Help with sub and amp combo

5.0_faithful · 02-23-2006, 10:26 PM

I have a Virtual reality sound labs single channel mono amp. Its rated at 300 watts max & 150 watts RMS. Frequency response is 20hZ-300hZ. Bass Boost 0 or +6dB. Adjustable crossover from 50hZ-250hZ. Its 4ohms and signal to noise ratio is <95dB. What would be the best subwoofer for this combo? How many RMS watts should it handle? I'm thinking 12" sub in sealed box. I listen to heavy metal, but also some rap, blues, instrumentals, etc..... Would a single or dual voice-coil be better in this application.

waxyourboard · 02-25-2006, 04:10 AM

Look for something cheap rates around 100-200 watts RMS with either a Single 4ohm voice coil, or dual 2 ohm.

The number of voice coils has no effect on performance, only on wiring options. You're not gonna find many good subs that are rated around 150 watts RMS... maybe a good set of components

5.0_faithful · 02-25-2006, 05:36 PM

Thanks. I got a BOSS Ripper series 128 sub 12".Its 350 watts RMS, 94dB, 30hZ-#kHz, 80oz. magnet. It sounds pretty good to me and it causes my rear view mirror to dance like crazy. I don't know if i am Underpowering it though. I have the gain adjusted to about 3/4 of complete turn, and the bass boost is being used. The music is clear loud deep and precise without distortion. Just dont know if the sub needs more power?

p0rsche23 · 02-25-2006, 07:43 PM

since ur mentioning a 12' sub or subs,im gonna ask if theres even enough air space to run a good set of 2-12' subwoofers in that very tiny trunk?....I have some alpine 12s and i think they are supposed to be in a sealed box to sound best so i was wondering what 12' subs would sound good with that enough air space and which ones would need more air space to really hit......

5.0_faithful · 02-25-2006, 10:30 PM

I've seen hatchback mustangs with 3 - 12" square Kicker subwoofers in boxed enclosure with vent running across the entire length of the lower portion of the box. The pressure of the subs powered by 1000 watt amps is incredible like you were inside a tornado! Mustang hatchbacks have great acoustics for bass in my opinion. If you wanted to you could also build a custom enclosure using the spare tire well or build up the hatch floor slightly for two subs? Just a couple of thoughts.

Quote:

ORIGINAL: p0rsche23

since ur mentioning a 12' sub or subs,im gonna ask if theres even enough air space to run a good set of 2-12' subwoofers in that very tiny trunk?....I have some alpine 12s and i think they are supposed to be in a sealed box to sound best so i was wondering what 12' subs would sound good with that enough air space and which ones would need more air space to really hit......

waxyourboard · 02-26-2006, 03:28 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: 5.0_faithful

Thanks. I got a BOSS Ripper series 128 sub 12".Its 350 watts RMS, 94dB, 30hZ-#kHz, 80oz. magnet. It sounds pretty good to me and it causes my rear view mirror to dance like crazy. I don't know if i am Underpowering it though. I have the gain adjusted to about 3/4 of complete turn, and the bass boost is being used. The music is clear loud deep and precise without distortion. Just dont know if the sub needs more power?

You should adjust the gain upwards, with the head unit up to your max usual listening level *usually about 3/4*, until you hear 'clipping' then turn the gain back until it goes away. Under powering a sub doesn't matter, it just won't get quite as loud. If you double the power to that sub, it will be less than 1 and a third times as loud, not twice as loud.