1 or 2 subwoofers

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=104498
Printed Date: May 12, 2025 at 4:36 AM

Topic: 1 or 2 subwoofers

Posted By: davidh_r
Subject: 1 or 2 subwoofers
Date Posted: May 05, 2008 at 6:53 PM

What should I be considering when deciding between 1 or 2 subwoofers? Space is obviously a consideration, but what are the pros and cons for each application?

Replies:

Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: May 05, 2008 at 8:48 PM

DVC or SVC
2 ohm or 4 ohm subs
what is the maximum resistance the amplifier is able to output
what size woofer you have room for

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Posted By: davidh_r
Date Posted: May 05, 2008 at 9:11 PM

I was wondering if there was a rule in general.

For mid range/tweeters you use 2 speakers to achieve a stereo effect and since subwoofer applications use a mono signal, i'm thinking that it is better to spend more money on one sub rather than getting two.

Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: May 05, 2008 at 9:16 PM

It's always better to spend more money on equipment, but make sure you have the proper equipment to make it sound the way you want it to. What speakers are you using and what amp are you using to power them ?

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Posted By: davidh_r
Date Posted: May 05, 2008 at 9:19 PM

I don't have anything yet, but I'm considering a pair of Alpine SWR-1042D subs and awaiting recommendations on an amp in another thread.thread

Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: May 05, 2008 at 10:43 PM

Some thing with CEA rating of 500 watts RMS should run these pretty well.

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Posted By: sedate
Date Posted: May 06, 2008 at 2:06 PM

Two subs are (almost) always louder than one of the same size.

One sub usually sounds a bit better..

I always use pairs of woofers myself - a car stereo just isn't a car stereo without that *spank* of two woofers.

To illustrate - I'm much happier with a pair of 12w3's than I was with a single 13w6 . . . some 4 db louder at the same power level. In terms of in car performance, I can't say the w3's sound anyworse. . .

Have you deadened your vehicle? If not, the SQ gains from a single, high quality subwoofer are not really going to be noticable in a car rumbling down the road at 40mph . . . .

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"I'm finished!" - Daniel Plainview