15's or 12's??

[95ExplorerLtd]

Lets see, 2 15's or 2 12's? trckmagik has 4 15's, doesnt he? I imagine that's something that'll leave you deaf, so how does 2 15's sound? Or maybe a couple of 18's.....

 

[Nick Schmitt]

Totell you the truth i believe that 12's are the ultimate size for subs. I have had six different pairs of twelves and loved them all. But last time i went to buy spaekers and the salesman and the fired i took with me both convinced me that the amountof power that i was running from the Apline V-12 that i have would destryo any twelve i tried so i got 2 15 inch Kicker solo-baric. i love them more thani ever did any twelves. Plus they fit into a smaller box than the last set of 12 inch cerwin-vegas that i had. A guy i know at a car sterio place has four 12 inch eclipse subs in the trunk of his acura and he has hit 140 db. he sat in my truck for a minute and said that mine was much louder than his maybe between 150 and 160 db.

 

[JTang]

It's a crapshoot. It'll depend on how much cash you want to lay out, unless you're going to get a prefabbed box for your subs, then make a decision based on that. Basically, since you're pretty liberal on the size and number, you can do anything you want. If you get a custom box done (from a really talented installer) he can basically do almost anything to manipulate the sound no matter what size or number of sub you have. The other question is how much space in the rear you don't mind giving up. Do you just want it loud, or you do you want it tight, or boomy, or super, super low. It's amazing how much experienced installers can do these days. Just don't get any CV Strokers! Also, the reason Nick's sounds so much louder is because the truck has way more air space allowing the bass waves to travel and get a larger in-cabin-gain. So, it makes it better for you to enjoy the sound, but if you're trying to bump really hard to be heard outside, then it's a little more difficult then like a pickup or something.

In general, it's easier to produce bass with say 4 subs at 100 watts each, than it is with 2 subs at 200 watts each, assuming as many variables as possible are the same.

 

[95ExplorerLtd]

So do you think I could get three 12's in a box in the back or would it be too tight? Or two 15's? I dont want to lose my hearing,and I dont wanna get beat to death in there, and I dont want it to kill my music, but I want people to say " Hey, I bet its that guy with that Green Explorer again." when I'm coming.

 

[JTang]

I did know a guy who had two 15's in his Explorer. That thing you could hear from quite a distance. However, you could also see the box really easily too. Subs like that, unless you're getting ones that take up only a little space, will take up a lot of room. Generally, if you get ones that are made for really small enclosures, they don't tend to boom as much as larger enclosures. This isn't a hard and fast rule, but generally the case. Manufacturers will develop it so that with the small boxes, they will be just as loud at the most common frequencies, they may just not play as low (meaning REALLY low). For most music though, it should be okay. You will easily be able to fit three 12s or 2 15s in the back. If you're willing to give up all your floorspace, you should be able to barely get it under the rear cargo cover if that's what you're going for. If you don't care so much about that, you could even go 4 12s or 3 15s. I've seen three 15s in a CRX before, so it should be even easier for you. At that point, though you'll start to be attracting attention, and most likely the occasional pedestrian may try to peer in your car. So while you invest in some stereo stuff, invest in some dark tint too.

 

[trsmth]

i am a professional car audio installer. the one thing i can tell you is that it is 10% equipment and 90% installation that is the key to a killer system. i currently have custom boxes in the factory 6x8 locations in the rear for a pair of 8's and a custom box in the factory sub location for a 10. i have suprised alot of people who thought i had 3 or 4 12's back there. and the best part is i still have all the cargo space as well.(amps under the rear seat.) no matter what you get if it is set up right it should sound good with minimal difference. now you will hear a difference between 4 15's and 2 12's of course but apples to apples if it is set up right iit doesn't matter what equipment you have.

 

[RFR2212]

Go with 12's...unless ya get the best with the 15's...you're gaureenteed lots of distortion....So I'm told
Pete

 

[95ExplorerLtd]

So could I get a box fabbed for 3 12's?

 

[RFR2212]

95Exp....Where there's a will...there's a way! Anything can be made to fit! I just am not sure...I've got 2 12's and they're loud....very loud....and precise! So I get the both worlds of sound!
Pete

 

[95ExplorerLtd]

Well, does anyone on here have opinions on JL and Alpine? I was thinking this double DIN Alpine headunit, Infinity Kappa components and speakers, Infinity amp, then 3 JL 12's in a box with a JL amp for them. How's that sound?

 

[JoeC5]

I had 2 12's JL Audio W6 with 200 watts goin to each in a custom made ported box, all i can say is that it was really loud and sounded really good.

 

[4Wheelin]

I have 3 12" Punch HX2's in an MDF box in the back of my 93 Sport and it just fits between the wheel wells. I also have a friend who has 3 12" Punch HE2's in his 98 XLT and they fit no problem. I don't see a problem with fitting 2 15's either.

 

[95ExplorerLtd]

4wheelin, got any pics?

 

[4Wheelin]

Not yet but I should have them up in the before and after in about 2 weeks.