Soon to be sub time...
 

Hey guys,

Here's the deal. I'm looking to get (2) 10 or 12" subs to finish off my system. I've been looking at ARC because I understand they are substantially cheaper than Rainbow, and I would like to keep it to one of those two brands to go with the rest of my system. Don recommended either KAR, Extreme, or ARC series.

For the amp, he recommended an ARC KAR 1000.2T, which is most likely the amp I'll be going with.

I'm having a difficult time finding comparisons of the KAR, Extreme, and ARC series subs. What are the differences between these lines? Why should I go for one over another?

Also, slickrick told me to get (1) Flat Line instead. Would that be better? I'm going for SQ more than SPL. Thanks for the help.

-Brian

i think by you stating sq over spl the flatline will not only look good but sound good too. also it depends on your budget and how much trunk space you'd like to give up. whats the power ratings on that amp?

Budget: I'd like to keep it to a maximum of $600 for sub(s) and amp. This DOES NOT include the box, I know that will be more.

Trunk Space: I want to give up as little as possible. I was hoping to make some kind of custom box design that fits snugly behind the rear seats or maybe in one of the rear corners of the trunk. I want it to look clean, not just a large rectangular box sitting in the middle of my trunk.

The ARC KAR 1000.2T puts out 1000x1@2ohms bridged.

Let me rephrase my original question: Any combination of ARC and Rainbow that will produce good SQ to finish off my system, that will not take up a ton of space, and that will keep me under $600 total.

Just so you all know, right now I have the following setup:

HU: Alpine 9835
Amp: ARC KAR 400.4
Front: Rainbow SLC-265
Rear Fill: Rainbow SL-165

i think your sub decision will be based on the price of the amp. i feel like this amp costs around $400?

You feel correct.

so this severely limits your options for any decent subs. you do realize 1000 watts of power is ALOT for a substage. id try cutting that power and getting better subs. not many subs that retail for $200 can handle 1k of power.

I didn't realize that, actually. I'm just going based on what Don recommended. He recommended either the 900.1D or the 1000.2T along with two KAR or Extreme series 10" subs. :gotme:

If lower wattage will give me better subs for the same money, I'll do that. 1000 watts did seem a bit excessive to me.

ask manny about the arc kar series subs...he had 2 12" in a small sealed box but im not sure which amp he had on them.

Actually I had 2 Arc 12's, my brother has 2 Arc KAR 12's

IMO BigDu you cant go wrong with any of them. I would try the Extreme's, being the newest and after speaking with Brad @ Arc about them have the best output to the rest of Arc's line to date. I was at Dons when he put in Conrad's Arc Kar 12's off his 1000.2T and my first impression was how similar that sub played to the numerous Diamond M6 MkII installs I've auditioned over there. They bump, they get low, have good SQ and they look nice as hell for a sub that price.

As far as the Arc 12's go, those who had the pleasure to use them know they are a true SQ sub. Musical, fast hitting, nice low frequency extention and the type of sub that blends in with about any fronstage with its rapid nature in the higher sub frequencies. IMO mops the floor with the Image Dynamics IDQ with better output and just as sharp, sub regarded highly by SQ crowds.

You could also go with a single Flatline 12" and throw that monster to it. But as much as I'm hyped to hear one, I cannot say that its the W7 killer its marketed to be until I actually hear one and honestly feel that way. Although
speaking with Arc tech's they've been slow to release it because they want perfection out of it, it wont dissapoint I'm sure.

They have a solid lineup for every budget.

BigDu.....you can get 4 Arc Kar 10's sealed- put that 1000.2T on them and it will shyt on any dual 12 setup and have great SQ in a box that will take no more space than that needed for 2 12's and you'll be WAY UNDER BUDGET with the ability to crank some
serious SPL if you chose to. My .02 cents...

QUAD 10'S BABY....QUAD10'S!!! :run:

I was contemplating for a long time doing this. No dinero to try tho.:(

Hey Manny-

I appreciate your responses. Not so sure about the four 10s, though. Seems like complete overkill for my situation.

hehe...I know..

I say dish out for 2 'ARC' 12's and give them a 0.8-1.0 cu/ft a piece- and you'll thank me. Rainbow/Arc setups are superb and SQ is thy name.. Good luck!

BTW you'll still be way under budget. :woot2:

I know this sounds stupid, but the KAR series look sooooo much cooler than the ARC. Guess that's not a good enough reason to go for the cheaper sub. :slap:

So you're saying 2 ARC series 12's with the KAR 1000.2T amp? I could get a less powerful XXK amp for a similar price, no?

ehhh.....time to "bump" her up so maybe Don can see....

he shall be here when hes done with studman's car. :)