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Subwoofer Advice Needed

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Old Dec 9, 2009 | 12:34 PM
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Default Subwoofer Advice Needed

I have a 2009 coupe that I am looking to upgrade the audio. I am keeping my hu, but will be replacing the Bose speakers and amp. I am trying to do as stealth of an install as possible without losing much trunk space. I am using an Alpine PDX5 which gives 300w rms for the sub.

I listen to mostly classic rock, some hard rock, and some heavy metal. I do not blast the volume, but I do like good clear sounding audio.

I was originally planning to install a single 10" ID10d4 v.3 in a custom box that would go behind in the seats. However, a friend mentioned that it may be better using 2 8" subs since the box could be thinner and would look more balanced.

If I were to go that way I would probably use 2 Polk MM840's in a box that would resemble the Vette Partition only built to have the correct airspace.

My two questions are;

1. Is it better to use one larger sub than 2 smaller ones.
Will one larger sub give better sq than 2 smaller subs. I am not really going for spl as I don't blast the volume.

2. If I use two subs, do I put them in the same airspace or do I make a separate box for each. If I use the same airspace, do I need to double the airspace. ie. if each sub needs .4 cu/ft, do I need to make the box .8 cu/ft. Or is .4 cu/ft good with both subs in the same box. Is it better to keep them in their own box.

Thanks for any advise or insight.
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Old Dec 9, 2009 | 01:29 PM
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Output will be about the same IMO, with 2 8s bein a bit louder.

I would go for the 8's personally.

Also the box will need to be .8 cubes if each sub needs .4

Having them share airspace isnt really an issue, its not necessary to seperate them
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Old Dec 9, 2009 | 02:05 PM
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My opinion only here, but I agree with penta on the options you listed. I used to have for jl 8w3's in a custom box in my c6. Pics can probably be found by looking for my for sale thread a while back. I really liked this setup a lot. But....when I sold the c6 for a c5z I gave a jl 13tw5 a shot based on my local shops recommendation. Expensive sub, but worth it to me for the flexibility of the install. I much prefer it to the old setup and both were powered by the same alpine pdx1.1000. Although the 8's may have been a little tighter the 13tw5 blows them away in every other aspect. Way deeper and can be overly loud if wanted. If I were doing another c6, I'd try one in a thin, false-floor type box that would fit under the targa. Just another option to consider in the space limited vette.
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Old Dec 9, 2009 | 03:26 PM
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I have a similar question and was considering using this woofer. Any comments appreciated.

http://www.parts-express.com/pdf/295-456s.pdf
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Old Dec 10, 2009 | 11:51 AM
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Now I am confused. Pentavolvo says go with the 8" while fredej80 advises going with a 13".

13" is really to big for what I want to do. I want to keep everything behind the seats without losing anything rear of the roof holders.

Is it better to go with a single 10" subwoofer, or will two 8"s give a better sound. By better sound I mean, tighter bass, lower freq. response, and more "feel" of the bass.

I know these are somewhat subjective. I like deep bass, but not where it gets so much you can't hear the mid or highs.

Also, is it better to aim the subs up, forward, down, or backwards. I know you should not really hear where the sub is, but I was wondering if direction made much of a difference.

thanks for any guidance.
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Old Dec 10, 2009 | 12:14 PM
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I was coming from an install with two 12's on 1000 watts and wasn't sure if a single 10" on 500 watts would satisfy me. After it's all said and done, the IDQ10v3d4 on 500 watts has fit the bill, for me at least. I am very impressed with it's ability to play deep and hit hard and clean.

The 13tw5 mentioned above, while it is a 13" sub, is a thin sub at only 2.5" deep. It also only needs .8 cu/ft of box. That should work well for what you are describing to want. It's not cheap though, around $500 I think. I have heard one in a friends car and it sounds very good IMO.

My opinion, the 13tw5 at more than twice the price of the IDQ is not worth it. I'd just go with the IDQ.
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Old Dec 10, 2009 | 02:23 PM
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The install is why I mentioned the 13tw5. Being as thin as it is, you could easily put it under the targa roof. It is pricey though, no doubt about it. There are many superior subs for less money if you have the space to put them.
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Old Dec 10, 2009 | 04:20 PM
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I agree about the thin subs working well for what he wants. Memphis audio has some thin subs that might be worth a look: http://www.memphiscaraudio.com/produ...ss-subwoofers/ They have 10's and 12's with under 3" mount depth. There might be some audio shops in your area that carries them. I have never heard the thin memphis subs, but have used other memphis subs with good results in other installs. I am using one of their cheap PR series 12's in my truck and like it a lot. Couldn't hurt to go and take a listen and see what you think.
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Old Dec 16, 2009 | 11:08 PM
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I have been looking at the JL 13tw5....have the people here who installed it had it upfiring or what? Any install pictures?
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 11:24 AM
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In my c5z, the 13tw5 is mounted in a custom box that resembles the stealth boxes everyone builds. It is hidden under a cover that is flat with the floor. Totally out of site. I'll see if I can dig up a couple pics.

Last edited by fredej80; Dec 18, 2009 at 11:37 AM. Reason: add a pic
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 12:18 PM
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Nice, looks good. I just got my C6 last week, so I am not sure if there is a space under the floor to mount a box like that, will have to check it out.
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 02:06 PM
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Originally Posted by dgoldenz
Nice, looks good. I just got my C6 last week, so I am not sure if there is a space under the floor to mount a box like that, will have to check it out.
Can't work like that in a C6 unless you wish to raise the floor. Using the storage bins with a drop-in box is the way to go.
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 10:42 PM
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Originally Posted by SilverSurferC6
Can't work like that in a C6 unless you wish to raise the floor. Using the storage bins with a drop-in box is the way to go.
In that case, anyone mounted a 13TW5 in a C6 yet?
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Old Dec 19, 2009 | 03:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Capt Steve
I was originally planning to install a single 10" ID10d4 v.3 in a custom box that would go behind in the seats. However, a friend mentioned that it may be better using 2 8" subs since the box could be thinner and would look more balanced.

1. Is it better to use one larger sub than 2 smaller ones.
Will one larger sub give better sq than 2 smaller subs. I am not really going for spl as I don't blast the volume.

Thanks for any advise or insight.
I'm contemplating this decision too. And I will share an interesting experience from yesterday.

I was calling around a few audio shops looking for the discontinued Image Dynamics IDQ10V2D4 subwoofer. Then I happened to talk to this guy. Next thing I know he asked me how I got his number. I just said from the web. He said his shop happens to be one of the top ten shops in the country, and he happens to be the owner of this shop. He was a very nice guy and seemed very knowledgeable.

I told him I was planning to use the OEM Bose no Nav headunit, add amp, new speakers, and a box for a 10 inch sub. The box would have about 0.65 cubic ft.

His recommendations are as follows: Better to use 2-8s with that much cubic space. He said 0.65 might be enough for a 10 but it's more ideal for an 8. And that if I use 2-8s, most people will think I have 2-10s in the back if I pick the right subs. And since you mentioned Image Dynamics, he said his favorites are the ID8V3. He said he recently did an install for an ex-CEO of GM using 2-8s and the guy called back later to say he loved the system.

He mentioned that if I were to use one 10, I should get the 2 ohms dual coil version and wire in series so the amp sees 4 ohms. I didn't know that. I was going to get the 4 ohm DVC version. You can see I'm still learning. I didn't get a chance to ask him that if I were to go with 2-8s, should I get 2ohm or 4ohm DVC.

Finally, he suggested I use this Audiocontrol product:

http://rs.audiocontrol.com/company_3...les%20Note.pdf
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Old Jan 22, 2010 | 02:59 AM
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I was going to do a sound competition c6 but changed my mind.
If you want a really good deal on some brand new JL Audio 13TW5 look here
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-p...brand-new.html
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Old Feb 17, 2010 | 11:47 PM
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I also I'm looking for a good SQ sub... thinking of a 10" too. I've had good luck with a ARC sub, middle of the line one not the KAR series. It sounded pretty good to me... I hear ID is good and also Diamond subs... I can get a pair of diamond M6 10d2 for $100 or D6 10d2 sub for $75.... these are used. Anyone know if one sounds better than the other ? Should I look for a ID sub ? I got talked out of getting a ID when I bought my ARC sub, was told the ARC fit the music I listened to more.

So anyone suggestions for me thx
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Old Feb 18, 2010 | 12:26 AM
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AFAIK, ARC subs are built by ID. I know mine were. =)
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