8" vented subs vs. 12" sealed subs

[azngurlbaybee]

Hi there...I was looking at some different subwoofer lines (notably the Kicker L7 series and the ED A series) and noticed that the recommended enclosures for vented 8" subs usually take up the same amount of space as the recommended enclosures for sealed 8" subs...

So let's say someone was forced to choose between the two...

I know that in general, vented boxes allow for more efficiency and lower bass...but will the added benefits outweigh the decrease in cone surface area?

Which would sound "better?" Are there any other pros/cons to look at?

[LoneRanger]

Originally posted by azngurlbaybee
Hi there...I was looking at some different subwoofer lines (notably the Kicker L7 series and the ED A series) and noticed that the recommended enclosures for vented 8" subs usually take up the same amount of space as the recommended enclosures for sealed 8" subs...

So let's say someone was forced to choose between the two...

I know that in general, vented boxes allow for more efficiency and lower bass...but will the added benefits outweigh the decrease in cone surface area?

Which would sound "better?" Are there any other pros/cons to look at?

If you do it correctly (or have it done correctly) there is no down side to porting a box.

On the other hand, two 12's in a sealed box is going to be louder on most occasions than a pair of 8's ported (i'm sure there's a few people out there that could do it, but not the average joe). The cone surface is going to be GREATLY increased with the 12's......If I remember correctly, the cone area of a pair of 12's would equal out to about four 8's.

If enclosure size is an issue, let me know how much space you have to work with and whether your goal is SPL or SQ. I'm sure I can dig up at least a few suggestions.

[azngurlbaybee]

Hmmm...for a sealed box, the max internal volume I could get with MDF is 0.80 cubic feet...using fiberglass (which I'd need to have done professionally) I could get about 1 cubic foot...

[LoneRanger]

Originally posted by azngurlbaybee
Hmmm...for a sealed box, the max internal volume I could get with MDF is 0.80 cubic feet...using fiberglass (which I'd need to have done professionally) I could get about 1 cubic feet...

Yikes! You're really limited here.....is there any other way you could come off some more space?

If not, I'd suggest IDQ 10's or 12's. They're really nice subs and they will work in about a half cube each, sealed of course. If you could possibly squeeze another half cube in there, you could get ED's K-series 12's or even a pair of Shiva 12's, but again it'll have to be sealed.

What kind of car do you drive and what's your budget? I know a few tricks with most cars to help you squeeze some extra space in there even when you don't think it's possible

[azngurlbaybee]

Originally posted by LoneRanger
Yikes! You're really limited here.....is there any other way you could come off some more space?

If not, I'd suggest IDQ 10's or 12's. They're really nice subs and they will work in about a half cube each, sealed of course. If you could possibly squeeze another half cube in there, you could get ED's K-series 12's or even a pair of Shiva 12's, but again it'll have to be sealed.

What kind of car do you drive and what's your budget? I know a few tricks with most cars to help you squeeze some extra space in there even when you don't think it's possible

MR-S...so I also have to deal with convertible loss

That's why I'd like a little more SPL than SQ...but SQ is still nice

[azngurlbaybee]

Originally posted by Jmac
You would be suprised at how small ported boxes can be

I know...I think I've already got some ideas for boxes that might work

[BDIDDY]

I'd get that new e8a. 17 millimeters of excursion that thing would be crazy.