Sealed enclosure too small?

So I got my new Eclipse 10's installed in a custom box in the wheel well. Since they are new, I was expecting some tightness and sound issues. I wasn't trying to get my hopes up too much about the sound quality and db output, but in a previous thread 2-10" Eclipse in a ported enclosure hit 142db. So I was expecting something in the vicinity. When it was getting installed I noticed how small the box was. Pretty much just big enough for each sub to sit in. I did read the specs and it did say for a sealed enclosure the recommended air space was only .6 cu feet. so just a little over a half a cubic foot each sub. I have ample power going to these subs with the Diamond Audio 1200.1. I'm not real happy with how it sounds or performs and was wondering if my problem is the size of the box, or just the way it is setup with the subs in the wheel well firing up. I haven't got a real chance to play with the amp settings or anything like that since I am having a remote wire issue that is not allowing the amps to turn on...yeah. Hopefully thats just a minor glitch and then I can take what is suggested in here and try it out first. I know the gains are set too high as it is and I'm going to go through setting that all up from what I learned on here.

I need more bass. So far my 2-12" HX2's blow away these 10's as far as pure rumble goes which is disappointing. so any and all suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks.

Sorry, they are the 7104 DVC. the new aluminum ones. It is sealed firing up...not a prefab box. So I was thinking closer to 1 cu ft. myself when I took it in for install, but the installer and I were both looking at the manual and saw that they recommend .6 like I said. this is going to be a real pain in the ass if we have to change this box....really it is.

Drewt] wrote:

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ake it back to the installer....haha

Polyfill should help some. Some manf. boxes are specked to have polyfill in 'em...

-Drew

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I'm actually thinking of buying a cheap pre-fab, slapping the subs into it and seeing how it sounds then. If it improves it is going back to the installer. I'm sure he won't be happy if this is the case....too bad.

How tight was the poly fill crammed in there?  It should not be touching the sub at all, , especially not near any vents on the sub.  Sounds like your box was to small so you cranked to much power to them to perform like they should in a bigger box and you exceeded their thermal level, plus added poly fill blocking air circulation.

Definately get the box's re built, or maybe try your hands at fiberglassing to the specs fobidden suggested.

I had the 88120s before and had them in gross .85 ft boxes.  About .6 net and those 12s pounded in that air space.

I think you either have a cancellation issue or a setting incorrect

I just finished my spare tire box for my SRT-4 and all air space is 2.2cu.ft the subs are the MA 1200Xls and I am running them at 1ohm and pushing them with the Visonik V918XD mono amp.  Them boys slam.  The subs are recommended at .75 to 1.25 of airspace each I figure we are right around that.  My question is with running a X-Over shoud I juice the amp all the way and ajust gain at the X-Over or set the amp a little below full and turn the Sub Sonic dial all the way off or keep it turned up.  I would think I would turn that off and adjust from the X-Over.  Let me know thanks.

Wow.  I'd suggest reading some tutorials on setting gain controls first.  Do not simply max them at the amp, and turn them down at the active crossover.  You need to set the gains carefully, starting at the source (headunit's max safe volume- clip free) and work your way down the chain. 

Ok, geepherder where can I find more information on the gain settings of an audio system?  You were quick to make me look like a retard which is cool but more info or site would be good.  I would ask for more help here but, I feel since I asked once or more indepth answer would make me look more of a retard and I would just rather you help me find a place or site they you have used for ref and I will go about it that way.

Thanks

I'm sorry.  I didn't intend to come across that way.  I wanted to caution you before you smoked some equipment, and saw your hard earned dollars go to waste.  That's all.  Check out www.bcae1.com.  This is the best online tutorial for this type stuff that I know.

What you want to do is start with all the gain controls down all the way.  Now turn up the volume at your deck until you begin to hear distortion.  Back it off until the distortion disappears, and leave it there.  Now, go to the next piece of equipment in the chain, be it an eq, line driver, crossover, whatever.  Now basically repeat this process.  Begin turning up the gain controls until you begin to hear distortion, and back it off until it disappears, and leave it there.  Now, go to the next piece and repeat the process again.

It really is that simple.  The problem with maxing the gain controls at the amp and turning them down at the crossover is you're not using them as they were intended, and can easily clip the signal at the amp.  In retrospect, a properly setup system will give you a great s/n ratio, which is what you should want.

Be sure to reset the gains whenever you make any changes in equipment or settings as well.

Thanks dude now that was very helpful I did not know all that which you all ready new that.  Great help man I will check out that site and let you know where I get with the gain controls and what not.  Thanks man.

Peace