Hi, I currently have two Soundstream VGW-12 (12") subs in a sealed box. They are rated for 600W RMS, and are 4ohm per coil DVC. They are connected to my Kicker SX650.1 amp which makes 650WRMS at 2ohms. I am mainly looking for SQ, but like most people, I like it very loud once in a while! I am mostly listening to electronic music.
My problem is that my subs can only be wired to 4 or 1 ohm to my mono amp, and my amplifier doesn't take a 1ohm load, so I wire them at 4ohm, which only gives them a bit more than 150W each. They don't hit hard enough for me at high volume, but they sound very good at low and mid volumes.
I was looking at a Kicker S12L7 in a Kicker pre-fab (vented) box (VS12L7-2). That sub makes 600W at 2ohms, and I think it would match my amp very well.
I have three questions
1) Would I be trading sound quality for SPL with that sub?
2) Should I change to two new 12"s (or even 10"s?) in a sealed enclosure to a combination that makes 2ohms?
3) Should I even consider getting a second SX650.1 and run one sub off each amp?
Thanks in advance to anyone who might answer
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Alexandre C.
2002 Nissan Maxima 6spd
Kenwood KDC-X891 HU
Kicker SX650.1 & SX400.2 amps w/SXRC Remote
Soundstream VGW-12 subs
aleckxs wrote:
1) Would I be trading sound quality for SPL with that sub?
2) Should I change to two new 12"s (or even 10"s?) in a sealed enclosure to a combination that makes 2ohms?
3) Should I even consider getting a second SX650.1 and run one sub off each amp?
Thanks in advance to anyone who might answer
1). Kickers aren't known for SQ, but I'll say that 2 would sound better than 1. Also, you would come out at a draw -yeah, you'd have twice the power (+3dB), but cone area would be cut it half (-3dB) -would it be worth the extra space gained by running your amp hotter?
2). Yes, you'd be better off to swap out your 12's for similar models but with a final impedance of 2ohms to the amp. OR
3). Get another amp (what i'd do!). You'll have 4times the power (+6dB)! -in theory, of course.
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2013 Kia Rio -90a alternator
DDX470HD GTO14001 GTO1014D (x3)
Big3 in 1/0G
1/0G to GTO14001
My opinion for the desired result of SQ over SPL ( all are generalities ):
One sub better than multiple subs. Sealed box over vented box. Use largest of manufacturer's box size recommendations. Apply amplifier that has plenty of power. Load the amp at 2 ohms or higher, (don't rule out 4 ohms). Direct the sub driver toward the rear of the vehicle and place the box toward the rear. Use a well-constructed enclosure and plenty of sheet metal damping material in key locations in the vehicle.
There are many subs that are not known for their SQ properties that can perform very well if the install is well executed.
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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.
First let me thank you guys for helping me out,
stevdart wrote:
My opinion for the desired result of SQ over SPL ( all are generalities ):
One sub better than multiple subs. Sealed box over vented box. Use largest of manufacturer's box size recommendations. Apply amplifier that has plenty of power. Load the amp at 2 ohms or higher, (don't rule out 4 ohms). Direct the sub driver toward the rear of the vehicle and place the box toward the rear. Use a well-constructed enclosure and plenty of sheet metal damping material in key locations in the vehicle.
I think I'll probably keep only one of my subs, wire it to 2 ohms, and fabricate a fiberglass enclosure (sealed) to keep my precious trunk space. Two 12's take a lot of place. I will also add dampener in the trunk and doors. I wont do the floors because I don't have time, nor do I have a garage, and it's winter here.
But before I get in the process of fabrication of the fiberglass enclosure, which will be in at least 1 or 2 months, I read in other threads that I could also use only one voice coil on each sub. Since they are DVC 4ohms, using 1 coil on each sub, in parralel, I should get a 2ohm load on my amp, and be able to get twice the power from the amp. Would this be recommended?
For reference My amp (Kicker SX650.1) makes 650WRMS @ 2ohms, and my subs are 600WRMS (Soundstream VGW-12). I know I will have to be careful not set the gain too high if I don't want to burn my coils since the amp can produce more power than the coils can take.
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Alexandre C.
2002 Nissan Maxima 6spd
Kenwood KDC-X891 HU
Kicker SX650.1 & SX400.2 amps w/SXRC Remote
Soundstream VGW-12 subs
Sure, you could do that to make use of your current setup in the meantime. Power handling should not be a problem at all, for when using only one of two voice coils the power handling capability of the driver is greater than (the expected) division by two.
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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.