I was looking at wo different size subs today both thge same brand and type just size differences. One was a 12" and the other 10. Both were rated for 150 RMS. How can that be? If this is true how can the 12" pack a hard hit? I am confused? If both use the same amount of power how can the 12 be better?
This is very common. The power handling of a speaker has nothing to do with the size of the cone - and in many cases it has nothing to do with how "hard" it will "hit." Those two speakers must simply use the same motor assembly. The only difference between a 12" and a 10" cone (if everything else is the same) is in theory the 12" will produce more SPL at the same power level and frequency since the larger cone surface area will more more air. Use which ever size fits best in your vehicle.
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Support the12volt.comWell.... the real reason the RMS numbers are the same on a ten, and a 12, is because when they manufacturing, and advertising gang were sitting at the round table they just decided to do it that way.
Get which ever sub you want, and power it as you see fit! I have people in my store ask me "how much power can these take?" I then ask, how much power does your amp make? Then I say thats how much power they can take! I then follow up with my disclaimer. Be a smart installer, and an even smarter listener. when it sounds like crap... change something, or turn it down.
I must admit.... I do like DYohn's answer more than mine!
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Sorry but have another question. Does magnetic size make a difference in the power of the speaker??
size doesn't really matter...more of quality and technology...neodymiun magnets are super strong and small compared to other magnets of the same strength
there are speaker companies out there who make subs with huge motors but they still sound like crap...and there are some out there who actually have some good technology into there speakers and they don't have to be huge