building a box & choosing subs. help the new guy?

[wannabang 10+ year member]

Hi. I'm new to the forum and this is my first post.

I know there's millions of the comparison threads (because the search tool is a wonder), but what's one more?

My current (and first) set up consists of a JL Audio 13W3 pushed by a JL 500/1. I'm building a new box for it. The current one is sealed and built to the specs on JL's site, but I think I can get more out of it. I'm building a ported box (about 3 cubic feet) tuned to 27 hz, today, to see how the sub will take the bigger, ported box.

I also want to upgrade. Eventually, I wanna ditch this 13W3 (although it is a great sub) for something louder, more powerful, whatever you wanna call it. I'm looking for 2 12" subs I can put in a ported box and feed them 1100 watts a piece at 1 ohm. (fyi, the car's a 2001 Maxima with stock electrical.) I want the subs to sound good and hit accurately, but it ain't fun if it ain't loud.

I'm looking at the DC Audio Level 4s, the FI Audio BLs, and the Audioque HDC3s and I'm pretty set on pairing them with an AQ2200d. Anyone who would like to give their personal experience with either of these subs (or amp) and what they'd recommend, feel free to do so.

Also, If someone would like to tell me what specs I should pay attention to when it comes to spl and sq and so on, it's be great.

Just knocking out all my questions in one post, sorry for the novel. Thanks!

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[loud-n-low 10+ year member]

maybe try the 13w3 ported first since you already own it? 27hz is a very nice sounding,low tuning.

 

[wannabang 10+ year member]

maybe try the 13w3 ported first since you already own it? 27hz is a very nice sounding,low tuning.

it's what JL recommends on their site.. it's for daily.

 

[kickerfan73]

I agree with L-N-L depending on your interest level, try building several box types, large ported, tight sealed, bandpass, etc.. JL stuff is a bit spendy to be messing with so insted of just replacing perhaps its not the box or sub at all. If you havn't already try using a dynomat or something that will help seal up the car.

I know of a online store that you can buy sheets of sound dampening that is light weight and converts sound vibrations into a very low level heat. I used it on the doors to my 06 fronty and was amazed at the clarity change. I wouldnt suggest it on the floor but its amazing on the doors roof and sides...and at about $3.60 a sheet(13"x11") 10 Sqft at $36 is a stellar price...I also have been using these for lining the inside of my home theater speakers I built. All I know is that driver should be changing the landscape of the roof of your car when its working right....if it isn't then more power and larger subs are probably not the answer.

 

[Mills561 10+ year member]

in regards to your future set up:

if you're going to be running that many watts you're gonna want to beef up the electrical. big 3 will help out a lot, then you may want to consider getting a HO alternator and/or an extra battery.

the AQ is a fine piece of equipment. any of those subs are quality as well.

 

[kr15 5,000+ posts]

All subs in question are solid, but as stated, play around with the JL first...if you do decide to change up, I have been very impressed with the DC 4s, as well as the FIs. I havent heard the hdc3s, only the sdcs...that said, any of the 3 are fully capable of being very loud

 

[wannabang 10+ year member]

I agree with L-N-L depending on your interest level, try building several box types, large ported, tight sealed, bandpass, etc.. JL stuff is a bit spendy to be messing with so insted of just replacing perhaps its not the box or sub at all. If you havn't already try using a dynomat or something that will help seal up the car.
I know of a online store that you can buy sheets of sound dampening that is light weight and converts sound vibrations into a very low level heat. I used it on the doors to my 06 fronty and was amazed at the clarity change. I wouldnt suggest it on the floor but its amazing on the doors roof and sides...and at about $3.60 a sheet(13"x11") 10 Sqft at $36 is a stellar price...I also have been using these for lining the inside of my home theater speakers I built. All I know is that driver should be changing the landscape of the roof of your car when its working right....if it isn't then more power and larger subs are probably not the answer.

Yeah, JL's a great company.. I got the sub and amp for $500 after a lot of shopping around.. pretty cheap for JL I'd say. It's great quality, don't get me wrong, just wanna try something different (and cheaper to upgrade hah). I also look forward to enjoying the new box I just built while I still have the 13W3.

 

[pelekeliko 10+ year member]

pictures of the new box?

 

[wannabang 10+ year member]

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there she is. Built by my grandpa and I.

Dang, the car needs a bath..