Heat Rave R

What's better, a pair of "small" subs (like 8's) or a single "big" sub (like a 10" or 12") powered by the same amp (though bridged of course). I know that more speakers means more air displaced but that size, and the power handling capability, is a factor too, so I dunno which is better.

red92s

I wouldnt really say 2 8's woud be "better" than 1 10/12 (or vise versa). You need to think about volume requirements, wiring VC's to achieve optima amplifier load, enclosure dimensions, and piston area to determine the "best" sub arrangment for your application.

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7/20/2000 - 4/09/2007

Replaced with: "Zoom-Room"; 2003 Mazda Protege5

HRC

two 8's will push more air than one 10. with the 12, that is more close. i would go either with one 12 or two 8's over one 10'.

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red92s

That is not necessarily true. it all depends on the piston area and linear travel of the speaker.

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7/20/2000 - 4/09/2007

Replaced with: "Zoom-Room"; 2003 Mazda Protege5

HRC

maybe not all the time, but for the most part, 2 8's will move more air than one 10, GEEZZ!

yes, i am impressed with your audio skills, you want to take all the q's from now on?

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SoFlaLude

Larger drivers also generally will play lower than smaller drivers, while smaller drivers will generally sound tighter. Much depends on the individual sub and it's enclosure, but all things being equal the above is usually true. Depends on what music you'll be listening to - if all you listen to is rap, a couple of 8"s may not be what you're after, while if you listen to rock an 18" might not be right too. For electronic, a driver capable of fast transients and excellent low range extension would be best, so a 12" would be likely a good size. The versatility of a single nicely powered 12" in a well-designed enclosure is pretty impressive.

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Kri$han

true...im not sure if two 8" subs are what you really want...
loudness does depend on piston area and the cone's displacement (more displacement=more air movement), however two 8s will never go as low as a 12, or even a 15.
most people opt for the 12 inch because it covers most bass frequencies pretty well, but if you dont want the size, opt for the 10 inch
fyi, i have two 10s, most ppl think they're 12s, but if u listen, the bass is more of a 'punch', than a low rumble, which 12s 'll give ya
just imo
Krishan

Heat Rave R

Hehe, well I tried fitting a 15" in my trunk but it's a no-go unless I have it facing upwards, which many people have told me won't sound good. So it looks like I'll go with a sealed 12" until I get a wagon. Anyone think there's much difference between a sealed 12" and a bandpass 10" (which is what I have now)?

red92s

For most part, yes you are correct: two 8's may "move more air" than a single ten (assuming we are comparing, say an (2) IDQ8's tp (1) IDQ10). However, compare two different manufacturers/models and that little rule becomes essentialy useless. There are MUCH more important factors to subwoofer performance than just "how much air" it can move (power handeling, freq range, enclosure type, TS params, etc). To be honest, I dont think the origional question has a satisfactory answer: there is no "best" subwoofer, only "most ideal" subwoofers. The best subwoofer for one application (one listener) might be completely different from another (listener).
I wasn't trying to impress anyone, just adding additional info to the conversation. I am the quasi-moderator of this forum (along with a few others), and probably post here more than anyone else. I try to answer every question I feel I can help out on, and stay away from those I cant (5th gen stuff, neons, alarms, etc). I dont care who responds to what questions in this forum, as long as they are trying to be as helpful as possible (which you were). I just dont like people posting inaccurate info or something they have no actual proof of (which you were NOT doing).

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7/20/2000 - 4/09/2007

Replaced with: "Zoom-Room"; 2003 Mazda Protege5

krnnamja83

why dont you make an enclosure from inside your spare tire well...and slant it to make it point towards the trunk lid or the interior at an angle

GldCrzy

right now im installing 3 12'' cv hed dvc in my spare well right now, ill post the rough pics up later.

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pIOUs

That's not an industry term is it?

pIOUs

I read it correctly and I knew what he meant. The assumed language was "all thing being equal." All the other comments were fairly stated. Surface area, cone distortion also advantage the 8"s and I'LL say it: all things being equal. Notwithstanding, I've found many reasonably priced 12"s that outperform 8 inch ones dollar for dollar. I'm generalizing my experiences though.

Heat Rave R

I had considered that but I can't really do it because I've already removed my spare tire, made a custom "tray" and window in the trunk floor and moved all my stereo equipment down there. So I have no more room to cut/mount a sub box into the floor.

red92s

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "industry term". . .but yes, it as a quanbtifiable measurement

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7/20/2000 - 4/09/2007

Replaced with: "Zoom-Room"; 2003 Mazda Protege5

Texas25RS

Which is better? Better for what? SPL? SQ? That factor matters more than anything.... want SPL, buy a pait of Audiobahn long throw woofers.... want sound quality, spend the same money on bter quality woofer.....

Asking what is better is pretty pointless, there are too many factors involved.... the better on eis the one that fits your needs.... space, power, SQ, SPL, etc...

iatacs19

for all practical purposes i would go with 1 10in.

HRC

that's what i'm running.

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