Well, it's almost Friday and that means it's almost time to make final decisions on my subwoofers and amp. These are what I'm looking at purchasing:



http://www.crutchfield.com/S-hMBdxCb...&display=L#Tab


I think that I will buy two of those 10" Boston Subwoofers for a sealed enclosure. Now, for the amp. I am not sure which amp to purchase. Here is one that looks promising though:


http://www.crutchfield.com/S-hMBdxCb...o&i=049raa2400

The only problem seems to be that that amp is a bit too powerful for the subwoofers. (400watts x 2 @ 2 ohms with the subs wired in parallel for more equal power distribution between voice coils) Am I right about that? And is that actually a problem?

Would really appreciate feedback and suggestions. Perhaps you think I should go with a single subwoofer instead of dual subs, perhaps you think I should get an alpine amp... or perhaps Don still has some product advice...

No matter what you say, your advice will be appreciated. By the way, my budget is about 550-600 with wiring.


-Jonathan

 

From what I read...youll be running the amp at 4 ohms bridged? If so, at that impedance the amp puts out 800 watts RMS and the subs handle 300 RMS. Youll be just fine. Im my opinion, thats perfect then. I also think you cant really overpower a sub, as long as an amp is tuned correctly to have no distortion, youll be fine. Now granted if you put a Diamond 1500.1 on a funky pup itll still blow to pieces, but you get the idea.

Just curious, what mids and highs are you running? Just asking because Boston subs are def SQ geared and not SPL, but I have heard good things about the G2s.

By the way, very good post. It wasnt the usual "which sub/amp is better." You actually said what you were thinking of getting, asked questions and for feedback, gave a price range, posted links for specs, etc. It was a joy to read. Thank you for that.

And yes, Im sure Don will have some input. Hes pretty good at putting stuff together given a certain price range.

GL
Kevin

 

I'm glad you enjoyed my post.


Here are my mids, a set of Polk db6750's. It took just a little bit of modification to get those big speakers into the stock Bose brackets. Here's a link if you're interested in the speakers themselves:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-hMBdxCb...fo&i=107DB6750

In the rear I am running these db675's (coax version of the 6750 components):
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-hMBdxCb...5&search=db675

And finally, to control it all:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-hMBdxCb...o&i=257kda5000

I was hesitant to purchase this deck because "JVC" is not a very appealing brand name, but it was definitely a good choice. It has all the good stuff too, like 5v Gold Preamp Outputs and a 7 band EQ. Also, it has the wow-factor of a touch-screen and customizable visualisations.

*edit* P.S. - I know some of you have incredible systems that you have poured much more money into. I know that the budget I am working with is pitiful in comparison. Just please try to understand I am only 17, this is the first car I have invested my money in, the first stereo I have ever purchased/installed. Hopefully you can all understand that it is my pride and joy.

 

Any particular reason you picked Boston subs? For few dollars more, I'd get a pair of Soundsplinter RL-i 10's. They use the TC2+ motor which has been measured as one of the lowest distortion motors on the market - link. They also have a lower Fs and more xmax.

-Robert

 

Thank you Robert, I am very open to suggestions. Do you happen to know of an authorized online dealer (like crutchfield) for these subs? If they were to offer me free shipping and, like you said, a similar price then I would be more than willing to give them a try if some other members agree with you regarding the quality. *edit* sorry, I didn't realize SoundSplitter sold their products directly to the consumer, that makes it easier */edit*

I chose the Bostons because I know that Boston is a respected and otherwise good brand for SQ, because I have had the pleasure of hearing them side-by-side with other subwoofers and they blow competition out of the water, and finally because they just barely fit into my budget range.

But like I said, I am very open to suggestions and appreciate them greatly. What do the rest of you think of the Soundsplitters?

-Jonathan

 

The one reason Ive heard them being dogged on wasnt for the product itself, it was just that their subs are a basic TC Sounds sub with not much innovation. But they are very good subs and Ive heard many people rave about them, and Robert J would know better than I would about their specifics, but Im not surprised at all that they have an excellent motor, so if you want to get louder than the Bostons, go for it.

 

Well, I was browsing their site and put two of the subs into my shopping cart to determine shipping prices. All of a sudden it says that my order has been completed!

I didn't even give them a credit card number!

They sent me an email saying that my order is being prepared for shipment... wow... this is no good.

It might be that I have had too much coffee but this seems like a really big problem to me, it's also humorous that they would send their product off to somebody who has provided no payment. Either way, I wrote to them through their "feedback" function saying that I didn't want those subs. They seem like they might be a good deal, but I am by no means ready to purchase them just yet. Beware of the crazy checkout process at soundsplinter.com, beware indeed.

-Jonathan

 

^ cliff notes: everyone go to the SS site and try and get yourself free subs

lol

 

That's right. It's an excellent performing sub for a very good price. If TC Sounds weren't a good build house, they wouldn't supply subs to Salk Sound, Aerial Acoustics, SVS, Eclipse or the many other manufacturers that don't want this information known.

Actually, I haven't heard a TC2+. I need to sneak one past the wife and try it out. I do have the ED12A (based on the TC9 motor), the Stryke AV12MKII (based on a variation of the TC7 I think) and some custom built 15's using the TC2 motor.

FYI..The current AV12MKII is not built by TC Sounds any more. John J is hand building each one now in his shop along with Lambda Acoustic sub line he bought from Nick. If you want to jump up to 12's, the AV12 is great but it has dual 2 ohm coils which may not work with your amp configuration. If you want pure sound quality, Lambdas are well know for it. Both are available from AE Speakers. It's easier to call up John and order directly.

-Robert

 

Mike's not going to send you anything until he gets paid. It's not there is a shipping department, it's a one man show.

-Robert

 

Well, that's good to know. Sorry for letting this thread get off topic.

Referring to my original post, is it okay to use that MB Quart amplifier with those two 10" Boston Subs? I just wanted to get confirmation on what KPR10is said. I hear that Boston subs tend to have problems when over-powered, so basically what I am asking is, if I purchase that amp can I just turn it down so that it never actually gives all 400 watts to each speaker? (each one only needs 300 watts).

 

Actually I hear those Boston subs are pretty good. But any reason why you have to get everything from crutchfield? I'd look into a better set of components. Only comps worthwhile in sold by crutchfield are the Kicker SS comps and the higher line Boston's.

BTW, nothing wrong with wiring each dual 4ohm sub to its own channel using the mbq raa2400- it will make same power at 2ohm stereo as it does bridged- thats how i run my subs...

 

I have already purchased and installed my Head Unit and speakers. Perhaps you don't like my selection of speakers, but I find them to provide a very clean and natural sound. For what it's worth, I have also heard the top-of-the-line Boston components and still think that the Polks are great speakers. I'm sorry you don't approve of the choices I have already made.

-Jonathan

 

i got to hear the boston subs as well, they are pretty nice. i don't think you will be disappointed.

i just like bostons in general. they make some very good products.

 

I'm happy that you are content with your comps -its all that matters, please do not take offense
I should've read and seen that you already bought them- thought you were ordering everything you posted and offered my .02 cents, thats all being I used to run Polk ex's and Db's in my last car. I do believe they are great for the $$ and a better choice over Infinity's. Good luck.

 

I took a break from sub/amp choosin to cut out my new trunk floor.

Solid Oak = Pimp.



Took about 40 minutes with sanding. I have big plans for this trunk.

-Jonathan

 

link doesn't work

 

Sorry about that, I fixed it. It's funny to me how our trunks aren't actually symmetrical. I would have never noticed if I hadn't done this project.

*edit/add* sorry for being offended so easily MannyNJ2k2max, that's sorta why I added that disclaimer at the end of my second post - this system is a HUGE investment for a guy my age. It's right up there with college and the car itself, so I tend to get offended if anybody ever has a hint of insult in their tone. But you're right, I am happy with them and that's all that matters.

 

looks good. how much does it weigh?

 

The new trunk floor weighs about 15-20 pounds I'd guess. I didn't really weight it to be honest. It's solad oak, 1/2" thick.

I'm really not into speed (have gotten 5 of the 6 points that I have on my license taken away due to traffic tickets since I bought my Maxima less than a year ago. I am very careful now because I don't want to lose my licesne)... so if that's why you ask how much it weighs it's not much of a concern to me.

I push myself to get high gas mileage in hope of having less of a lead food and slowing down, it actually works... I rarely go more than 2 mph over the speed limit. Gas is damned expensive though. So are tickets! And defensive driving classes aren't cheap either!

 

nah, i figured most audio nut (including myself) we have on the org have very little care on speed. my old setup consisting of a 12" brahma and a 2.5 cu ft ported box weighed about 110 pounds. heavy yes, did i really care? no

 

Heavy is good as far as I'm concerned. I want the build to be high quality and durable... not to mention a thief would have a hard time getting this thing out of the trunk, even if it wasn't bolted to the frame and otherwise secured with one way screws

 

Alright, thinking about changing my mind on this. I have decided the combination of sub/amp would not be good, that amp would blow those subs..

So what do you all think of instead of two of the G2 10"s, One of the Monster G5 10"s:






http://www.crutchfield.com/S-6JX9Iw4...00&I=065G51044
Paired up with one of these Class D Alpine amps. It's on clearance:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-6JX9Iw4...0&I=500MRDM301

 

The Theil/Small parameters don't come close to the RL-i 10".
Boston G510-44 DVC:
Fs: 32.37hz
Vas: 29.77L
Qts: .47
xmax: 15mm
Dual 4ohm voice coils

Soundsplinter RL-i 10"
Fs: 25.372hz (the lower the Fs, the easier it is to get low bass)
Vas: 44.74L (it will need a slightly larger box than the Boston but that benefits low bass as well)
Qts: .276 (A lower Qts makes it easier to get a lower Qtc of the system.)
xmax: 20mm (You have to move air to make bass. This sub has a full centimeter more peak-to-peak excursion. For maximum sound quality, you want to keep the voice coil in the magnetic flux of the motor. That keeps more control over the cone and keeps distortion to a minimum. This sub will do a better job.)

The amp should be perfect for either sub.

-Robert

 

i like audiobahn stuff

 

No!!! 'I' looove Audiobahn stuff! pure hotness!

 

be nice now manny

 

what???you must not have experience with their Flame series...bling bling sucka, they run da streetz...dont get burned by the flames....

 

I don't mean to sound rude, but why do you press these subs so hard? I have just a couple of problems with potentially buying the SoundSplinter subwoofers.

a - I have never heard them. Specs mean nothing to me really, all I want is clean bass, not loud bass, just clean bass that complements my music well... how do I know if the Soundsplinters can do this if I haven't heard them?

b - It seems as though Soundsplinter is run by a single person, what if tomorrow it isn't run by anybody and my warranties don't mean a thing when my subwoofer decides to crap out on me.

c - I would also like to hear some confirmations from other ORG members that the SoundSplinters are good subs (This is in no way an insult to you, Robert_J, it is simply that I am only 17 and this is a lot of money for me to be spending... I don't want to risk losing it on a bad product)

Thanks,
Jonathan

 

i can vouch for them. i heard a sound splinter rl-p 12 in this dudes's SUV. the bass was very accurate and got pretty stupidly loud. that's why i'm waiting for the RL-p's to be in stock. I'm going with their 15" version. i don't know if you ever heard of an adire audio brahma in action before, but it's pretty similar to that.

 

I was about 17 when I got into car audio. Unfortunately, I didn't have any guidance from anyone else or access to the internet and I wasted money on a lot of crap. I'd listen to friends and salesmen and buy Pyramid, Pyle and Earthquake (not so bad). If I were you, I wouldn't just listen to a single person on a single forum either. Why do I push them? I have no stake at all in Soundsplinter, I just think that TC Sounds built subs are some of the best on the market. You can check my references and my willingness to help at my other hang-outs:
Home Theater Forum - ID=Robert_J
AVS Forum - ID=rlj5242
Home Theater Spot - ID=Robert_J
ICIX - ID=Robert_J
Tivo Community - ID=rlj5242 (I know its not audio related but I still help people there)

Internet brands are hard to audition. Follow my link to Home Theater Forum and look up SVS Subwoofers. They are an internet brand and use drivers sourced from TC Sounds. A lot of people have issues about buying without an audition. They have very few dis-satisfied customers.

Specs mean everything. Sound quality is subjective. Frequency response is not. Specs entered into the proper simulation program can give you a lot of information about a sub.

Yes it is. TC Sounds is still helping people who have Audiomobile subs and their owner left them high and dry years ago. After some dealing with Mike at SS, he's a much better guy that Matt Overpeck(er) at Audiomobile. They will be around for a while.

I was a 17 years old once also. Hell, if you ask my wife she will say I'm still that old (mentally anyway). I wouldn't steer you wrong because I don't want my online reputation tarnished in any way.

TC Sounds is the factory that builds the subs. Soundsplinter just resells them. Besides SS, TC Sounds supplies subs to Eclipse, Aerial Acoustics ($5,000 sub), SVS, Salk Sound and many others. You aren't getting a cheap import driver by any means.

-Robert

 

i was unaware that eclipse subs are built by TC Sounds, that is interesting

 

Okay, new plan. I will be buying a brand called Arc Audio
(although this doesn't seem like I am taking your advice Robert_J, I am, I'm trying to step outside of the box and buy a lesser known audio brand while attaining higher quality).

I will be buying their 5 channel amplifier:

http://www.arcaudio.com/arc-05/amplifiers/xxk_5150.htm
And a single 10" KAR series Subwoofer:

http://www.arcaudio.com/arc-05/subwoofers/kar_10d4.htm

I hear ARC is a high-quality line of product. And from what I've read I shouldn't have any problems with my dealings with Don (Pearl96max), on the phone he seemed like a real good guy. Trying to give me only what I needed and what I asked for... even advising me away from things that he thought would be a waste of my money. He's a really nice guy - and from what I hear on the ORG he definitely knows what he's talking about.

Check out this review of the subwoofer by car audio mag: http://www.arcaudio.com/arc-05/pdf/comparison.pdf

The other advantage is that I will be getting the whole system (high/mid amp, sub amp, sub, and crossovers) for about the same amount I had expected to pay for the sub and sub amp alone. I am quite happy with this.

I know some of you own ARC Audio equipment, so, what do you all think?

-Jonathan

 

Jonathan....that 5ch is a great all-in-one solution....If you have any q's you can contact Mcalert as he also uses that amplifier. All I can say is to expect sweet balanced, and dynamic sound from that 5ch.

 

that arc amp looks nice

 

Now thats a name I havent heard for a bit. I had unfortunate dealings with him for years when he was with Eclipse. Well while being the NE rep anyway

 

Hey guess what, I might have changed my mind again. I might be getting that RL-i 10" woofer with that alpine mono amp that I mentioned earlier. All depending on final prices. I guess I'll have to wait and see how much that Arc setup will actually cost me. Well, if I am unable to buy the Arc amp, then I do have another question for you all, what 4 channel amp would you recommend to me? (at no more than 70 watts x 4 and no less than 50 x 4) At a low price.

 

check out ikesound.com, stuff is SUPER cheap.....i think