Thoughts on American Bass XR 12" Better options?

[spokey9 5,000+ posts]

I'm really in between sealed and ported more and more as we discuss, I don't see any complaints about sealed. But so many people rec. ported. I could care less about numbers

It really depends on the sub you choose. Most subs don't do well sealed

 

[fa5chups]

I'm really in between sealed and ported more and more as we discuss, I don't see any complaints about sealed. But so many people rec. ported. I could care less about numbers

Spokey had a good point on my thread.
Go with ported box for more output and with a dsp you should be able to tune the ported box curve to be flatter like a sealed box

 

[fa5chups]

Spokey had a good point on my thread.
Go with ported box for more output and with a dsp you should be able to tune the ported box curve to be flatter like a sealed box

But in my case I was wanting the output of 2 12s in a sealed but I’m not gonna be able to power them good enough so a single 15 in a ported is what Ima do

 

[macsdad 10+ year member]

im going stereo integrity what you think ofem

You can't go wrong with SI, I have an hst12d2, in .6cuft sealed, and it is mean.

 

[Bobbytwonames 5,000+ posts]

Recently I've been looking to upgrade from my dual 10" Skar SDR's. Knowing what I know now I feel the need to upgrade. I really am set on 12" subs. However trying to decide whether I can get away with building a proper custom enclousre for a single American Bass XR 12" and notice big enough difference that will keep my happy or will I be able to go with dual 12" XR's. The area in my trunk I want to use max lets me be 33" wide, around 15" tall, and however deep I want to go. Although I like the look of the subs being further back in the trunk, currently my dual 10"s dont fit back in the slot of my trunk as the box is 36" wide. However after using box builder free programs online, it appears its possible but it would take up a lot of space.

Basically what I'm wondering:
- What are yall thoughts on the American Bass XR 12" (I'm looking for something with better overall sound quality than the Skars, I know AB isnt a SQ brand but with the right box I don't see how it would sound worse)
- The subs are rated at 1200watt RMS each. If I have 2 would I be ok running 2000watts? I have a 2013 Lexus GS, alternator and battery is stock, would those be able to handle it along with 4 gauge wiring or would I need to upgrade to 0 gauge?
- What would be better, a single 12" in the proper ported enclosure, or two 12"s in a slightly smaller ported enclosure with slightly less watts than RMS ratted (200 watts less per sub) (What would be better than what I already have?)

(MBE Enclosures on youtube told me that I will be happier and notice a much better difference, however American Bass is not good for quality.) Keep in mind I am on a budget. Id like to stay under $200 per sub.

I found two SA12's on Marketplace for $300. Savard Hi-Q's would be a good fit. CT also makes good subs.

 

[Bobbytwonames 5,000+ posts]

But in my case I was wanting the output of 2 12s in a sealed but I’m not gonna be able to power them good enough so a single 15 in a ported is what Ima do

I had a single 15" AB HD15 on a Taramps MD3000 in a 65' VW Beetle and it was crazy. The box design was by @Shedder2. He blocked me a long time ago. He's a good box designer. I built the box and the rest of the woodwork.

 

[mr roo]

Lexus with a skipass?.. I'd go with a 4th, probably a pair of 10's and enjoy myself... but what do I know?

OP, if it were my car and you have the ski pass....I would follow this advise. A good 4th order design ported through the ski pass. you wont have a complaint.

Ive run sealed or 4th orders for most of my builds. I personally like the bandwidth and sound of sealed knowing I do give up output if I were ported. The first time I heard a 4th order ported through a ski pass, I was sold. A local shop did a box in a cadillac deville. Again, back in the day. They had 3 round solobarics in a 4th order. The thing slammed and sounded good. Hardly a rattle on the trunk.