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c370/Willthewonk/IMG_0221.jpg

[jeepman121]

One kicker L7 10 is the best all around sub. It's square so it pushes more air than a circle, yet it has the low end for the sound of a 12 inch, but the tight bass that of a 10. one square 10 set a record of like 147 db in a camaro.....unbelievable!! my buddies had like 4 12's and a few 15's and only hit 130.7 db

[alex22]

One kicker L7 10 is the best all around sub. It's square so it pushes more air than a circle, yet it has the low end for the sound of a 12 inch, but the tight bass that of a 10. one square 10 set a record of like 147 db in a camaro.....unbelievable!! my buddies had like 4 12's and a few 15's and only hit 130.7 db

What amp are you using in your setup?

~Alex

[FlexdXJ]

My buddy has 6 of the newest L7's in his cherokee he built a wall to house them they are pushed by two kicker 2500.1s and his highs are pushed by a kicker 650.4. He hit 149 with 3 CVX's he is hoping for 160 with this setup. I can get pics if you would like

[xjjeepthing]

Im running a single Fusion 12", works pretty well.

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s44/xjjeepthing/My%20jeep/Picture070.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s44/xjjeepthing/My%20jeep/Picture074.jpg

[xcalibur223]

Well you said you listen to mostly rock so I would stick with a sealed enclosure. It's going to be able to keep up with the faster music unlike a ported enclosure that can lag behind with a lot of rock. Some people can't tell the difference tho and you can go with a ported and it is gonna sound louder. As for a 10 or a 12. A 10 is going to give you the most response music wise. A 12 is still going to sound good and be louder. Not quite as crisp of a response but if you get a good 12 it'll sound phenomenal. I suggest a JL Audio 12w3v3 if your going to go for a 12.

[Beej]

Well you said you listen to mostly rock so I would stick with a sealed enclosure. It's going to be able to keep up with the faster music unlike a ported enclosure that can lag behind with a lot of rock. Some people can't tell the difference tho and you can go with a ported and it is gonna sound louder. As for a 10 or a 12. A 10 is going to give you the most response music wise. A 12 is still going to sound good and be louder. Not quite as crisp of a response but if you get a good 12 it'll sound phenomenal. I suggest a JL Audio 12w3v3 if your going to go for a 12.Hmm.

Sealed vs. ported has nothing to do with keeping up to speed and ported enclosures will not "lag behind" in any kind of music. Sound moves at the speed of sound in a given atmosphere regardless of whether its produced from a sealed enclosure or via a vent in a ported enclosure.

Ported will sound louder because the rolloff in a sealed enclosure occurs at a higher rate. Sealed enclosures need more watts to produce the same low frequencies as a comparable ported enclosure. Generally speaking, in most conditions with similar drivers a ported enclosure will always beat a sealed enclosure in sound quality. The only advantages to sealed enclosures are the ability to build a smaller enclosure and they are more forgiving to being overdriven (won't set you up to exceed Xmax the same way a ported enclosure may).

A 10" may deliver more response than a 12", but you will sacrifice bottom end and overall presence of sound. That said, a 10" is plenty for most vehicle applications...

[gradon]

One 10" JL in a sealed box(or cubby hole) pushed by an old rf punch 200(ix, dsm) or 500m would do it right. I am currently using a nice 10" eclipse sub that will take whatever I throw it.