System Help - Single Sub + Correctly Tuned Box + Amplifier

[vraspo]

Hi All,
After a year of bassless sadness, I am getting to a place to be able to set up another system. Right now, my current research leads me to an SSA ICON (12" or 15" though leaning towards a 12"), FI Q Series, or Sound Qubed. I am also open to other brands or recommendations. My last system was two Sound Qubed HDS 3 10's and a Skar Monoblock 2200w Amplifier. I sold this system but still have the external audio battery to use. I have also had SSA DCON's in the past which I loved. I was reading online that SQ's products don't compare to SSA or FI.

a) What would be the best subwoofer to go with for a single sub setup? Ideally, I am looking for sound quality more than loudness though I'd like to be able to feel the bass decently down to the lows. Would I be better off with a 12" or 15" for this purpose?

b) What amplifier would pair well with this setup? I last had a Skar but hear they are a shady brand so would like to avoid it. I was looking into Soundstream and Sundown but not sure what's good really.

c)Is it worth it to buy a box already built like this (https://store.soundsolutionsaudio.com/hitchbox-single-12-ported-enclosure/) or build it myself or through an enclosure builder? I am reading that port would be a better choice over sealed but want to ensure everything is tuned correctly to provide the best result.

Thank you!

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[Marve_Lous]

SSA ICON 12 in a sealed enclosure powered by a Sundown SFB 1500. Sealed would be more ideal for SQ and you’d still feel plenty bass. And if you can build your own box that’d be much cheaper and you can customize it to fit exactly how you’d like in your vehicle.

 

[Firewalker]

Stay away from Soundstream, they are not the company they used to be anymore since they got bought out.

Talk to @Buck about having a box designed for it as that is what he does all day long.

If you can fit a 15" then Cone area is always king. I would step up to a SFB 2000 for the 15" though.

You can't go wrong with either SSA or FI Audio. But FI Audio like always is 30-45 days out on anything it builds which is normal for them. Either way you won't be disappointed in your choice.

I am personally going to 2 12" SSA Icon's in a Ported Box next year.

 

[YourNameHere 10+ year member]

SSA ICON 12 in a sealed enclosure powered by a Sundown SFB 1500. Sealed would be more ideal for SQ and you’d still feel plenty bass. And if you can build your own box that’d be much cheaper and you can customize it to fit exactly how you’d like in your vehicle.

dont listen to this guy....he seems to be a clueless forum hero...DO NOT GO SEALED

 

[Marve_Lous]

dont listen to this guy....he seems to be a clueless forum hero...DO NOT GO SEALED

When you put in the specs on Win ISD it says the icon would do well in a sealed enclosure. And he’s looking for SQ not SPL.

 

[Firewalker]

"Ideally, I am looking for sound quality more than loudness though I'd like to be able to feel the bass decently down to the lows"

Sounds like he wants some of both and Ported will do both when setup in the correct box which Buck can design to his music style

 

[Marve_Lous]

Y’all act as if sealed enclosures can’t bang. But I just gave my opinion... you know... since that’s EXACTLY what a forum is for. People ask for advice and suggestions. Next time I’ll run my suggestion by @JRsmoothee ”goddess of cad audio” before I post. My bad.

 

[Firewalker]

Hmm don't think I put anywhere in my post that sealed couldn't hit. Nope sure didn't!

As I said sounds like he wants a mixture of both. Ported can do both when setup with the correct box, correct tuning for whatever music he listens to.

 

[Marve_Lous]

Hmm don't think I put anywhere in my post that sealed couldn't hit. Nope sure didn't!

As I said sounds like he wants a mixture of both. Ported can do both when setup with the correct box, correct tuning for whatever music he listens to.

Lol I never said that you said that. I just said y’all “act like.” Calm down lil fella.
And him saying “sound quality more than loudness” and “be able to feel the bass decently” made me think sealed would be perfect.

 

[vraspo]

So I mainly listen to a lot of electronic bass music and hip-hop/RnB. I enjoy all types of music and I also produce it so it's always nice to hear my tracks on a refined system and hear what it could be like on a club system. I am looking for the setup to produce nice sounding (supersonic sort of) lows and have an accurate tone. I am not looking for it to be too colored if possible. Quality is the best as I just like to have a clean, nice hit instead of getting aggressive with the amount of loudness there needs to be.

@Marve_Lous Great suggestions man. I have only had ported boxes all my life so I would be nervous to try a sealed but am open to it. I have never built my own box before so that would be uncomfortable for me as well but once again, am open to trying it.

@Coolhand20th Does Buck make the design or just the blueprints? I'll stay away from Soundstream. I am not sure my trunk would fit a 15" well as it's tight and i'd like to retain somewhat trunk space. I am open to a 15" and will post measurements here of the trunk. I wouldn't mind waiting for FI, do theirs and SSA sub's sound similar or is there a better out of the two?

@JRsmoothee Hey be nice now lol I found some google forum threads that said sealed was actually pretty good when it comes to SQ and that ported had a harder time producing nice sound under 80hz? I read a lot of boxes were tuned 28-40hz.

 

[Marve_Lous]

My first few systems were all sealed and they sounded great and would rattle the whole vehicle when I wanted them to. But I prefer loud booming bass so I’ve done ported for my last 3 setups. And @Buck designed my current box. He’s really good at determining the best box for your specific sub and wants. But you’ll have to build it. It’s pretty easy. Just glue it and screw it lol. He’s on here daily so I’m sure he’ll chime in sooner or later.

 

[YourNameHere 10+ year member]

Next time I’ll run my suggestion by @JRsmoothee ”goddess of cad audio” before I post. My bad.

you should do that....it will prevent alot of misinformation being spread on this forum, especially from you lately

 

[vraspo]

Finding some enclosures as well online:

SSA Icon 12 Box design

SSA Icon 12 Box design 2.25 cuft @ 35 hz

www.stevemeadedesigns.com

SSA (Sound Solutions Audio)

SSA (Sound Solutions Audio)

www.lifeafterbass.com

Hitchbox Single 12" Ported Enclosure

Since 2001, SSA® has quickly become the online car audio store to visit for quality name brand car audio products. We sell only the best batteries, subwoofers, amplifiers, sound deadening & more. We Finance! 60 second credit decision!

store.soundsolutionsaudio.com

Any ideas of these being any good?

 

[YourNameHere 10+ year member]

those LAB enclosures suck dick FYI

 

[Firewalker]

lil fella? Kinda rude in all honesty. Like you are talking down to someone. You implied it that I was also saying that so hence my post.

Buck will design it and give you the blueprints along with the cuts you need to make for the design. He is worth paying him to build a box to your specifications for the music you listen to and the sound quality you want.