1 vs. 2 subs

[DirtySchemer 10+ year member]

I just downsized my vehicle from a Tahoe to an Accord...

In the tahoe, I was running 2 IDQ12's (4 ohms each), however I would like to downsize to only one sub in the Accord. I tried just using one of the 12's and running my amp at 4 ohms. This caused a significant (and unacceptable) decrease in SPL.

If I were to purchase a new 12 that presented a 2 ohm load, would I get that significant boost in SPL again or do I need to have the cone area?

So, essentially I'd like to hear people's opinions on whether there is a significant difference between 400 watts running to:

- 1 2 ohm 12" sub, or

- 2 4 ohm 12" subs parralleled to 2 ohms?

Thank you for the opinions.

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[ted2136 10+ year member]

how much money would u want to spend on ur new 12 ... maybe an xxx sub is calling ur name

 

[DirtySchemer 10+ year member]

I'd like to stay under $200, and preferably lower than that. I only have 400 watts of Sony power (probably closer to 350... bought it for really cheap... probalby still over priced).

I'd have a hard time sleeping at night knowing I had a great sub like a XXX and only gave it 350 watts. I'd deserve a swift kick in the nutz for that.

Enough of that rant. For a replacement, I'm primarily concerned with SQ, but would like enough SPL to shake the nose hairs. I was thinking I could go with one of the following for my replacement sub:

- eDesigns 12k

- Resonant Engineering SE 12 (or SE15)

I don't know what the prices are for the SE's... if anyone knows, please enlighten me.

Ted, do you have any insight on whether one sub can reach the same SPL as two subs with the same power?

 

[Randy Savage 5,000+ posts]

It's gonna be hard to get the same, or more, output from either one of those speakers that you did from the IDQ's.

With the IDQ's, you'relookin at around 2.8 litres of displacement, as opposed to the 1.7 from the SE 12". If you can step up to the SE 15", you'll be at 2.9L of displacement, which is right where the IDQ's are at.

I'd try and step up to the 15SE- and if you can port it, that would be even better. Think you can squeeze around 4 cubes after displacements? You can always seal it with ~2 cubes.

The 15SE will run you a little over $200 after shipping.

 

[jemorgan85 10+ year member]

how much money would u want to spend on ur new 12 ... maybe an xxx sub is calling ur name

400 watts won't even begin to move an XXX

 

[DirtySchemer 10+ year member]

snova,

I just want to make sure that I fully understand this...

I fully understand that 2 12's have a greater output potential than 1 as they have twice the potential displacement. However, if hypothetically, the 200 watts per sub (400 total) would drive each of the 12's to 5mm of excursion each, then would 400 watts drive one 12 to 10mm of excursion?... resulting in an equivalent level of SPL?

 

[Randy Savage 5,000+ posts]

snova,
I just want to make sure that I fully understand this...

I fully understand that 2 12's have a greater output potential than 1 as they have twice the potential displacement. However, if hypothetically, the 200 watts per sub (400 total) would drive each of the 12's to 5mm of excursion each, then would 400 watts drive one 12 to 10mm of excursion?... resulting in an equivalent level of SPL?

well, you can't dismiss 1 12" speaker against 2 12" speakers, as cone area is only half the battle. Vd (displacement) is found using the Sd of the driver, as well as the xmax...

Your theory is far off, to put it simple. Not trying to be rude, but it will not happen in real world applications. There are far too many factors to tell you how much a speaker will displace over a given power figure. It just can't be done.

 

[DirtySchemer 10+ year member]

Thanks Snova... I figured that there was an advantage to additional cone area even if the subs weren't driven to full excursion, but I just wanted to confirm this with the wisdom of the board before I did anything crazy.