1 Sub Vs. 2

[UtkNate 10+ year member]

I'm sure this has been beat to death on this forum but I couldn't figure out what to search since 1 vs. 2 subs has too short of words. I also know that this is not an exact science, different brands, watts, etc will make the results different. Having said this I would like to know in general which is better to shoot for?

So my first set-up was 2 Alpine Type-R 12s powered with 900 wrms at 2 Ohms. For this set-up I am really impressed with Sundown SA-12s and many people power them with 1k wrms daily so I would like to get one of them. So say both in proper boxes and powered with the same amount of power which would you rather have? Im sure the 2 subs would be louder but by how much?

So I guess the main thing is, for example, say you have $500 to spend on subs alone; would you rather buy a single beast $500 sub or 2x $250 subs? Why?

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[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

Depends what youre looking to do...the thing with more expensive subs is that they are geared more for overall loudness and not so much for sounding good. This is not to say they will sound bad, just that SQ subs don't usually cost $500. If you have the electrical to run a single beefy sub, then go for it. for $500 you could probably afford a 12" BTL N2. Throw 2,000w at it and you'll have yourself one loud setup.

 

[zako 10+ year member]

For SQ application in a normal sized vehicle, I'd experiement with 2 10 inch Peerless XXLS subwoofers ($200 a pop), one Image Dynamics IDQ12, or Morel Ultimo. For SPL or larger vehicle, maybe an IDMAX would do.

 

[-01limited- 10+ year member]

I like cone area set ups so I'd go for 2 vs 1.

 

[i2ain2thunder 10+ year member]

^^this surface area and Xmax are all I care about really hahahha. I want a good test though, I'm leaning toward 2 type Rs would be louder but I couldn't tell you for sure. It would be tough to have a controlled test too....since the enclosures wouldn't be equal.

 

[Ryan shaw 10+ year member]

single woofer setups are much cooler in my opinion.

but from a sound output, most opt for cone area over quality, which is understandable because usually it is louder and lower. but with the right single sub, you can blast people with multiple subs and **** them off which i always think is hilarious.

don't know what sizes you're looking at, but i'd look at doing either 2 fi q's or ssd's, something on that line, or 1 ssa zcon or dc xl. also you can find some pretty sweet subs on the classifieds, i've got a tc sounds 5400 ultra but it's 100$ out of your price range. there are also some eclipse ti pro 18's up for sale, one would be sick. also look at 1 tc-2000

 

[Why So Cereal? 5,000+ posts]

The 2 will probably be louder...but i'd still probably go with the one sa 12. Its just much cooler to me.

Also in my personal experience, the Sundown will get lower than the Type R.

 

[05trailblazer 10+ year member]

2 sundown will sound very good or obsidans theyre pretty cheap.

 

[r0llinlacs 10+ year member]

1 sub in big box > 2 subs in small box

adequately powered of course

 

[bgowdy 5,000+ posts]

i prefer a single sub. its always awsome to see someones face when you say "i just have 1 sub"....

 

[TheUnderFighter 10+ year member]

If you're comparing the SA-12 to the TypeR 12, it is no contest, Sundown will walk all over them in every aspect.

Like others, I like being able to say I only have one 10" in the trunk. You could get a pair of SA-12's and feed them 1000w each no problem. Or if you wanted to save a bit more money, do that same with some Obsidian Audio 12s. Both are beasts and can take 1000w each speaker, just gotta be sure to set the gains properly. And make sure you're willing to give up the trunk space you'll need to give to those subs if you plan to run a pair ported.

 

[dontbeaprix 10+ year member]

Dayton's are a good sq sub, and they cheap. 5 year warranty on them also. I had the type-r 12 and it was ok, but nothing grand, def not worth the retail price.

 

---------- Post added at 06:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:09 PM ----------

 

The dayton ho 12" handles 700w rms each

 

[southernboom88 10+ year member]

IMO- save up the cash and get 2 Sundown SA12's.... the alpine r's are good subs but sundown will beat them into the ground any day.