what size box?

I have an  Alpine SWE-1041 10" sub. I'd like to make a box for my 97 Avenger. Stats from Alpine suggests volumes between .6 - 1.2 sealed, 1-1.75 ported. I understand ported boxes usually are louder, play lower frequencies and are less musically defined whereas, sealed boxes tend to be more musically accurate but generally doesn't play as low a frequency and are quieter. Do smaller sealed boxes play more accurate than large sealed boxes ? Can I get the more bottom end frequency extention with musical accuracy if I build a large sealed box ? Or will I get a more musically accuracy sound from a small ported with more volume than I could from a large sealed box. I'm wondering if there is some sort of general rule with what to build depending on what you are trying to accomplish and what you are willing to give up.

generally a bigger box will get you lower at the expense of output in the upper bass frequency range but the quality and mechanics of your sub poses a limit to the size you can safely use so your sub wont over extend itself on low notes and possibly cause damage. the same is true for ported boxes. in ported boxes you tune the port to a certain frequency and you will get a boost in output around that frequency BUT a few hertz below that frequency the ported box loses the ability to control the subs cone, this is called unloading. when the sub unloads it will sound like it is just flapping around in the box which is definitely not a good thing.

thats why you should never really go too far beyond the manufacturers recommendations. on the other hand, smaller boxes might be louder but they sound horrible unless you have a sub that is specially designed to work in a small box. so i would never go smaller than the minimum they recommend

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