spl or sq?
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=15001
Printed Date: May 15, 2024 at 5:15 PM
Topic: spl or sq?
Posted By: speedwayaudio1
Subject: spl or sq?
Date Posted: June 15, 2003 at 9:50 PM
Which do you guys think is better, Spl or Sq? I think Sq is more important. Spl is cool and all, but the guy with the most money can win that easy. If I had a millon bucks I could get a school bus put 200 15"s in it and 200 amps with a big power supply and buy ever spl event out there. what do you all think.
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Big Dave
Replies:
Posted By: Big Purds
Date Posted: June 15, 2003 at 10:15 PM
its apples and oranges...you cant compare the two...
and no the man with the most money doesnt necessarily win an SPL competition either...alot of system design and work goes into building a real SPL vehicle...plexi glass windshields and concrete boxes and such...
adversely, you arent going to win an SQ competition cheaply either...it is very debatable which one is truly more expensive...start looking into Velodyne drivers and Brax amps and such and you will soon learn that SQ is not cheap either...
with both ways there is an enormous amount of work that goes into system design and driver placement and everything else...neither one is solely based on finances unless you are hiring someone to build your competition car for you...
I like a good mix...I like good sound at loud volumes...
Posted By: speedwayaudio1
Date Posted: June 16, 2003 at 12:55 AM
I like a good mix as well. Well we heard from Big Purds how about some of the other regulars out there? what do you think?????  ------------- Big Dave
Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: June 16, 2003 at 9:16 PM
Personally I respect both categories equally. There is talent in both but I prefer the SQ portion more than the SPL because I like to listen to high fidelity music & SPL wagons can't do it.
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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA
Posted By: luxuryrules
Date Posted: June 16, 2003 at 9:39 PM
What does SPL stand for anyways? I gather it involves how hard you're hitting.
I vote SQ, because I can enjoy high SQ in relative peace, whereas high SPL in my area gets complaints to the cops and subsequent tickets. That, and I personally think the music sounds a little out of balance if the SPL is too high.
-------------
I refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death.
Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: June 16, 2003 at 9:43 PM
Sound Pressure Level
I enjoy a good mix of both. I enjoy being able to throw in a classical CD and sound like I'm in an ampatheater, or pop in a bass CD and set off car alarms down the block! A good balance is always essential IMO, sometimes you need more bass, sometimes less... ------------- Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.com
Posted By: speedwayaudio1
Date Posted: June 17, 2003 at 7:25 AM
Good answers so far what do the rest of you think.
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Big Dave
Posted By: speedwayaudio1
Date Posted: June 19, 2003 at 7:48 PM
No one else? Any one have any thoughts?
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Big Dave
Posted By: esmith69
Date Posted: June 19, 2003 at 8:13 PM
I definitely prefer SQ, mostly because even SQ systems can get PLENTY loud enough for my listening tastes. I don't see many real-world applications of SPL, because when you're talking 150 dBs or whatever, that's already beyond the threshold of pain and easily past any volume you would ever want to listen to on a regular basis. SQ on the other hand has more potential for real-world applications, as its volumes are more in line with what people might want to listen to every day in their vehicles; also, it can apply to music and not just test tones. That's all just my opinion, but really the two cannot be compared because as big purds said, it's apples and oranges, and everyone is going to have their own opinion. Certainly I respect anyone who competes and is successful in either category as it does entail a lot of work and not just anyone with $20k to blow could build a competition vehicle. There is a lot of talent in both areas. Ultimately though in my book SQ gets the nod. ------------- Ethan
-----
"Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success"
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Posted By: the12volt
Date Posted: June 19, 2003 at 8:53 PM
Again, two different animals, but at any sound pressure level, if it's not easy to listen to then you're just making noise. Mark me down for sound quality over sound pressure level ;) -------------  the12volt • Support the12volt.com
Posted By: auex
Date Posted: June 20, 2003 at 6:22 PM
I used to say spl, but it wears off quick. Sound quality has definately got my vote now. Don't forget just because you go sq doesn't mean that you can't still make it loud.
-------------
Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.
I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.
Posted By: lncmarkviii
Date Posted: June 20, 2003 at 8:46 PM
it depends on your taste, but my thery is anyone can make a car go boom, but makeing it sound good while doing it is a feet of it's own
Posted By: speedwayaudio1
Date Posted: June 20, 2003 at 9:49 PM
Good answers guys keep them comming.
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Big Dave
Posted By: wrenchmnky
Date Posted: June 20, 2003 at 11:35 PM
I like my bass. I like my highs and mids too. Put my vote down for SQ. (I am a poet and didn't even know it !!)  ------------- Very Simple:94 Chevy Silverado ext cab with, kdc322 head unit, kdcc719 disc changer, kenwood x689 excelon 3way 6x9's in rear, alpine 4x6 2way in dash, mtx thunderform sub under rear seat.
Posted By: fakepete
Date Posted: June 21, 2003 at 9:23 AM
Even though I lean more towards the SPL type install, I would have to say that SQ is more important. If it doesn't have the clarity its no fun to listen to no matter how loud it gets.
Posted By: MAXST
Date Posted: June 21, 2003 at 9:33 PM
I go for SQ...you can have the full spectrum of the audio level. not just the big boom and rattles of your car.
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I need quality equipment, feel free to donate.
Posted By: chuck_tempe
Date Posted: June 23, 2003 at 1:57 AM
definately sound quality. spl is nice too, but if you don't have the quality to back that up, it gets very annoying fast. spl is nice when the guy next to you at the red light doesn't have the sq to go with it. if you think your stereo sounds great now, listen to different types of music and your opinion will change. i have 2 oeq's (octave equalizers) in my truck (one front, one rear) and i still think i could improve every now and then. i didn't have to spend 12 years in the install bay to realize spl gets old fast if the sq isn't there.
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: June 23, 2003 at 9:41 AM
SQ is all that matters to me, especially in my own vehicle. Most of my clients, though, only seem to care about "how loud will it play" and if it will go THUMP. I call these (mostly young males) the "brain dead or soon to be" customers. I am always happy to take their money and make it loud. That is relatively easy. What's hard is good SQ. Last year I did a full-on SQ install for a guy entering competition that included striping the interior to bare metal and starting from the paint up. He spent over $10,000 on the install, which took over three months to complete and included lots of re-welding to stop sheet metal vibrations. Sounded fantastic and could produce 125 db if you wanted it to...
Posted By: speedwayaudio1
Date Posted: June 25, 2003 at 1:32 AM
Hey guys thanks for your thoughts keep um comming ------------- Big Dave
Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: June 25, 2003 at 1:41 AM
$10,000! Good god. I'm all for SQ being above SPL, but I could think of a lot more that I could do with 10 grand! But I guess that's probably considered a "drop in the bucket" in the competition world. I've never been to a DB Drag or any type of competition, what exactly can you win? ------------- Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.com
Posted By: ViperFreak_01
Date Posted: June 25, 2003 at 8:54 AM
Hi there,
Came across this forum and decided to throw my 2 cents in. Although new to the program here, I've been working with a professional sound installation company for about 2 years and I must say I agree with most of the postings thus far. The quality of the sound is much more important than how loud it is. Now, don't forget one thing though...you can achieve both, and you don't have to spend $10,000 to do it. You can have great sound quality at incredible db! My friend had 125db inside the cab of his S10 and didn't spend over $400.00 but he compromised SQ to gain SPL. I would try to go with both, however, if I had to choose one over the other, SQ would far outweigh SPL in my opinion...
Posted By: tdsteele
Date Posted: June 25, 2003 at 11:45 AM
Sound quality is definetaly a harder thing to achieve with a loud system i think. Its so easy to get some good loud bass in a vehicle( hell, buy 2 12's and a 400-500 watt amp and you have spl) but to get the mids and highs to equal out and have the right positioning where it sounds good to all passengers and not just the drivers seat, now thats an accomplishment and wont come too cheap.
Posted By: ViperFreak_01
Date Posted: June 25, 2003 at 4:27 PM
that is so true...I have yet to sit in a vehicle which doesn't really matter where you sit you get equal coverage...not to say that it can't be done...I guess most drivers are not concerned with how their system sounds to their passengers... =)
Posted By: chuck_tempe
Date Posted: June 30, 2003 at 8:02 PM
i used to judge those stereo contests in the '80's when it was starting out. remember alpine's car audio nationals?? it's much different now. i haven't been to a contest lately, but now, i assume, it's just like pro sports. whoever can spend more money for the 'flash' usually has a leg up on the competition. it's very interesting to see what installers can perform their magic on installs. of course, i won't spend that kind of dough on it. hhhhmmmm, 10 grand for a stereo?? now i've done 10-15 grand for HOME stereos, but that includes whole house music, big screens, equipment, labor costs, etc., etc... i've recently bought some mb quarts for my truck and it's like hell to try to tune my oeq's with the new speakers. some songs sound great and other songs makes me scratch my head!! keep in mind, we have fun and music in common. me personally, if you don't have both, you might as well be brain dead. ------------- ex 12 year car stereo, alarm techie.
now in res/com low voltage,voice/data
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Posted By: DaRikster
Date Posted: July 03, 2003 at 11:28 PM
I feel the same as WVSquirel. Personnally, I listen to many differant types of music and SQ comes in handy when you switch from 50 cent, to Bass 305, to Smashing Pumkins, to a "Best of Jazz" CD.
SPL guys, the one's that are serious, spend just as much time "looking" for those extra Db's as the SQer do looking for that crisp high and tight low note.
Anyone can throw alot of $$$ at an install and get some effect, but it is the true enthusiast that sits up till 2-3 in the morning, tossing in the bed, just trying to get thier own perfect vision of a system figured out. And what better feeling than showing up at a show, comp., or traffic light and having someone else say "Damn, now that sounds GREAT!"
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If there is smoke, PRAY
If it's fire, PAY!!!
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: July 04, 2003 at 8:03 AM
By the way, the $10 grand spent on the install I mentioned earlier was not just for equipment. That included about $5 grand in labor. It was a 2000 VW Beetle, by the way, and we removed *everything* from the interior, sound-proofed the car, and put it back in with custom fabricated enclosures for the drivers and electronics... I believe the Zapco and Blaupunkt electronics ran about $3500....
Posted By: Tfire5
Date Posted: July 04, 2003 at 3:55 PM
one thing that has always impressed me more than bass trying to push me through the window. is a finely tuned system with impressive mid bass, systems that can go through a frequency test and not only be acurate but not miss any frequencies ( audible frequencies of course ) so you can experience the sound not just hear it. of course having the sound stage at the hood of your car is also a plus as well, but a finely tuned sq system well always be more impressive to me than a car with 150+ db
Posted By: NHSPIKE
Date Posted: July 05, 2003 at 4:59 PM
QSPL gets my vote if that's permitted :D ------------- ...
spikey
'94 Lincoln, Sony CDX-CA810X, Pioneer TS-A1664/TS-A6963, MTX Blue Thunder PRO50X4, Kenwood KAC-7201, JL Audio 15W4 Sub
Posted By: chevylove
Date Posted: July 06, 2003 at 12:08 AM
The two are both great. It's like comparing men to women. SPL is like hitting a man in the face. He's guaranteed to punch you back. Easy results...if you build the system it's gonna boom. SQ system is like hitting on a woman. It takes a lot of work sometimes, but other times you just get lucky and things fall in place. Unfortunately, SQ systems cost more than women sometimes (if that's possible) and there's nothing you can do about it. It's like the system has a mind of it's own and steals your money. But when you get in her (SQ) in the right mood, what a beautiful thing! SPL and SQ, you can't have one without the other. ------------- Drew "Fuses are only 10 cents...go for it."
Posted By: HuskiePJN
Date Posted: July 06, 2003 at 9:10 PM
Most of my time spent driving is on a hangover... so I definitly side with SQ. Althought my girlfriend likes to feel the 15's hit nice, long, and low... Always prefer SQ because it can impress both the guys and the chicks... Mostly only guys like to stand 50 feet from the car and still feel the SPL pounding. Both however are still respectable and it is like comparing apples to oranges. ------------- ...o0O P.J. O0o...
Posted By: Ogier
Date Posted: July 13, 2003 at 9:05 PM
Greetings all,
I have been in and around the Car Audio world for many years and have done a lot of really cool installs for both myself and friends. My personal philosophy when it comes to car audio is this:
It needs to be as accurate as possible at performance levels.
In other words, if I am listening to to a Kenny G recording, not only do I want to hear him breath in between passages, but I want the breathing to be at the natural loudness level it would be if I was sitting in the room with him playing. Likewise, if I am listening to Toccata and Fugue by Bach recorded by Telarc at the Mormon Tabernacle, I want it to be as loud as the pipe organ would be if I was in the front row at a recital with all the frequencies heard down to the 6hz if possible.
So, in my humble oppinion, neither SPL nor SQ is the most important. They are both imperative.
Just my two cents:
-------------
From the Desk of:
Ogier
Posted By: xTimx
Date Posted: July 14, 2003 at 12:58 AM
i definately love SQ over anything, but still though, there still has to have bass with the song, two good subs in a proper box with low level end, and good front and rear speakers with awesome clarity, i suggest that if anyone that wants to go with clarity, MB quarts are THEE best by far..and in the beggining yes, sq will get you up there for money, but seriously with these speakers, my stereo, and everyone has said this, that it sounds like as if i put 4000$ into it...DOUBTFUL, my stereo is only 1700$ these speakers pay off..trust me!
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xTimx
Posted By: Big Purds
Date Posted: July 14, 2003 at 6:59 PM
lol...
it kinda bothers me when people try to claim with totality that one thing is the absolute best...
there are probably a dozen brands that I could list, some of which I am sure you havent even heard of let alone listened to,that can easily rival Quart subs...
and personally I have never been able to gauge price vs sound quality...I cant honestly say my system has ever sounded like a $500 system or a $10K system...it sounds like a system that has alot of blood sweat and tears into it...it sounds like a system tuned to my ear and designed around my ear...to me it sounds OK, but others may not like it (although no one has registered that complaint yet, luckily, lol...) and there will always be room for improvements...
Posted By: stockcivic
Date Posted: July 15, 2003 at 10:24 AM
yeah this kind of like everyone else has said, you definitely need clarity and definition, but if your system doesn't bump then it's no fun! if you can achieve a setup with some hard hitting bass, which also has the clarity to be pleasurable to listen to, I believe that is every car audio enthusiast's dream. more importantly people need to address all the rattles and vibrations in their cars... hehe
Posted By: Big Purds
Date Posted: July 16, 2003 at 1:53 PM
stockcivic wrote:
yeah this kind of like everyone else has said, you definitely need clarity and definition, but if your system doesn't bump then it's no fun! if you can achieve a setup with some hard hitting bass, which also has the clarity to be pleasurable to listen to, I believe that is every car audio enthusiast's dream. more importantly people need to address all the rattles and vibrations in their cars... hehe
lol, and that is every audio enthusiasts nightmare!
Posted By: speedwayaudio1
Date Posted: July 23, 2003 at 8:51 PM
WOW 34 reply post thats great. anyone else have a thought? ------------- Big Dave
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