Kicker vs. Memphis?

hey you guys im looking into either gettin 4 Memphis Mclass 12's or 4 12in kicker comp vr's. They are going to be pushed by a jbl 1200.1 amp. Im looking into have good sq but with having 4 i assume i should still have a good amout of spl. Let me know some of ur guys opinions on these subs and which route i should go. thanks

Those are very different subs. I think you should download an enclosure modeling program like WinISD pro or any other enclosure modeling program and check it out for the space you have available.

Also, how did you decide on 4 subs rather than 2?

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New Project: 2003 Pathfinder

Both are really nice subs. I have heard setups with both, the Memphis are a little more geared towards SQ, while teh VRs are more SPL and they get damn loud. One way or the other you are going to be getting a good product. Try and listen to both, that might help in your decision.

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im not sure why i choose 4 but i can fit about 4 and i like loud bass and listen to rap soo. Also how much of a difference would be in 4 as oppose to 2?

3 db

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Nik
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3db _if_ you keep the same amount of power.

However, if you run 2 parallel pair in series to your amplifier you'll decrease the gain by -3db. (compared to just the parallel pair)

This would leave a change of 0db over a 2 sub system.

Lesson:
1) 3db is small. 4 subs probably is not worth it unless you hope to compete.

2) If you are decided on 4 take care in planning the wiring of the amplifier, or you'll have wasted the money on the extra 2 subs.

I'd personally take the money saved and buy 2 better quality subs, but maybe that's just me. :-)



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New Project: 2003 Pathfinder

I agree with kfr, instead of buying four medium quality woofers, spend teh money on two higher quality ones. Two Kicker L7s, Memphis M3s, or maybe even the Memphis Mojos, those things look badass!! I think you will be happier with two higher quality subs, it should get louder and you will have some cargo space left in your car.

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alrite ya it would prolly be cheaper too. thanks alot guys and is 3decibals a pretty big difference? will i notice it?

3 db is about the lowest noticable increase.

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Nik
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ok but isnt it 1/3 louder and 1/3 louder sounds like a pretty big difference to me

3 db's should be quite noticable. 1 db is approximately the minimum amount of audible increase.

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Dave

Pioneer Premier DEH-P660
15" Kicker CVR
Profile AP1000M
It's Loud

ok thanks alot you guys

1)  That is wrong.  3db is NOT "quite noticable" at that volume level.  It takes a full 10db increase to sound like the music is twice as loud.

2)  You'll _never_ notice the difference until you are hitting the maximum SPL level of the system without the extra driver(s). 

I state again.  Unless you plan to compete, I think 3 or 4 drivers is a waste of money.

Take the saved money and buy better quality drivers, amplification, head unit, components, whatever.  I just feel the gain is too small to be worth it for anyone but competitors.

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New Project: 2003 Pathfinder

wrathchild281 wrote:

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ok but isnt it 1/3 louder and 1/3 louder sounds like a pretty big difference to me

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No, it is not 1/3 louder.  The decibel is a logarithmic unit.  i.e. if 10db is a doubling of loudness, and it is, most of this perceived gain happens in the second half, not the first.  When listening to music, not test tones, 3db is usually just audible, especially at extreme volume levels. 

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New Project: 2003 Pathfinder

so then how come somebody with 2 12's and compared to someone with 4 of the same 12's will have alot more spl and be way louder?

They won't be unless the guy with 2 12's has a sh*tty install. I've heard two 12's beat the crap outa 4 12's. It's all about the install and if its done correctly only the mic will be able to tell much of a difference.

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Nik
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i agree with oonik...i had 1 MTX 8000  12" sub in my 92 cavalier beating out people with a pair of 12's but along shot.....kiiep in mind this was the first year they had the 8k's and i was running the old kenwood mask tape deck to a kenwood X301 amp, the sub was in a  1.25cu.ft box and i was hitting 140.4db's on the dash with out even using a bass test track (it was at an official competition)  the next car to me was hitting 138 with a pair of RF's., so take your time on the design and do it right and you'll have enough bass or spl with 2 subs to more the satasify yerself.

ok ya but i mean its not like the memphis mclass subs are bad or anything but would you guys recommend like 2 12in kicker L7's instead of 4 of the memphis subs. What other subs would you recommend me to get i would a bit of sq but i really want loud spl

If you want any SQ don't get the L7s. They get loud as hell but sound like arse while doing it. Maybe look at the forum favs? (Adire, RE, ID...)

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Nik
Jeeputer Progress
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ok what about like the memphis m3 subs or mojo subs?

The Memphis M3s have decent musical qualities...They are loud as hell if you put them in the proper enclosure and power them like they need....

The MOJO Is an SPL Monster...Its a very tough sub that will take a lot of abuse,,,Not much for everyday listening and music...But will shake grandmas girdle loose...

If you want something that will be loud and still sound good go with the memphis M-Class subs...They sound Great and put them in a slot ported enclosure and they will get loud...

Another plus with the M-Class is that they are designed to perform in small enclosures....So if you have a car with small trunk you can fit them easily and still have haul space...

Memphis makes a rock solid product....I recomend them..

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Making the World A Louder Place

Four of the same 12s can be louder. Everytime you double the number of subs or amount of power you gain 3 db. LIke it was said above, 3 db isn't that noticable.

Say some kid has 2 12s in a sealed box with 200 watts going to each and he's hitting 128 decibels. If you pulled up with 4 of the same 12" subs in a sealed box with 200 watts going to each you would be 6 decibels louder because you doubled the number of subs and power. It dosn't automatically mean that 4 12's will be louder then a single 12 though. A single 12 inch sub with huge excursion could easily be louder than 4 lower end 12s.

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ok so im lookin at gaining about 6 db if i were to get 4. Is it worth it? and asmodeus do the m3's have as good sound quality as the mclass subs? i know the m3's have more spl.

You only look at 6db if you DOUBLE THE POWER you'd give to a 2 subwoofer system. Is this the case?

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New Project: 2003 Pathfinder

ya well see it would either be a 2 subs and 600 watt amp of 4 and and 1200 watt amp so ya. now with my question is that a nice difference or not really worth it?

Ok, but how will you be wiring the 4 subs? Down to a 2-ohm load, 1, 4? What? Parallel-Parallel? Parallel-Series?

Also, can your car's alternator handle a 1200w amplifier? Not many can.

But to answer your question, yes, a 6db gain is approaching "worth it" territory, in my book.

I want to stress that you need to pay attention to how you'll be wiring it BEFOREHAND though. Otherwise you'll have completely wasted that money and space on the extra subs. :-)

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New Project: 2003 Pathfinder

down to 2ohms no matter what though im gonna be giving the 2 extra subs the same 600 watts as the other 2 so thats 3 db and another 3 for doublin the surface area. is that a big difference? ill prolly be spending another 300 bucks if i go with the 2 extra subs.

no body knows?

In my previous post I said, "but to answer your question, yes, a 6db gain is approaching "worth it" territory, in my book."

If SPL is your thing, I'd go for it.

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New Project: 2003 Pathfinder