define: competition spl subwoofer!

Can anyone tell me how in the world can a sub woofer be classified as a spl comp. sub if it only has an rms of about 600 watts or the db is rated at about 88? Plus, how can a sub have a 200+ oz. magnet and only have 600 watts. What do I really need to look for in a sub to purchase a system that will be heard(felt) at least 4 blocks away. T.Y.I.A.

the system all depends on the set up, my friend has two polk 12's run with a 200w mtx that can be heard about three blocks away. usually the highest sensitivity with the highest rms value is what your looking for.Quad L Handyman services

There is no standard for a SPL sub, most of the time now days the word spl is used as a marketing tool. But if you want a true spl sub there are a few things to look for 1st off Xmax which is the linear excursion of the sub. The higher the Xmax the more air the sub will move, the louder it will be. You will also want to look at the sensitivity the higher the better. And also the Ms which is the actual area of the cone. The larger the area of the cone the more air the cone can move. But when you say you want something that can be heard from 4 blocks away you don’t sound like you want a true comp SPL setup. Because a true SPL setup will sound like complete crap. They are setup to get the highest DB and are not for your every day driving pleasure.  But if you want something that can be heard 4 blocks away and still sound clean that is a different story.

i want something smooth, clear & loud but nothing distorted

What is your budget? And do you have any amps to drive them yet?

all i need are the specs to look for. budget wont be a factor.

Don't you just love all these ppl that don't have budget as a factor..... *it's not fair... sobs* but if you like you can pass some of the no budget around!!!

If budget is not a factor I would look into the ECLIPSE Titanium’s http://www.eclipse-web.com/products/speaker/sw9100/sw9122.html

i got connections

as far as the 88dB rating you were talking about....dont think that is how many dB's the sub can hit.    that is a rating with the sub being powered with one watt, with the db meter one meter away.   and yeah a true SPL competiton sub will not sound good for everyday listening.  matter of fact...most true SPL comp subs are not recommended for everyday listening b/c most of them will blow when listened to.  they are meant burp for a few seconds and hold ridiculous amounts of power to hit high dB's.