Looking for a 12" that takes 500w RMS

[Betelgeuse]

I'm in the process of upgrading the stereo in my Wrangler. I've got the Polk MM1 6.5" components fed off of a Taramps TS 400x4 bridged down to 2 channels. It sounds decent. Highs are pretty bright, and the midbass is lacking severely because I have the 6.5's mounted into some pretty small speaker pods. I have the amp and crossovers mounted under the dash below the steering column. It's pretty stealthy. I'm wanting to add a sub to the mix and plan to mount the amp for that under the dash as well.

I have NVX VADM1 micro amp that does 500w @ 1ohm.
I have room for a single 12" in a sealed box.

I don't listen to much rap at all, mostly metal and rock. I like loud, but I would much rather have something not quite as loud, but able to keep up with fast double bass drums. I've looked at a couple subs that I liked, just looking for some feedback.

* Image Dynamics IDQ12 (750w RMS) - Looks like it had very good reviews. My only hang up here is that it is 750w RMS, and I have 500w to work with. I'm wondering if I would be better of suited trying to find something that matches my amp a little better.

* SSA Demon (550w RMS) - Seems ok, looks like it matches my amp better.

* Sundown SD-4 (600w RMS) - I was looking at the E series from Sundown, but the SD-4 looks to be better suited for a sealed enclosure.

I am really open to suggestions for a good 12 to match my amp. I like the IDQ, just not so sure how I feel about only giving it 500 watts.

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[Kickstand Premium Member]

I would pass on the Image Dynamics
They are not the company they used to be.
Either one of the other 2 would work but I would lean towards the Sundown
Its designed to be used in a sealed box
You could look at JL audio as well
I tend to stay away from them because there too mainstream but performance wise they are one of the better ones when you want to run a small sealed box

 

[Betelgeuse]

I would pass on the Image Dynamics
They are not the company they used to be.
Either one of the other 2 would work but I would lean towards the Sundown
Its designed to be used in a sealed box
You could look at JL audio as well
I tend to stay away from them because there too mainstream but performance wise they are one of the better ones when you want to run a small sealed box

Thanks!

I've owned JL 10w0's and 15w0's in the past, I liked them for what they were, entry level subs. While I do like their subs, I'm not so sure the same quality of sound couldn't be had for cheaper. My friends 12w3's were nice, but again, pretty pricey for what they are. I'm looking at spending no more than $300 max on a single 12.

I had a set of shallow mount subs back in the day that I definitely was underwhelmed with. I think they were Memphis. So I'm a little gun-shy on the Sundown's. Someone help ease my worries!

 

[Buck 5,000+ posts]

The Dayton HO's actually come to mind.

 

[Buck 5,000+ posts]

They're 600w RMS

 

[Buck 5,000+ posts]

Do you have room for a transmission line?

 

[Betelgeuse]

Do you have room for a transmission line?

I'm trying to stay around 1CFT. Not a whole lot of room back there.

I've seen the Dayton HO referenced on this site, but I haven't seen them in dual 2 ohm, only dual-4 and single-4

 

[Firewalker]

The SSA Demons are a very nice subwoofer! You will be happy with SSA or Sundown or Dayton. But between the 3 I would be picking SSA they are nice tough subwoofers that can take more then RMS as well. Talk to Aaron over there at SSA about what you want to do. He will gladly talk to you about w/e questions you have. Just send them an email. They will get back to you within usually that day or on Facebook.

 

[2RZ-FE 10+ year member]

AFAIK the IDQ and IDMax are still hand built in California. They were working on shallow mounts but haven't heard anything in awhile.

 

[Betelgeuse]

AFAIK the IDQ and IDMax are still hand built in California. They were working on shallow mounts but haven't heard anything in awhile.

I was just reading a SSA Demon thread from a couple years ago which you were building boxes for and whatnot. I know your boxes were ported, but how do you feel about the Demon?

 

[Clifff150 10+ year member]

I’d probably go Sundown SD-4 but SSA Demon is still a good choice. I have the IDQ’s and I’m just not super impressed. I do have them down firing in a truck though so that’s probably why lol. IDQ’s like big boxes too so if you’re saving space I wouldn’t recommend. Alpine Type S is a budget option too. IA Flatlyne is my boner right now (I want one so bad)

 

[Betelgeuse]

I’d probably go Sundown SD-4 but SSA Demon is still a good choice. I have the IDQ’s and I’m just not super impressed. I do have them down firing in a truck though so that’s probably why lol. IDQ’s like big boxes too so if you’re saving space I wouldn’t recommend. Alpine Type S is a budget option too. IA Flatlyne is my boner right now (I want one so bad)

Cool, thanks! I'm most likely going to be downfiring as well to keep the sub out of the elements. My jeep has been rained in before and it is no bueno. I also like the added security of it being downfired, as long as I can secure the box itself, which I have a couple ideas for.

 

[2RZ-FE 10+ year member]

I loved my Demon the couple of weeks I had it. Long story but, I changed the trans fluid and filter, didn't shift through all the gears like one should so drove it on the streets and freeway right away and the engine rpm's soared so brought it home and got a CEL. I thought it was a goner from running the gears dry so pulled the system and gave my brother the sub and box. A week later after letting it sit and going though the gears the CEL went off and drives good ever since. Have a SA 12 now. The Demon is a tad cleaner sounding. Both subs can handle over their RMS. Not sure how the Demon would perform sealed on 500 watts though...

 

[Betelgeuse]

I’d probably go Sundown SD-4 but SSA Demon is still a good choice. I have the IDQ’s and I’m just not super impressed. I do have them down firing in a truck though so that’s probably why lol. IDQ’s like big boxes too so if you’re saving space I wouldn’t recommend. Alpine Type S is a budget option too. IA Flatlyne is my boner right now (I want one so bad)

Man, that Flatlyne looks sick. My component set has neo magnets and it was pretty weird at first. I'm going to look into as many reviews as possible, but I may just have to up my budget a little bit.

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

A 500w amp will only produce half that power after impedance rise. All you need is about a 300w sub.